Elounda Mare Hotel
Crete
OVERVIEW
On the rugged and beautiful north east coast of Crete, Greece’s largest island, Elounda Mare offers five-star seclusion in rustic-chic villas, a short drive from the town of Elounda itself.
Elounda Mare was the first Greek hotel to be inducted into the prestigious Relais & Chateaux chain in 1987 and remains the only member in Crete. Because of this you can expect service standards to be high with a very friendly and willing-to-please staff who are more than happy to provide all that you desire on holiday.
The small size of the complex means it feels intimate and even at full capacity never feels crowded or overlooked – in fact, because of the design of the accommodation you’ll very rarely spy another guest from the privacy of your room or terrace. There’s plenty to keep you occupied and you’ll have use of the facilities at neighbouring sister hotel Porto Elounda, such as a nine-hole golf course, scuba diving and watersports.
SUMMARY
Rooms: 96
Location: Elounda, Crete
Nearest Airport: Heraklion
Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
6 Reasons to visit Elounda Mare Hotel
- Close to the chi-chi town of Elounda but located on a secluded patch of coastline
- The first Greek member of Relais & Chateaux; service and style is top notch and authentically Cretan
- Even at full capacity the layout almost guarantees privacy in the rooms and villas
- Full use of the facilities at Porto Elounda restaurant, including golf and watersports
- Three fantastic restaurants serving a variety of cuisine
- Kids’ clubs shared with Porto Elounda from ages six months to 17 years
To explore more of the island, charter a luxury yacht from the harbour in Elounda and explore the Bay of Mirabello and further afield.
Where to stay
There are just 96 rooms at the hotel, and with old stonework, dark woods and antiques scattered throughout, there’s a traditional homely feel to the accommodation that adds a sense of cosiness. Choose from rooms, suites or bungalows which include private swimming pools.
To explore more of the island, charter a luxury yacht from the harbour in Elounda and explore the Bay of Mirabello and further afield.
What to do
With its private blue flag sandy beach, Elounda Mare Resort is all about lazy beach days (there’s also a large saltwater swimming pool if that’s more your thing). There’s plenty to do outside the resort, too: visit Spinalonga, the former leper colony that inspired Victoria Hislop’s The Island, explore impossibly pretty Elounda or cosmopolitan Agios Nikolaos, or alternatively enjoy a spa treatment at the Six Senses spa. Pure bliss.
To explore more of the island, charter a luxury yacht from the harbour in Elounda and explore the Bay of Mirabello and further afield.
What and Where to Eat
The hotel’s three restaurants all have breathtaking vistas to the sea below. Choose from the freshest local seafood at the Yacht Club and fine dining at the award-winning Old Mill whereas The Deck serves up delicious breakfasts with a beautiful view. You can also wander down to Elounda Village or pay a visit to Agios Nikolaos and try some of the bustling local tavernas, too.
To explore more of the island, charter a luxury yacht from the harbour in Elounda and explore the Bay of Mirabello and further afield.
When to travel
| Month | Temp(C) |
Sun(hrs) |
Rain(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
Jan |
11 | 3 | 78 |
Feb |
12 | 3 | 64 |
Mar |
14 | 5 | 62 |
Apr |
17 | 6 | 20 |
May |
24 | 8 | 10 |
Jun |
24 | 11 | 1 |
Jul |
26 | 13 | 1 |
Aug |
26 | 12 | 1 |
Sep |
24 | 10 | 8 |
Oct |
20 | 6 | 40 |
Nov |
17 | 3 | 69 |
Dec |
14 | 3 | 89 |