Our Personal Travel Designer, Jody Faulkner, enjoyed a stay at Elounda Beach Hotel, Crete. Here, she shares her impressions of this luxury hotel.
This May, I had the pleasure of spending three amazing nights at the Elounda Beach Hotel in Crete, and I just have to share my experience with you all.
First off, Crete is the largest Greek island, and its most southerly, which means you're almost always guaranteed some fabulous sunny weather. I went in May, and temperatures hovered in the high 20s; a welcome warmth after our 4-hour flight, which touched down at Heraklion Airport.
Crete is divided into two main parts: the East and the West. If you're heading west, you’ll fly into Chania, but I was heading east to Elounda, which is about a 50-minute drive from Heraklion Airport.
Elounda Beach Hotel has one of the best spots in town. It’s right on the beach and just a 20-minute walk to the centre of Elounda. Elounda itself is a charming little town, just 10km from the more bustling Agios Nikolaos. There are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants around the harbour, and the views across Mirabello Bay are absolutely stunning.
As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I was warmly welcomed, quickly checked in, and taken to my gorgeous Deluxe Bungalow Suite. The suite was beautifully decorated in blues and greens, echoing the colours of the Aegean Sea.
Elounda Beach Hotel offers a variety of accommodations to suit everyone’s needs, from Classic Rooms in the main building to large family villas with private pools. Many rooms have their own pools, so the beaches and communal pools here are never too crowded. The site is attractively landscaped and even has a small chapel for wedding ceremonies, making it feel like a mini Greek village!
On the evening of our arrival, our first group dinner at the hotel’s authentic Italian restaurant, which overlooks the sea. The hotel has a fantastic selection of restaurants, including a traditional Greek Taverna, the fine dining Dionysos Restaurant. There’s also the Blue Lagoon restaurant, serving up authentic Japanese and Peruvian dishes. There’s such a wide variety of dining options that even the pickiest eaters would be happy here.
One highlight of the trip was visiting Spinalonga, just a 20-minute boat ride from Elounda Town. The island was once a leper colony and is the setting for Victoria Hislop’s bestselling novel "The Island". It was a truly wonderful and informative day trip!
After three nights at this stunning hotel, it was time to leave. With so many facilities, from various water sports to a unique penthouse spa, not to mention the abundance of interesting places nearby, I did and saw so much during my stay. I also enjoyed countless delicious meals and tried some lovely Cretan wines that definitely deserve a mention!
I wouldn't hesitate to return to this wonderful hotel and hope to revisit again soon!
If you'd like to plan your own Crete holiday, call us on 0330 041 4888, or contact us today to begin designing your own bespoke travel experience.
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