Elounda Mare, Relais & Châteaux
About this hotel
Elounda Mare is the original boutique villa resort in Crete and remains the definitive choice for those seeking privacy and understated elegance. Perched on a quiet hillside overlooking its own secluded cove, the property feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Fragrant, well-tended gardens slope downwards towards the water, housing a collection of bungalow-style suites and independent villas, many featuring their own private pools. The atmosphere is one of relaxed Mediterranean sophistication, far removed from the bustle of larger resorts. It is ideally suited to couples and families who value discretion, fine dining, and direct access to the sea. The signature experience here is rooted in simplicity: spending the day by a private pool or the calm waters of the hotel’s exclusive beach, followed by an evening on a terrace overlooking the Aegean. Dining is a highlight of any stay, particularly at the long-standing Old Mill restaurant, which overlooks the water and is widely regarded as one of the finest spots on the island for a quiet, high-quality meal. With access to the Six Senses Spa and tennis facilities on-site, the resort offers just enough activity to complement the pervasive sense of stillness. Whether you opt for a superior room, a classic bungalow, or a spacious yacht villa, the focus remains on the expansive coastal views and the seamless service that defines the Relais & Châteaux philosophy. Elounda Mare is not about ostentation; it is about providing a serene, grounded luxury experience in one of Greece’s most beautiful settings.
Why we love it
A Proven Pioneer of Privacy
As the pioneer of the villa-concept in Elounda, the resort offers an established, authentic approach to luxury. It maintains a distinct, quiet personality that prioritises guest privacy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a retreat from the larger, more crowded hotel complexes nearby.
Exceptional Dining Credentials
The resort is home to a collection of high-quality dining options, including the esteemed Old Mill, which overlooks the water. Having three distinct restaurants—The Old Mill, The Deck, and Calypso—allows guests to enjoy varied, consistently high-standard Cretan and Mediterranean cuisine without ever needing to leave the grounds.
Exclusive Beach Access
Positioned on one of the finest coves in Elounda, the hotel’s private beach is a rare find in the region. Its sheltered nature ensures calm swimming conditions and a private atmosphere, offering guests the luxury of a golden, shoreline retreat that is strictly reserved for the resort’s visitors.
Personalised Villa Living
The room selection is thoughtfully curated to cater to different needs, ranging from intimate superior rooms to standalone villas. The option to stay in a bungalow with a private pool or a sophisticated yacht villa ensures that guests can tailor their accommodation to their preference for space and personal facilities.
Serene Garden Setting
The resort is set within extensive, fragrant gardens that provide a natural, tranquil backdrop to the architecture. This layout ensures that accommodation feels nestled within the landscape rather than imposed upon it, contributing to the gentle, restorative ambience that permeates every corner of the property.
Holistic Leisure Facilities
For those who wish to maintain their fitness, the resort incorporates on-site tennis facilities alongside access to the Six Senses Spa. It is this balance of accessible leisure activities and opportunities for total relaxation that makes Elounda Mare a well-rounded destination for both active and restful holidays.
Rooms & suites
- • Superior Room
- • Bungalow with Pool
- • Yacht Villa
Dining
- • The Old Mill
- • The Deck
- • Calypso
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