Elounda Bay Palace is a large five-star resort at Elounda, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, with 262 rooms that range from classic and family rooms to suites, bungalows and villas with private pools. It has a private beach with sun loungers and beachfront dining, three restaurants including Greek and Peruvian-Japanese choices, a Chenot spa, indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, a health club, tennis courts and mini golf. Breakfast is a free buffet and parking is free. It is a full resort with a lot to do on site and a good fit for families and couples who want everything in one place on the Mirabello Bay coast. Season note: the beach, pools, spa, restaurants and bars close from 1 November to 25 April, and the seasonal outdoor pool is open from May to October, so this is a spring-to-autumn address and not a November stay.
Location and getting around
The resort is at Elounda on the north-east coast, a short drive from the village, the causeway to the Spinalonga peninsula and the town of Agios Nikolaos. Heraklion airport is roughly an hour away by road. Free self parking makes it easy to reach the Lasithi Plateau and the east coast with a hire car.
The rooms and facilities
With such a range of room types, the hotel can accommodate couples, families and groups, and many rooms have sea, mountain or garden views. The Chenot spa takes reservations and does not admit guests under seventeen. The resort also offers yoga and fitness classes, water sports, bike rentals and a children pool.
Who it suits
Couples and families planning a beach holiday from late April to October who want a large, full-service resort. It is not suitable for winter, so choose one of the city hotels in Heraklion or Chania if you are travelling between November and April. Check the opening dates when you book.
Good to know
With 262 rooms and several room categories, the choice of room makes a real difference, so look at the differences between classic rooms, bungalows and villas before you book. The opening season is the key point, because the beach, pools, spa and restaurants close from the start of November to late April, and the best value is often in May, June and September. Families should look at the children pool and the water sports on offer.
Why stay here
- ✓Private beach with beachfront dining
- ✓Three restaurants
- ✓Chenot spa
- ✓Indoor and seasonal outdoor pools
- ✓Health club and tennis courts
- ✓Free buffet breakfast
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Open from late April to October
Good questions
Is Elounda Bay Palace open in winter?+
Most facilities, including the beach, pools, spa and restaurants, close from 1 November to 25 April, so it is a spring-to-autumn stay.
How many rooms are there?+
The resort has 262 rooms, including suites, bungalows and villas with private pools.
Is breakfast included?+
A free buffet breakfast is listed, along with free self parking.
