Elounda Mare is a five-star resort at Elounda, a member of Relais and Chateaux, with 82 individually furnished rooms, bungalows and private pool units set above a private beach. It has a Six Senses spa with twenty-one treatment rooms, three restaurants called Deck, Old Mill and Yacht Club, a beach bar and a deli, a seasonal outdoor pool from April to October, a children pool and a nine-hole golf course next door. Breakfast is a free buffet, parking is free, and the Green Key certification marks its efforts on sustainability. It is smaller and quieter than the large Elounda resorts, which makes it a good choice for a restful luxury stay rather than a busy family holiday.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the Elounda peninsula, about fifteen minutes on foot from the Alykes area of Elounda village and five minutes by car from Hiona beach. The drive from Heraklion airport takes about an hour. Spinalonga cruises leave from nearby harbours, and a hire car or taxi opens the whole Mirabello Bay area.
The rooms and facilities
The individually furnished rooms include bungalows and units with private pools, and the resort has a tennis court, bike rentals, water sports and a garden, along with a free self parking area. The pool is seasonal and the beach, spa and restaurants follow the resort operating season, so ask about opening dates if you are travelling outside summer.
Who it suits
Couples and small families who want a quiet luxury beach holiday in north-east Crete, with a spa and fine dining on site. It is a destination resort rather than a city base, so if you want to sightsee in Heraklion or Chania, choose one of the city hotels instead. Check its operating dates before booking a winter trip.
Good to know
The resort mixes standard rooms with bungalows and private pool units, so say what kind of stay you want when you book and mention any mobility needs. Dining is a feature rather than an afterthought, with three restaurants and a deli, and the spa is large for a resort of this size. Elounda village is a pleasant walk or short drive away for an evening out, and the Spinalonga boats leave from nearby, so a day on the water is easy to arrange.
Why stay here
- ✓Private beach
- ✓Six Senses spa
- ✓Three restaurants
- ✓Seasonal outdoor pool from April to October
- ✓Free buffet breakfast
- ✓Free self parking
- ✓Nine-hole golf course adjacent
- ✓Tennis and water sports
Good questions
How many rooms does Elounda Mare have?+
It has 82 individually furnished rooms, including bungalows and units with private pools.
Is the pool open all year?+
The outdoor pool is seasonal and open from April to October. Ask the hotel which facilities operate on your dates.
Is breakfast included?+
A free buffet breakfast is listed, and parking is also free.
