The Elounda Mare Hotel in Elounda Crete is easily the best luxury hotel in Crete, and is certainly one of the top resort hotels in Europe.

It has 215 suites and villas  and some of the villas have their own pool. In terms of facilities you can do most things from watersports to tennis, and importantly golf as well.

 

If you have stayed in resort hotels in Europe, claiming to be five star and have been disappointed, then this will NOT be the case at the Elounda Mare which caters for a very sophisticated clientele. It is a Relais and Chateaux hotel.

You need to understand the philosophy behind the Relais and Chateaux hotels, which is one of creating a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, with excellent food, so this is probably not the place to take children, as there isn’t a disco or evening entertainment for that matter.

 

If you go to the Elounda Mare Hotel, try to stay in a bungalow with a private pool, where you will not only have a very private pool, but you must ask for ‘private pool’  when or before you check in. The room will be simply furnished but very comfortable, the bathroom is what you would expect with bath shower, Jacuzzi, twin wash hand basins, and lovely toiletries. There are of course bathrobes, and slippers with plenty of towels which are changed frequently.

 

You will also get complimentary flowers, chocolate, wine, fruit, and nuts, which will arrive spread out over your holiday, and it is the little touches that makes the Elounda Mare one of the top resort hotels in Europe.

 

It’s always difficult to decide on a meal arrangement when staying in a resort hotel, but half board would seem the ideal arrangement. Breakfast is mainly buffet, with hot food cooked to order. The table d’hote menu has five courses, and whilst the alternatives aren’t huge, the quality of the food is excellent. You will get a credit against the a la carte menu, which also extends to the Elounda Mare’s sister hotels if you wish to vary your surroundings.

Jackets are expected at the Old Mill restaurant, and if you like fish, then try the Yacht Club on a Friday evening.

It isn’t a surprise that there is no children’s menu!!

Whilst dealing with food, try the local wines, they are a lot less expensive than the rest of the wine list and they aren’t bad at all.

 

The overall standard of service including room service is as you would expect from a top resort hotel, very good, and the hotel grounds are very well looked after and quite beautiful. There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas, and the the private beach is lovely for a swim especially before breakfast.


If you enjoy water sports they are all on offer, as is golf.

The Elounda Mare is a gem, and well worth its description as one of the top resort hotels in Europe.