Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas
Classic Mediterranean luxury resort — understated and tasteful, not flashy. The aesthetic leans toward minimalist sophistication with warm stone, gardens, and direct sea access rather than over-designed interiors. Old-money energy, not Instagram-bait.
Book directly on the official site to access the Special Offer 2026, which includes a €50 spa credit per adult plus welcome wine and fruit
Why It Matters
One of the first 5-star hotels in Greece, and the resort that pioneered international luxury tourism on Crete. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Its Wine Cellar holds a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence with 1,100 labels. Nominated for the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. The property runs five accommodation tiers — from standard rooms to the Royal Villa with both indoor and outdoor heated pools.
Built in 1971, Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas is one of Greece's original coastal luxury resorts — the property that essentially put Crete on the international map. It sprawls across 40 acres of northeast Crete, about 9km from Agios Nikolaos, with terraced villas strung low along the waterfront so guests can walk directly from their door to the sea. This is not a boutique; at 250+ rooms it's a full resort. But it manages to feel secluded, insulated by lush gardens and an ancient olive grove. Over the decades it has hosted royalty and film stars, earned a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for its wine cellar, and holds Green Key certification alongside a UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge.
Where You'll Stay
14 room types available
Classic Bungalow Sea View
28 m² standalone bungalow with sea views. Same footprint as the classic room but in its own bungalow structure — more privacy, a different feel from being in the main building.
28 sqmClassic Room Sea View
The entry point. At 28 m² these are compact — honest about that. But the sea view from the private balcony is the real amenity. Located in the main building, solid for two people who plan to spend most of their time outside.
28 sqmDeluxe Room Spa Sea View
45 m² with a sea-facing balcony, positioned in the main building. Spa access included. Fits two adults and a child, making it a step up from the classics without leaping into suite territory.
45 sqmFamily Bungalow Suite Sea View
At 99 m² this is one of the more generous family configurations. Sea views, bungalow format, and enough room for four adults plus a child without anyone feeling cramped.
99 sqmFamily Hotel Suite Sea View
88 m² suite with sea views designed for four adults and a child. Spacious enough to actually feel like a suite rather than a squeezed room. Good family option before jumping to full villa territory.
88 sqmFamily Villa with Private Heated Pool
At 130 m² for up to six guests, this is one of the better family villa options on the property. Pool and garden views rather than sea — the trade-off for the space and privacy.
130 sqmGrand Villa Sea View with Private Heated Pool
125 m² villa with sea views and a private heated pool. Fits two to four guests. Part of the Premium Suites & Villas tier — serious space, serious views, and the pool stays warm when the weather cools in shoulder season.
125 sqm
Island Bungalow Waterfront
35 m² waterfront bungalow on the resort's private island area. True waterfront positioning — the sea is right there. Limited availability, which makes it one to book early.
35 sqmLuxury Bungalow Sea View with Private Pool
35 m² bungalow with its own private pool and sea views. Good value entry into the private-pool tier — compact interior but the outdoor space changes the equation entirely.
35 sqm
Presidential Bungalow Suite with Private Heated Pool
100 m² waterfront suite with private heated pool. Part of the Waterfront Dream Line — meaning this is right on the water, not just near it. Good for couples or small families who want the waterfront experience with suite-level service.
100 sqmThe Family Presidential Villa Sea View with Private Heated Pool
At 260 m² for four to eight guests, this is one of the largest family options on the property. Platinum Club tier means full-service treatment: full kitchen, private heated pool, sea views, and personal services.
260 sqmThe Grand Villa Waterfront with Private Heated Pool
145 m² Platinum Club waterfront villa with private heated pool. This tier comes with the full suite of personal services — think private drivers, chefs, and trainers on request. Two to four guests, direct sea access.
145 sqmThe Royal Villa Sea View with Indoor & Outdoor Heated Pools
The top of the property. 200–270 m² with both an indoor and outdoor heated pool — one of the few rooms in Greece where you can choose whether you swim inside or out. Sea views, Platinum Club services, and the kind of privacy that justifies the price. Two to four guests.
270 sqmYachting Villa with a Gym and a Private Heated Pool
95 m² interior with 154 m² of outdoor space and a 50 m² private pool — plus a private gym. One of the more unusual offerings on the property. Waterfront positioned. Built for guests who don't want to stop training on holiday.
95 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
12 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Traditional Greek music evenings on the property — one of several recurring cultural entertainment events.
Guided excursions to Crete's archaeological sites including Knossos, the Minoan palace ruins. Hotel arranges logistics.
Hands-on Cretan cooking classes using authentic local recipes and produce. A genuine way into Cretan food culture.
Hotel-organized excursions to Crete's wine-producing regions. Wine, olive oil, local cheeses, and homemade pies are on the itinerary.
Supervised children's activities and a dedicated playground. Movie screenings at the open-air theater for teens. Designed to keep younger guests entertained independently.
Yacht cruises and sailing trips organized by the hotel. Bespoke services — the hotel arranges the boat, route, and crew for exploring Crete's coastline and nearby islands.
Scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, and more. Dedicated diving centre on-site. The beach bar sits right alongside for between-session drinks.
On-site tennis courts. Football (soccer) and basketball courts also available.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Two private beaches directly on the resort's waterfront — guests walk from their bungalows and villas straight to the shore.
Dedicated conference and meetings facility with multi-function venues and full professional event services.
Well-equipped gym facility. Some Yachting Villas in the Waterfront Dream Line tier also include private in-villa gyms.
Main communal swimming pool with adjacent Neraida Pool Bar for drinks and snacks.
On-site shopping arcade with luxury brand outlets — guests don't need to leave the property to shop.
On-site mini golf course for casual play.
Holds Green Key certification and UNESCO Sustainable Travel Pledge. Zero-waste policy and eco-friendly operations.
Official app available on iOS and Android for in-stay services and information.
Private helipad on the property — one of the first such facilities at a Greek hotel when it was installed.
BUILD YOUR ELOUNDA BEACH HOTEL & VILLAS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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