Elounda Gulf Villas 

A private hideaway that’s long been a haunt for the A-list

Clinging to an emerald hillside, this collection of secluded pool villas and suites offers dreamy sea views at every turn.

Follow in the footsteps of celebrity guests and soak up unadulterated relaxation at this elegant resort, where private pools blend into the blues of Greece’s biggest bay. Hop in a taxi to Elounda and Agios Nikolaos, or take the hotel shuttle to the resort’s private beach club, where chic loungers line a strip of cerulean sea, and waiters bring cocktails straight to your sunbed. For families there’s a kids’ club offering three complimentary sessions a day, while couples can indulge in spa treatments and superb dining – if you can drag yourself away from your suite or villa, perched on the hillside and offering majestic views over the surrounding coast.

Why we love Elounda Gulf Villas

  • This boutique villa-hotel sits in a peaceful, secluded spot, with impressive ocean views from the hillside and the attractions of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos a short drive away.

  • There’s a private beach club a shuttle-ride from the resort, offering day-long beach service on a long stretch of sand, as well as watersports for those looking to get active. 

  • There’s a great kids’ club with activities designed by Worldwide Kids – an experienced, UK-based company who’ve brought their concept to high-end resorts around the globe

  • The food is excellent, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients – many of them sourced from the hotel’s gardens. 

5 stars
May - Oct
Crete
4 hours
In north-east Crete with views of Mirabello Bay and Spinalonga Island, five minutes’ drive from Elounda
Approx. 45 minutes’ from Heraklion airport
Beach, Suitable for children, Kids club, Villas

Rooms

Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness
  • Activities
  • Diving & Watersports
  • Sustainability
  • Children
  • Good to Know

There are two excellent restaurants here; days start with a Champagne buffet breakfast at Argo, while lunch and dinner are à la carte, with the additional option of a gourmet dining experience at Daphni. There’s also an elegant poolside bar for day-to-night tipples, and buggies are on hand to whisk you back to your suite afterwards. 

Argo Restaurant
Start the day with an indulgent, Cretan-inspired breakfast buffet here (think sweet pastries, local cheeses and Cretan honey), and sample Mediterranean à la carte dishes with ingredients fresh from the resort’s gardens for lunch and dinner.

Daphni Restaurant
Tuck into creative dishes in elegant surroundings at this fine-dining spot, with a wine list curated by the resort’s sommeliers.

Argo Lounge Bar
Head to this poolside bar in the day for iced coffees and fresh juices, and linger on in the evening for mixologist-made cocktails in romantic surrounds.

We love Daphni thanks to its private, intimate feel and beautifully presented dishes.

What's included

Breakfast at Argo Restaurant.

Upgrade options

Half Board • Breakfast and set dinner at Argo Restaurant.

The Elixir Spa offers massages, facials and other treatments in the privacy of your own suite or villa; try the Divine Duet signature therapy for a romantic couples’ massage inspired by Greek mythology.  If you’re big on wellness, the Spa Villas are an excellent choice with their own gym, sauna, steam bath and heated pool with jet to help you keep in shape.

You’ll find a collection of curated experiences here; taste wines and olive oils from across the island, take part in a farm-to-table cooking lesson with a local chef or visit Spinalonga by boat to learn about the history of this mysterious island.

Explore the coastline by yacht or take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga. Located 20-minutes by shuttle bus from the resort, the private beach club is the place for relaxation or where you can try the various watersports.

Sustainability efforts at Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites include: reducing energy and water consumption, using energy-saving light bulbs where possible, investing in solar panels to heat water and reusing wastewater for garden irrigation. Chemical-free and biodegradable cleaning products are used. The resort supports the local economy by sourcing food for the restaurants from local farms and producers.

Book early for the kids' clubs as they're very popular. Deluxe Family Suites sleep up to 5, and overlook either the bay or the gardens, while Aegean Pool Villas sleep 4 or 6 and come with a private swimming pool. For the ultimate in relaxation, the Executive Spa Pool Villa sleeps a family of 4 and has built-in sauna and steam rooms. For the wow factor, consider the Royal Spa Pool Villa or the Elounda Seafront Villa – both sleep up to 8, with extravagant décor and plenty of privacy.

Due to the steep incline, this hotel may not be suitable for those with walking difficulties.

There is a buggy service available.

Please note, room service is not available in the Seafront Villa and if you are on half board, the included restaurant, Argo, is at the resort which is a 10-minute drive away.

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