Elounda Mare, the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Crete

Just an hour away from fabulous archaeological sites and Heraklion, the capital of Crete, this elegant Relais & Châteaux nestled in Mirabello bay is the ultimate hotel destination on this Greek isle. Elounda Mare boasts an outdoor pool and private beach. What’s more, all 44 bedrooms and 36 white-washed bungalows are tucked away in labyrinthine gardens of lush bougainvillaea.

Relais & Châteaux in Crete, the exclusive Elounda Mare

Fronting the Aegean Sea, these spacious VIP cocoons capture the ambiance with their old furniture, chimneys, balconies, leafy terraces, white marble bathrooms and private seawater pools that are heated to bring the benefits of the sun. Renowned for their authentic and top-class service, the 5-star establishment also caters to children. A wide variety of indoor activities are available as well as a water sports centre.

The King Minos Royalty Suite opens onto a living area that extending out to a private pool, blending seamlessly into the blue Mediterranean sea. © DR 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Deck restaurant, featuring a breath-taking panoramic view. © DR 

At lunchtime, try the lighter Greek platter option and top it off with an exquisite glass of wine from the Kokotos family estate. © DR 

First class service for the selective traveller

During your stay, discover three restaurants at Elounda Mare including the Old Mill, a highly sought-after dining experience. Dishing up local specialties and the taste of the sea, gourmets will be under the spell of talented French chef Jean-Charles Métayer, menu creator, and executive chef Antonis Petrelis. A 9-hole golf course, surrounded by unique natural landscapes, means you can take a deep breath and relax between swings. The temptation doesn’t end there, the Six Senses Spa will be hard to resist. In a relaxing atmosphere with precious water, stone, glass and wooden elements, the spa features an ottoman steam room and an extensive range of revitalising treatments. Everything you’ll need to relax and rewind this summer...

 A shuttle bus will swiftly take you to the nearby Six Senses Spa where your personalised treatment awaits. © DR