Crete, May 2025
I was incredibly excited to have the opportunity to visit Crete and stay at the beautiful Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas Resort!
✈️ Getting There
My journey began at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, which was easy to navigate and thankfully not overcrowded.
After a smooth 3 hour and 40 minutes flight (which — excuse the pun — absolutely flew by!), I landed in Crete. I was met at the airport by a friendly driver arranged by the hotel. The drive to the resort took just over an hour.
Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by four staff members who helped with the check-in, allowing me a moment to soak in the magical nighttime view of the resort — absolutely stunning!
A member of staff drove me to my villa via a golf buggy. One lovely touch: it’s the hotel's policy that guests never carry their own luggage — it’s all taken care of through reception.
🏡 The Villa
One word: stunning, I stayed in the Ambassador superior villa. My villa was just a short path from the beach and sea. I stepped into a spacious living room with welcome platters, chocolates, and bottled water awaiting me.
The villa featured: a large bedroom with sea and resort views, a walk-in wardrobe, a Jacuzzi bathtub, a steam room shower, plus a separate double steam shower, and a remote-controlled adjustable bed — amazing for anyone with back issues
The style was luxurious yet authentically Greek, combining comfort with character. I slept like a dream throughout the stay — the bed was incredibly comfortable.
Day 1: Discovering Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas and Agios Nikolaos
I began my day with breakfast at the main restaurant. The buffet was extensive and beautifully presented, offering: fresh fruit and cereals, cold cuts, cheeses, and salads, yoghurts and fresh breads, an English breakfast spread, a dessert corner with cakes and cheesecakes
There was also a live cooking station where the chef prepared eggs however you liked — poached, fried, or made into a fluffy omelette. Staff were attentive, ensuring my water glass stayed full and tea or coffee was always available.
After breakfast, I had the opportunity to tour the resort, and wow — it truly is a luxury destination.
Highlights of Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas include: a waterfront location with direct sea access, two private sandy beaches with complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas, beach tables equipped with intercoms to order drinks delivered directly to your lounger, lush gardens and scenic walking paths
I viewed a variety of room types, from beachfront bungalows to multi-bedroom villas. Many had private or shared pools, with options ideal for both couples and families. Some villas were especially secluded, perfect for those seeking privacy.
Every room I saw was immaculately clean with breathtaking views — whether of the sea, gardens, or mountains. In some of the larger villas, I even saw gym equipment in the bathrooms, including treadmills!
The resort offers 244 accommodations, including rooms, suites, bungalows, and villas. Later that day, we had lunch at the hotel’s Greek restaurant, where we sampled a delicious range of dishes — from traditional Greek salad to grilled vegetables, chicken, pork, and more.
One huge plus: all restaurants cater to dietary needs. I was able to enjoy dairy- and alcohol-free meals throughout my stay without any fuss. The food was consistently fresh, beautifully prepared, and full of flavour.
In the afternoon we had a transfer and went to Agios Nikolaos, a small little town full of restaurants and shops, but it also gives you a chance to soak up the local culture. As it was a nice place to sit, we were supposed to be there for an hour but we stayed longer and had a drink 🙂
Dinner that evening was at one of the hotel’s à la carte restaurants, set right by the sea. The ambiance was relaxed and elegant, with a live singer adding to the atmosphere. Again, my dietary needs were met perfectly, and the food was exceptional.
Day 2: Elounda Bay Palace & Spinalonga Island
After breakfast, we toured the Elounda Bay Palace — the resort’s sister property. This is the more affordable option, but don’t let that fool you — it’s still stunning.
The rooms here include doubles, family rooms, and even a penthouse, with views ranging from the sea to the mountains. The décor is fresh and inviting, and the resort would make a fantastic wedding venue — something they regularly host.
Lunch was served at the Greek restaurant on the Elounda Bay Palace side. As with the previous day, everything was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented.
In the afternoon, we visited Elounda village, a traditional and charming seaside town. We browsed local shops, enjoyed a bit of people-watching, and took in the laid-back Cretan vibe.
From there, we took a boat trip to Spinalonga Island — a small, rocky islet steeped in deep and moving history. It’s peaceful and beautiful, but also emotional, especially if you know the story of the former leper colony. I’d highly recommend visiting.
That evening, we had our farewell dinner at another à la carte restaurant, complete with singing, dancing, and more amazing food — a perfect end to an unforgettable trip.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This trip to Crete — and particularly to Elounda Beach Hotel & Villas — is one I’ll always remember.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach escape, a luxurious wellness retreat, or a romantic getaway, this resort has it all. And for those who want to explore, there’s plenty of local culture, history, and beauty right on your doorstep.
I highly recommend visiting!
Ali xxx
