If you’ve spent any time looking at high-end stays in Greece, you've seen the "insta-perfect" concrete boxes with infinity pools that all look kind of the same. But then there’s the Elounda Mare Crete Hotel. It’s different. It feels like a secret family estate that’s been frozen in a much more elegant era, yet it still manages to set the bar for what luxury actually means on the island.
Honestly, it’s the original.
Before every resort in the Mediterranean started putting private pools in bungalows, the Kokotos family did it here first back in the early 80s. It was a radical idea then. Now, it's just the standard. But while newer hotels feel a bit transactional, Elounda Mare has this soul that’s hard to replicate. You’re not just a room number; you’re staying in a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection, which basically means they obsess over the food and the "vibe" more than almost anyone else.
The Reality of Staying at Elounda Mare Crete Hotel
Let’s talk about the layout because it’s a bit of a maze, but in a good way. The property is built on a slope that rolls down toward Mirabello Bay. It’s 30,000 square meters of carob trees, olive groves, and whitewashed stone. You've got the main building, but the real magic is in the bungalows.
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These aren't your typical modern hotel rooms. They are filled with actual antiques—real tapestries, Cretan embroidery, and hand-carved furniture. It’s got that "old money" Greek aesthetic. Some people might find it a bit traditional, but if you’re tired of the "minimalist gray" trend that’s taken over every five-star lobby in the world, this place feels like a warm hug.
Most of the bungalows have their own private seawater pools. And they aren't those tiny plunge pools where you can barely kick your legs. They are actual pools, surrounded by stone-walled gardens that give you total privacy. You can walk out of your bedroom, grab a coffee, and jump straight in without seeing a single soul.
What People Get Wrong About the Service
There’s a misconception that because a place is "established," the service might be stiff or outdated. It’s actually the opposite. Because this is a family-run operation—the Kokotos family is still very much involved—there’s a level of personal care that’s rare. You’ll see guests who have been coming back for thirty years. Think about that. In a world with infinite travel options, people choose the exact same spot for three decades.
The staff remembers how you like your coffee or which table you prefer at the Yacht Club. It's discreet. They don’t hover, but they’re there before you realize you need something.
The Dining Situation (It’s a Lot)
Eating here is a bit of a marathon. The Elounda Mare Crete Hotel is part of a trio of sister hotels (along with Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsula), and you basically have access to all of them. This is the "Dine Around" program.
- The Old Mill: This is the crown jewel. It’s tucked away in the gardens and has won more Toque d'Or awards than I can count. It’s fine dining, but it focuses on Cretan fusion. Think local herbs and seafood but elevated to a level that feels like art.
- The Yacht Club: This is right on the water. Friday nights are legendary here because of the "Fish Night." They serve the catch of the day, and the setting is just... well, it’s the Mediterranean dream.
- The Deck: This is where you have breakfast. Seeing the sun hit the bay while you're eating fresh Greek yogurt and honey is basically the best way to start a day.
If you get bored of those, you can hop on the shuttle or take the hotel boat over to the sister properties. You can eat Japanese at Sumosan or Italian at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro. You won't go hungry.
The Six Senses Spa: Is It Worth the Hype?
A lot of hotels claim to have "world-class" spas. This one actually does. The Six Senses Spa is located at the sister property, Porto Elounda, but it serves the Mare guests too. It’s huge—over 2,000 square meters.
They do this "Wellness Screening" where they check your vitals and tell you exactly what your body needs. It sounds a bit sci-fi for a Greek island, but the results are legit. If you’re feeling burned out, the Aegean Breeze treatment (using sea salt and olive oil) will basically turn you into a new person. They even have biohacking stuff now, like cryotherapy and frequency therapy, if you’re into the high-tech side of health.
The Beach and the Bay
The beach is private and sandy, which is a big deal because a lot of Crete is rocky. It’s got the Blue Flag certification, so the water is crystal clear. If you’re the type who can’t sit still, they have a PADI diving center and all the usual water sports.
But honestly? The best thing to do is just rent one of the hotel’s sailing yachts for the afternoon. Head out to Spinalonga Island—the old leper colony that’s now a stunning historical site—and see it from the water. It’s much better than being crammed on the public tourist boats.
The Small Details That Matter
- Sleep: They use Beautyrest mattresses by Simmons in the bungalows and Coco-mat (natural/eco-friendly) in the main hotel. You will sleep like a rock.
- The Gardens: It’s not just "landscaping." It’s a labyrinth of jasmine and hibiscus. The smell at night is incredible.
- Sustainability: They’ve won awards for how they handle water and waste. In a place as beautiful as Crete, it’s good to know the hotel isn't destroying the environment they’re selling you.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re actually planning to book, keep these things in mind to get the most out of it:
- Pick a Bungalow, Not a Room: The main hotel rooms are nice, but the bungalows are why people come here. If you can, go for a "Superior" or "Royalty" villa. The extra space and the garden privacy are worth the premium.
- Book the Old Mill Early: It’s small and popular. If you wait until you arrive to book a table for a specific night, you might be out of luck.
- Use the Shuttle/Boat: Don't just stay within the Mare. Explore the other two hotels. The "Dine Around" is a huge part of the value.
- Visit in Late September: The weather is still perfect, the sea is at its warmest, and the peak summer crowds have thinned out. Plus, it’s a bit more "calm," which fits the Mare’s personality perfectly.
- Spinalonga Trip: Arrange the boat trip through the concierge. Yes, it’s more expensive than the public ferry from Elounda village, but the private experience is night and day.
The Elounda Mare Crete Hotel isn't trying to be the trendiest hotel on Instagram. It’s trying to be the best version of a Greek home you could ever imagine. It’s about the click of the cicadas in the trees, the smell of the sea, and a level of hospitality that feels genuinely human. In a world of automated check-ins and plastic luxury, that’s becoming increasingly rare.
To get the best rates and specific bungalow selections, it is usually most effective to contact their reservations team directly or book through a Relais & Châteaux partner program, as they often include small perks like room upgrades or late check-outs that you won't find on the big booking sites. Check the seasonal calendar for their themed "Fish Nights" at the Yacht Club, as these are often the highlight of the social week for regular guests.