You’ve probably seen the photos. Those jagged Cretan cliffs dropping straight into a sea so blue it looks like it’s been hit with a saturation filter. That’s Elounda. But specifically, it’s the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel. Honestly, the name is a bit of a mouthful, but it’s one of those rare places that actually lives up to the glossy brochure hype. It’s tucked away on a private stretch of the Mirabello Bay, and if you aren't looking for it, you might miss the entrance entirely.
It's exclusive. Really exclusive.
While other luxury spots in Greece are busy trying to out-modern each other with minimalist concrete and neon lights, the Peninsula stays in its own lane. It feels established. It’s the kind of place where the staff remembers how you like your coffee from a visit three years ago. That level of service isn't an accident; it's part of the Kokotos family legacy, the folks who basically invented luxury tourism in this corner of Crete decades ago.
The layout is kinda genius
Most hotels give you a room. Here, you get a "suite," but that word feels small. Most of these units are essentially private waterfront villas. Because the hotel is built on a literal peninsula, almost every single room has a direct view of the Aegean. You wake up, pull the curtains, and there it is—nothing but blue.
The architecture follows the traditional Aegean style, but with a heavy dose of "old money" elegance. Think dark wood, local stone, and oversized windows. It’s not "trendy" in the way a Mykonos beach club is trendy. It’s timeless. You’ll find that the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel caters to people who want to disappear for a week, not people who want to be seen disappearing.
One thing that surprises people is the pool situation. Or rather, the private pool situation. Almost every suite has one. And we aren't talking about those tiny plunge pools where you can barely sit down. These are actual seawater pools where you can take a few strokes while looking out at the Spinalonga island in the distance.
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What actually happens when you check in?
The arrival experience is pretty chill. You aren't standing at a crowded desk. You're ushered into a lounge, handed something cold to drink, and someone handles the paperwork while you stare at the sea. It sets the tone.
The resort is part of a larger complex that includes its sister properties, Porto Elounda and Elounda Mare. This is a massive perk. You get the intimacy of a boutique "all-suite" hotel, but you have access to the facilities of a much larger resort. It's the best of both worlds, really. You can wander over to the Six Senses Spa—which is legitimately one of the best in Europe—or play a round on the private 9-hole par-3 golf course if that's your thing.
Eating your way through the peninsula
Let’s talk about the food because, let’s be real, that’s why we travel. The dining scene at the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is surprisingly varied for a place that feels so secluded.
You have the "Old Mill," which is tucked away in a blooming garden. It’s fine dining, but it doesn't feel stuffy. Then there’s "Koh," the Pan-Asian spot that’s literally built over the water. Waves crash against the glass floors while you eat sushi. It sounds gimmicky, but at night, with the lights reflecting off the water, it’s actually pretty magical.
- Breakfast: It’s a massive spread. Local Cretan honey, cheeses that were probably made a few miles away, and pastries that are dangerously good.
- The Wine Cellar: They call it the "Kellari." It’s an underground sanctuary with a collection that would make a sommelier weep. You can do private tastings there.
- Beachside: Usually involves fresh fish grilled with nothing but lemon and olive oil. Simple. Perfect.
The olive oil, by the way? It’s often sourced from the family’s own groves. You can taste the difference. It has that peppery kick that cheap supermarket oil lacks.
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The Spinalonga connection
You can’t stay here and not talk about Spinalonga. It’s that island sitting right across the water. It used to be a leper colony, and it has a heavy, fascinating history. Most tourists take the big public ferry from Plaka or Elounda village.
But if you’re staying at the Peninsula, you do it differently. You charter the hotel’s private yacht. It’s a more expensive way to do it, obviously, but sliding into the harbor on a sleek boat while everyone else is piling off a crowded ferry is a "core memory" moment. The hotel can arrange a guide who knows the deep history of the island—the Venetian fortifications, the Ottoman influence, and the eventual abandonment in the 1950s.
Is it actually worth the price tag?
Look, this place isn't cheap. You’re paying for privacy and a specific type of Cretan hospitality. If you want a 24/7 party with world-famous DJs, go to Santorini. If you want to read a book, swim in your own pool, and have a butler who knows your name, come here.
There are some minor gripes people have. Because it’s built on a cliffside, there are a lot of stairs and winding paths. They have golf carts to whisk you around, but if you like to walk everywhere, your calves are going to get a workout. Also, the "private beach" is more of a series of sophisticated platforms and small sandy coves. It's gorgeous, but it's not a three-mile stretch of open sand.
However, the kids' club is a lifesaver for parents. It's called "Kids’ Ark," and it’s actually designed by childcare experts. They don't just sit the kids in front of a screen; they do actual activities like Cretan dance lessons or vegetable gardening. It’s one of the few places where "family-friendly" and "ultra-luxury" don't feel like they're at war with each other.
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Why celebrities love it
It’s the layout. Because the suites are tiered down the hillside, it’s very hard for anyone to see into your space. You can be one of the most famous people on earth—and many have stayed here, from heads of state to Hollywood actors—and you can basically exist in a bubble. The staff is famously tight-lipped. They’ve seen it all and they don't care. That’s the real luxury.
Getting there and around
Most people fly into Heraklion (HER). From there, it’s about a 45-to-60-minute drive. The hotel can arrange a Mercedes transfer, which I’d recommend because the mountain roads can be a bit... adventurous if you aren't used to Greek driving habits.
If you decide to leave the "peninsula bubble," the village of Elounda is just a five-minute drive away. It’s a charming little spot with some great tavernas and shops. Plaka is a bit further north and offers a more traditional vibe. Both are worth a visit if only to remind yourself that there’s a world outside the resort's gates.
Actionable steps for your stay
If you're planning a trip to the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, don't just book the first room you see online. Here is how to actually maximize the experience:
- Book a "Peninsula Collection" suite: These are the ones with the best views and the most updated interiors. Some of the older suites are lovely but can feel a bit "classic" (read: slightly dated) compared to the newer builds.
- Reserve the Six Senses Spa early: Especially the "Thalassotherapy" pool. It’s popular for a reason, and if you wait until you arrive, the prime sunset slots will be gone.
- Download the resort app: I know, another app. But they actually use it for everything from ordering room service to booking the tennis courts. It’s surprisingly efficient.
- Request a room on the lower levels: If you want to be closer to the sea. The higher rooms have better panoramic views, but the lower ones mean you can practically jump from your terrace into the Aegean.
- Check the moon phase: This sounds weird, but a full moon over the Mirabello Bay is one of the most incredible sights in the Mediterranean. If you can time your trip for it, do it.
The Peninsula isn't trying to be the "coolest" hotel in Greece. It’s trying to be the most consistent. In a world of fleeting Instagram trends, there’s something deeply comforting about a place that knows exactly what it is and does it better than almost anyone else. It’s about the smell of jasmine in the evening, the sound of the water hitting the rocks, and the feeling that, for a few days, the rest of the world just doesn't exist.
To make the most of your trip, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining, as Greek customs can be sticklers for the 90-day rule. If you're coming from outside the EU, grab a local E-SIM at Heraklion airport for better data coverage while exploring the island’s mountainous interior. Finally, bring a pair of sturdy water shoes; the Cretan coastline is stunning but the rocks can be sharp when you're exploring those hidden coves.