Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel

I don’t think I can fully express how much we loved our stay at Elounda Mare in Crete. From the moment we arrived, the staff went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed. Their warmth and attentiveness made the experience truly exceptional. The rooms are beautiful, and despite being part of a large resort complex, the hotel never felt crowded. We had no trouble finding a beach chair with an umbrella or a comfortable spot by the pool—Elounda Mare clearly prioritizes guest comfort over packing the place full. During our stay, our teenagers took a golf lesson, and everyone enjoyed a massage. The pool, the beach, and the views are all stunning—it’s a place where you naturally slow down and enjoy every moment. As we checked out, the staff asked us to return next year. That’s exactly the kind of place this is—welcoming, generous, and unforgettable. We truly loved it.

Elounda Mare – where five stars actually mean something For our very first trip to Crete, we were curious to see if the warmth and quality of hospitality we’ve grown used to in some Peloponnese (secret) places we know, would be matched. Spoiler alert: Elounda Mare did not disappoint. This is a real-deal five-star hotel — not just because someone put five stars on a sign, but because everything truly lives up to it: comfort, facilities, and above all, the professionalism and kindness of the team. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in very good hands. Thoughtful details, genuine smiles, and a calm sense of care made our stay feel both luxurious and personal. After two weeks exploring Crete — a journey full of charm, history, and wild nature far away from the occasional "this-could-be-anywhere" kind of place — Elounda Mare stood out as something we’ll definitely return to. Special thanks to Jason, whose advice was always spot on (and much appreciated by two slightly over-curious travelers).

Do you want to have the best vacation of your life? Do you want to feel like royalty? Then elounda mare is for you. We went for our honeymoon, and six nights was not enough. The views, the staff, the food, it was all incredible. Our villa was so clean, cozy and homey. First off, you need to take advantage of the wine tasting. The sommelier is so knowledgeable and also so fun. We had an amazing afternoon tasting wines, after our super fun cooking class. We made authentic Greek food, mussaka, and it’s a dish and skill we will treasure forever. All of the restaurants are to die for, we had no issue going back for dinner a second or third night to a restaurant because there were so many things on the menu we wanted to try. What makes this place the best, was the staff. They made us feel like a part of the family. And if you are getting married anytime soon, there will be no one more excited to welcome you than Elounda Mare. They went above and beyond to make our stay incredible. It was a long trek to make, but we will be returning to Elounda Mare again and again.