Blue Palace

A classic, elegant resort with an array of facilities and amenities

• Stunning sea views
• The cute Blue Door taverna, with tables right by the water
• The Ultimate Guest Service for tailor-made activities and excursions

Elounda is synonymous with luxury and this sprawling resort is no exception. On a hillside three kilometers from Elounda, it’s set apart from the surrounding hotels but also from the sea: a road separates the resort from the pebble beach, which is accessible via cable car. If the location is a little awkward, the views across the bay to the island of Spinalonga are glorious. 142 of the rooms and villas have private pools (be sure to ask for a heated pool, especially in low season).

Modern architecture, featuring local stone, marble and traditional pebble mosaics, makes subtle references to the island’s Arab, Turkish and Venetian influences. The striking lobby with its soaring arches is a faithful replica of the Venetian Arsenali (shipyard) in the harbor of Heraklion. Clusters of rooms in neutral, terracotta tones are scattered around the slopes to maximize sea views. Owner Costanza Sbokou, an interior designer, oversaw every detail of the design. (Her husband owns Costa Navarino, another Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the Peloponnese.)

The five Asian and Mediterranean restaurants are a tad generic. The exception is Blue Door, an adorable fish taverna perched at the water’s edge. (It’s a short walk from Plaka, a pretty fishing village with more authentic tavernas.) The Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy, with 23 treatment rooms, two couple’s suites, and a heated indoor pool is also by the beach. Family spa packages are a treat for teenagers, but kids of all ages are well catered for with a huge range of activities, from Cretan dancing to swimming lessons. All kids get their own welcome pack, bathrobes, and toiletries—a nice touch. It’s a popular venue for weddings too; look out for the olive trees with hand-carved signs commemorating the newlyweds who planted them.