There's heaven on earth and then there's the Elounda Peninsula in Crete. And in all honesty, I'm not sure if there's any difference. I know, I know, bold claim... but when I visited the Elounda in May, I had absolutely no expectations. I hadn't looked at the hotel a huge amount online (because I am the least organised human that's walked the planet), I hadn't researched Crete (again, because I cannot adult), I just wanted to turn up and be surprised and have absolutely no preconceptions and omg I am so glad I did this because I had absolutely no idea how much of a treat I was in for.
You see, being an unorganised, busy adult can pay off sometimes.
But most of the time it doesn't so please, please do not take my advice for anything other than where to travel to and where to stay [insert cry laughter/"you think I'm joking but I'm not" emoji here".]
So, a little about the Elounda Peninsula all suite hotel. A family founded and run hotel, the Elounda family own 3 properties in Crete; the Elounda Mare, Porto Elounda and the All suite hotel. Each hotel is absolutely stunningly beautiful but the Elounda peninsula really is just breathtakingly special. Not only is it Europe's top seafront hotel, it's the only hotel in Europe that has only suites, each of those with their own private pools (I know!). Intimate, exclusive and truly unique from anywhere I've stayed before, the Elounda was genuinely the most luxurious place with by far, the most incredibly attentive and wonderfully friendly staff ever. In all honesty, the amazing suite, private pool, private beach and food to die for would have been enough for me but I pretty much fell in love with every staff member we met. So genuinely lovely and accommodating, it's the perfect place to just go and chill.
From Junior suites to presidential villas and Peninsula residences, there really is something for everyone. We stayed in a Peninsula Collection suite boasting 2 storeys, 2 bathrooms, a giant bedroom, thermal bath (which is pretty much a jacuzzi) and basically me and Mum Next Door just ran around it like LOL LOOK AT OUR LIFE RIGHT NOW THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!!!!
So, let's talk food. Food is at the very, very top of my priority list and as a coeliac Sally, it can sometimes be a little difficult to be catered for abroad. Oh my good god Elounda did the best job ever. I had actually forgotten to alert the hotel which was terrible of me and more evidence of my lack of organisation, however from the very first meal, the amazing manager at Nafsika - a beautiful restaurant in Porto Elounda that served a buffet dinner - immediately brought me out gluten free pasta (for a blimmin starter), beautiful fish/meat and veg and an incredible dessert, and he did this every single night. My Mum also absolutely loved the food from the buffet and had something different every night too as there was so much option. Breakfast was honestly the dream. The restaurant looked over onto the sea and it was the most peaceful, stunning, beautiful setting. I think sitting there with a cuppa and 28873473 rounds of the buffet was the most chilled I've ever been. Pure luxury!
My favourite thing about the Elounda Peninsula wasn't that the suites were incredible, it wasn't that the food was to die for or even that our hotel had it's own private beach which at that time of year I shared with max 3 other people.. it was simply how much it allowed me to switch off and relax. And a huge part of this was down to their award winning Six senses spa. With the stunning pool looking out onto the ocean, their incredible treatments (I had a deep tissue massage and the lovely therapist also did some cupping too and it was just so good!) and thalassotherapy, it's almost impossible not to switch off and forget about life for a couple of hours. The spa itself was the most stunning spa I've ever been inside. Huge in size and beyond luxurious in decor, the whole team just made us feel so at home from the get go. Whether you're going in for a treatment or just making the most of the incredible pools with a view, I promise you'll come out feeling calmer, less stressed and ready for the day ahead (or to sleep).
The thing is, there is so much technical info about everything included in the suits and the exact history of the Elounda but really all you need to know is that it is stunningly beautiful, incredibly relaxing, the staff are the best you will come across, the views are breathtaking and you can't help but feel like you've discovered heaven on earth while you're here. There's not really much to say other than that!
So in case you couldn't guess, I absolutely loved my stay in Crete and will 100% be returning. I'd love to know if you've been before and if you've stayed at any of the Elounda hotels? Where is your place that feels like paradise? I always love hearing your thoughts! :)
As always, thanks so much for reading!
xx
Labels: Travel
