Hotel Review: Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel, Elounda, Crete in Greece

There aren’t many places on Earth you’d have the audacity to call paradise, but this is one of them.

The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is a beacon of beauty on the east coast of Crete. Crete in itself is an island of magic, mystery, and rich heritage and the charm of the Elounda Peninsula is the privacy. This hotel in particular caters for those searching for the epitome of luxurious hedonism.

This five-star resort nestled on the coast is home to the largest seafront pool on Crete and, in fact, the largest in Europe. It also boasts a Six Senses Spa, unbelievable restaurants choices, an ocean-front beach, 24/7 room service and the ultimate in service.

Suite

As the name suggests, this is an all-suite hotel, which immediately implies a level of exclusivity. I stayed in a Junior Sea Front Suite and waking up to those views is something I will never forget. The sound of the waves and the gentle breeze, I’d open up the sliding doors of the bedroom to allow the sights, sounds and breath-taking views in. In fact, this became a daily ritual to sit and admire all that the hotel has to offer.

There’s everything you can imagine in your room; every amenity taken care of, nothing is ever too much trouble either. Expect to see a comfy king-size bed, living room area in which to relax, luxurious marble bathrooms with an over-sized bathtub to enjoy (together) or alone, walk-in shower, towel heaters, make up/shaving mirrors, bathrobes, slippers and signature bath amenities to make your stay even more comfortable.

The junior suites are split-level, have one bedroom, a private pool and balcony. They are well-appointed, making the most of space and light and my suite very quickly became home. Sitting on the balcony in the morning with a coffee, taking in the first of the days’ light felt like a slice of heaven.

This is one of the most exclusive hotels in all of Elounda

There are various suites available to book. The tiers start at junior suites and work up to grand villas, presidential suites, diamond residences and the Royal Grande Suite. Some of the top-tier suites are mouth-wateringly beautiful. I’m talking private jetty’s for sunbathing, their own landscaped gardens, heated outdoor swimming pool and stylish architecture and interiors to impress the most discerning.

The magic of Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel is that you adjust quickly and feel at ease from the moment you arrive. The resort has a sense of serenity and calm which stays with you forever more. You crave the Elounda way of life and long to go back.

Food

The Calypso has received multiple Toque d’Or awards as one of the finest restaurants in the whole of Greece, often as the sole recipient of this prestigious award

After a great night’s sleep, what do you want? Breakfast – and this did not disappoint. Perched on the clifftop admiring the ocean-views, you can order delicacies from the menu (you must try the French toast) and help yourself to the fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, cheeses, meats, fresh breads and more. Their coffee is superb too – take note now coffee lovers.

There are ample choices when it comes to dining at the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel. Fine dining with amazing sea-views? You got it. You need to book into The Calypso restaurant for this, which, may I point out, has received multiple Toque d’Or awards as one of the finest restaurants in the whole of Greece.

With majestic design and commanding panoramic sea-views, this is a truly unique dining experience which takes your breath away.

Another favourite of mine is Aglio e Olio. Splendid Italian cuisine served al fresco under a rich canopy of ancient olive trees, next to the beach, fairy-lights twinkling in the evening skies, this is natural beauty if ever I saw. The Aglio e Olio restaurant has live, acoustic and jazz singers on certain evenings which adds to the romance and je ne c’est quois.

There’s the Yacht Club for daytime Greek cuisine and the gastronomy I am yet to try but it’s on my bucket list for next time, as is their sushi restaurant Koh. Small and intimate, it looks as though you are dining right on top of the lapping waves. Sushi in a wow-setting; I know I’m sold.

Spa

Six Senses Spa offers a layered approach that unites a pioneering spirit with treatments that go beyond the ordinary

This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the resort’s Six Senses Spa. It has an impressive indoor and outdoor pool with sea water, heated to 32 degrees, to keep you warm on the cooler days. The pool is architecturally designed and makes the very best of the ocean views. As you relax in the outdoor pool you can perch over the ledge and all you see is ocean and mountains. There are a number of relaxing water features like outdoor bubble loungers and hydro-jets to keep you well and truly zen, while children have access to a separate children’s pool at the Kids’ Ark, with two water slides, ensuring everyone is happy.

Getting around

Enjoy a five-star coastal break at this stunning all-suite hotel

If you want to dine in one of the sister hotels, it’s easy to get around. Door-to-door service is via resort golf buggies with your driver dropping you wherever your heart desires. I took the time to explore the entire resort and it’s lovely to have the choice. That said, I couldn’t stay away from the Elounda Peninsula for too long – once you’ve experienced this place it calls to you.

In a nutshell

The Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel surpasses the five-star accolade in my opinion. I think I have found a piece of paradise hiding in Crete. Discrete, beautiful, majestic, the resort is everything you could dream of and more. The idyllic place and state-of-mind you long for.

This is, paradise calling, and I can’t wait to get back to this outstanding resort. If you’re planning your next set of travel plans, this has to take the number one spot. Go and see for yourself. You will thank me later.