Spinalonga is a small island in front of the exclusive resort of Elounda and not far from Agios Nikolaos. Visitors can visit the island on day trips from both towns and the tiny village of Plaka.
The island is famous for its history as a leper colony and has been the backdrop of numerous books, TV shows, and movies. It is an eerie experience to wander around the ruins.
1. Blue Palace Resort & Spa
This upscale hotel blends the ambiance of a traditional Greek village with contemporary design, and offers a swanky spa, 5 high-end restaurants, and a privileged seafront location overlooking Spinalonga. It’s the best choice in town for couples looking for a romantic getaway or families seeking a luxury retreat that can accommodate all ages.
The resort’s 251 spacious rooms are housed in a mix of two-story buildings and individual villas. Rooms are decorated in a clean, crisp style that blends beachy colors with the resort’s contemporary art. Higher-category rooms feature upgraded decor like wicker lounge chairs, charming blue-and-white mosaic tilework, and gauzy half-canopies. Each room includes flat-screen TVs with satellite channels (including lots of English-language options), air conditioning, a large private balcony or terrace, and twice-daily housekeeping with nightly turndown service.
Guests can enjoy a range of luxurious amenities in-house, including a thalassotherapy spa, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a gym with sea views, and a full beauty salon. The property also has a kids club and offers family excursions, Cretan dance lessons, land safaris, caique rides, and more.
Blue Palace is only a short walk from the seaside village of Plaka, and a short boat ride across from the UNESCO-nominated island of Spinalonga, which served as a 20th-century leper colony. The hotel’s private beach is long, possesses a peaceful vibe, and has free sunbeds and towels.
For those wanting to get active, the property has a handful of bikes for rental, a sea-facing fitness center, and 2 lighted tennis courts (fees apply). There’s even a golf course nearby. Families can also take advantage of the kids’ club, playground, and supervised activities and parties such as theater lessons, crafts, painting, and Greek dancing.
When it comes to dining, the hotel’s chefs are committed to serving up fresh seafood, traditional Cretan dishes, and creative vegetarian fare that emphasizes local flavors. There are several restaurants on-site, including a gourmet buffet and a tapas bar. Blue Palace is also within easy reach of a number of local restaurants and cafes. For those seeking an outing to remember, the hotel can arrange tours of Crete’s famous wineries, and can help with a day trip to Heraklion, which includes the Palace of Knossos.
2. Elounda Village Resort & Spa By Aquila (Adults Only)
The hotel offers a premium all-inclusive program, which includes a wide variety of meals and beverages. The hotel has two restaurants and a poolside bar, offering a range of culinary options for guests to enjoy. This elegant hotel also features a health club and an excellent spa area, making it ideal for those looking to unwind during their trip.
The 208 air-conditioned rooms feature refrigerators and minibars. Rooms have private balconies and LCD televisions with satellite programming. Bathrooms have tub/shower combinations and complimentary toiletries.
Guests can enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the hotel’s outdoor pools or work on their tan on the sun loungers. They can also relax at the onsite spa, which features a sauna, a hot tub, and massage/treatment rooms.
In the morning, the property serves a breakfast buffet that provides a delicious start to the day. In the evening, guests can dine in the on-site restaurant or head to one of the many eateries in the area for dinner. Those who are traveling on business can use the hotel’s meeting facilities.
Tui Blue Elounda Village Resort & Spa By Aquila (Adults Only) is just down the road from popular fishing and scenic spots, while it is an easy drive to Agios Nikolaos and Sissi. It is a short walk to a selection of shops and bars. Those staying at the property can also enjoy convenient access to the airport.
The hotel’s amenities include a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool. The spa has a sauna, a hot tub, a steam bath, and massage/treatment rooms. There are also a variety of recreational activities that can be enjoyed on site or nearby, including surfing/body boarding and parasailing.
Those staying at the hotel can keep in touch with friends and family using the free WiFi. The staff can help arrange tours and sightseeing trips, and the concierge is on hand to provide local information. In addition, the front desk is available around the clock and can assist with car hire.
3. Tui Blue Elounda Village Resort & Spa By Aquila (Adults Only)
The 5-star Tui Blue Elounda Village Resort & Spa By Aquila (Adults Only) is situated in a prime location near Hiona Beach and the Elounda Windmills. It also offers easy access to Spinalonga Castle and Lake Voulismeni. Heraklion Airport is a little under an hour away. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s free guest parking and on-site bar. Some rates are all-inclusive.
This modern property is set around a 10-minute drive from Kolokytha Islet and features a sunbathing terrace. It also provides complimentary private parking on site. There are 208 rooms at the resort, each of which are equipped with DVD players and flat-screen televisions. They also feature minibars and safes.
Room service is available around the clock and there is a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those who want to do some sightseeing, there is a shuttle that takes guests to the main city area. There are also a variety of bars, cafés, and restaurants nearby.
This luxury resort is located in a convenient location and offers a sauna, an outdoor pool, and a massage room. It also has a fitness center and is a short walk from the Porto Elounda Ferry Terminal. It is also a short walk to the secluded Kolokitha Beach.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, which has an international menu and is open for lunch and dinner. In the evenings, guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. The hotel has an on-site bar, which is a great place to sit back and relax with a drink.
The accommodation is suitable for couples, friends, and families and has a children’s playroom, a garden, and a games room. It also has a coffee bar and a restaurant that serves Mediterranean cuisine. There is a full-service spa on site where guests can indulge in a range of relaxing treatments, including chromotherapy and ayurvedic therapies. The staff are also happy to provide babysitting services upon request. They can also assist with booking excursions and tours. A car rental desk is also on site. There are a variety of shops and cafes in the area, and it is also within walking distance of the historic town of Agios Nikolaos.
4. Domes Of Elounda
A stay at Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection by Marriott is a chance to enjoy high-end amenities and first class service in a resort that feels like a home away from home. The property offers a range of dining options, stunning views of Spinalonga castle and its own stretch of private beach. Guests can also soak up the sun at one of four pools, including an adults only option, and get pampered at Soma Spa which is inspired by Greek gods and the healing practices of Hippocrates.
The hotel has a sleek design with windows cappping many of the 78 suites. A white and Aegean blue color palette sets the mood, while carved wood furniture tempers the modernity. Suites include living rooms, king-sized beds and premium bath amenities. Private terraces with either a Jacuzzi or plunge pool add to the appeal.
Dining is a treat at Domes of Elounda, with four restaurants to choose from. Tholos serves a buffet with Greek and Mediterranean dishes, while Makris has tables framed by olive trees and overlooks Spinalonga. Topos 1910 is a decked promontory that floats out to sea, and serves up fine dining in a glamorous setting. Frureo and Blend Steakhouse provide more choice in the form of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine and upscale Italian fusion.
There’s also the opportunity to try your hand at water sports on the beach or explore the island of Spinalonga on a guided boat tour. If you’d rather just relax, the resort’s hammam and spa is an ideal place to wind down. A gym and children’s playground offer additional ways to unwind.
Domes of Elounda is just over a 10-minute drive from Mirabello Bay and a short walk from Plaka village. It’s around an hour drive to Heraklion International Airport, and guests are ideally situated for exploring the rest of Crete. To make a reservation at Domes of Elounda, simply use the booking box above to see prices and availability. Once you’ve found the right date and room type for your trip, click the “Book Now” button to complete the booking process. You’ll be prompted to enter your Marriott member number if you’re already a member or create an account to confirm your reservation.