Miracles happen when you least expect it. Crete is known for its mass tourism, all inclusive properties and hords of tourists packed in all-inclusive resorts. I am a fan to always explore the lesser known and more decent parts of such destinations. Therefore I was in for a special mission: visit one of Europe‘s most popular beach destination in the most luxurious way. Starting my journey by renting a private house on a lonely beach, I decided to spend the second half of my ten-day-long vacation on the other side of the island. Elounda has been a go-to-place ever since tourism started on Crete and the place is obviously filled with hotels of each category. On the far top end, Elounda Peninsula is considered to be the island‘s best and leading hotel. Pre-stay encounters with the reservation team was flawless and they were proactive in providing all necessary information and receiving the guests travel details so that they can arrange a smooth transport and arrival on site. We agreed to book the one-way transfer for 100 euros in a Mercedes van and just on time, the driver picked us up at the rental company office in Heraklion. Around 50 minutes later we arrived at the main entrance of the Elounda Peninsula where a lady from the front desk was already waiting with a selection of welcome drinks.

Each guest is greeted with a selection of sparkling wine, water or juice along with a refreshing towel. Check-in is done seated at the counter and the staff works on a really professional level. One can tell that the whole Elounda has passed grand times, so everyone on site is perfectly trained and knows how to handle discerning international travelers. Soon afterwards we were accompanied to the lobby terrace from where we had a stunning view of the property. We received a brief introduction of the Elounda Collection grounds and then were accompanied to our Two Bedroom Presidential Villa - a courtesy upgrade provided by the hotel. Our suite was located right across the ground floor of the main building, however the half moon shape of the hotel makes all rooms and suites easily accessible from the main areas. Each suite and villa at Elounda Peninsula is designed to offer a maximum of privacy - one can hardly look onto the terrace of the below or neighboring suite, making it the perfect place for celebrities and A-listers alike. Even though the property has a rather traditional design from the outside, each suite and villa has recently been refurbished and so were blown away by the fresh smell and look upon opening the door to our villa.

Right next to the entrance was the guest bathroom with a toilet, single vanity and a walk-in shower. Moving further there was a dining table for four and a small kitchenette with a Nespresso coffee machine, water kettle and a fridge filled with complimentary still water. A few stairs below was the main living area with an L-shaped seating arrangement and a brand new television. The sliding doors directly opened onto the villas vast terrace that was equipped with a dining table for four, a lounge area, two sun beds and a private heated infinity pool. As if these weren’t enough highlights yet, there were another lounge area underneath the pool and an outdoor shower right next to the private sea access. Needless to say that this was one of the best hotel rooms I have ever stayed at - obviously when you book a Presidential Villa ar Crete’s best hotel, you’re about to experience only the best such a legendary seaside hotel can offer. Our two bedrooms were located right and left of the living room. While the master bedroom came with a king size bed and a walk-in wardrobe covered in elegant oak wood, the second bedroom offered twin beds and is therefore ideal for kids or unmarried friends joining on this trip.

Each bedroom had a separate access to the terrace as well and came with a private bathroom too. I absolutely loved the new design of the rooms at Elounda Peninsula, everything feels elegant but still has a very Mediterranean touch. The master bathroom came with double vanities, separate toilet, walk-in shower and a deep bath tub - all fitted with brand new towels and full size toiletries by Greek-based brand Apivita. My friend’s bathroom had the same style and facilities in a slightly different layout. Housekeeping did a great job and considering the size of the suite, I wasn’t surprised when they arrived with three housekeepers. We didn’t even realize that they tidied the room during the time we were in the pool. Speaking of which, the pool cleaning was done before waking up so we weren’t disturbed for this neither and could enjoy a flawless pool throughout the stay. A few minutes after we have settled, we received a welcome gift consisting of a bottle of Champagne along with some sweets from Crete. Needless to mention the handwritten welcome note that was brought along - a fair 10/10 in terms of room and service.

It’s been a while since I last felt so welcome in a hotel. The entire team at Elounda Peninsula is very respectful and dedicated - each and everyone is welcoming and even when they don’t know an answer to your question, they will make sure to find someone able to help. Breakfast is served in the main dining room of Elounda Peninsula and comes with a small buffet and a very extensive a la carte menu. I enjoyed a tasty Egg Benedict along with the best French Toast I have had in years. A special mention goes to the views at breakfast - which are among the best in the entire property. Basically as a guest at Elounda Peninsula, Elounda Mare or Porto Elounda, one has access to the F&B outlets of each other’s property from the Elounda Collection. We therefore enjoyed one dinner at Sumosan at Elounda Peninsula, spent an evening at Il Borro Bistro at Porto Elounda and participated in the typical Opa night at Elies Restaurant. One day we even enjoyed lunch by the private pool from the room service where we were treated with excellent service by Alex. Overall the quality of the food offered was excellent all over each F&B outlet - from the best beef tacos and sushi ever eaten at Sumosan, a superb Club Sandwich from the room service to mouthwatering Carpaccio and lobster pasta at Il Borro - there is no shortage of highlights when dining at the Elounda Collection properties.

Now let’s get to the most important part of the review: the facilities. Considering the high price for Crete levels (it ain’t the cheap destination it used to be anymore though), guests at Elounda Peninsula enjoy access to a private beach area which the other hotel guests can’t enjoy. Situated in front of the villas at Elounda Peninsula, this man-made promenade with sun beds and umbrellas really is another highlight. Turquoise water and shallow water in an artificial bay with no current but ladders as well as sand access make this place truly heavenly. We spent three full days just lying at the same set of beach chairs enjoying the serenity and the best water we have ever seen on a hotel’s private beach. To top that, there even is a bar service with snacks and drinks. Now take the most beautiful sea with comfy sun loungers and add bottles of ice cold Rosé - your day of vacation hardly can get any better. Talking about prices, I can gladly tell that staying at Elounda Peninsula is what I would consider an amazing value for money. Not just is the service stellar, the design of the rooms on par with today’s highest expectations but the location just tops it all for me. Where else can you enjoy such clear waters without having to rent your own boat. Speaking of which, the resort owns a dazzling sailing yacht that even can be rented from 350 euros for a few hours ranging to 750 euros for a full day (including staff and food of course). So once again we proof, sky is the limit and luxury is limitless.