Review of Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites, by Christopher Deliso

Since opening in 2000, Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites remains Elounda's prime spot for aesthetes seeking boutique hotel seclusion, friendly service and loving attention to detail. Overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mirabello, the boutique hotel knows how to cater to guests and after just five years of operation, almost half of its clientele was made up of repeat visitors. Family-owned and operated, Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites are dedicated to providing the exceptional brand of hospitality that guests come to expect from luxury boutique hotels.

The facilities

When the hotel first opened, it consisted only of self-catering villas, but now guests have plenty of culinary options. In-room cooking by a private butler or chef is just one of the special culinary choices offered at the boutique hotel.

A favorite choice is Greek and international restaurant Argo and Argonauts lounge bar, located on the poolside veranda. Breakfast at the restaurant is individually served rather than buffet-style, and dinner will include a variety of main courses such as fresh local fish, savory lamb and other Greek and international specialties. Illuminated by glass lanterns, the serene atmosphere sets the scene for the chef's creative takes on old Greek staples, such as the reinvention of souvlaki (skewered chicken) with watermelon and coconut milk. A nice touch is the chef's special, a tantalizing starter and different every night. Even the Greek salads are more vivid than usual, laced with yellow, red and green peppers, and served on cheery colorful tableware. Everything from the restaurant's appetizers to scrumptious desserts (try the delicate chocolate brownie/cake with raspberry-vanilla ice cream) is expertly and presented. Indeed, on any given night, a few tables of guests might be coming from other area hotels, their interest piqued by the strong word-of-mouth reputation the restaurant enjoys.

In keeping with its tranquil ethos, the bar is a low-key affair but attractive, with its sleek and rounded black surfaces and subdued music. The friendly barman Dimitris serves a variety of cocktails and other drinks. Comfy couches on the patio provide a relaxing place for an espresso during day or a glass of wine after dark. The boutique hotel's chic Elixir Spa has everything from a fully equipped gym room and massage services to a sauna, steam bath and outdoor Jacuzzi. And though many villas and suites have private swimming pools, the boutique hotel does have a large central swimming pool.

The rooms

The boutique hotel contains 10 suites and 18 villas, all of which are spacious, well-equipped and with significant aesthetic appeal. Co-owner Anna Kadianakis spends much of her time scrutinizing the rooms (designed by her architect husband) with an eye to décor- she's been up and down Greece and Western Europe in search of the perfect antique furnishings to match the personality of each room. The result is a fantastic combination of weathered wood chests, antiquarian prints and paintings that add charm and character to the interiors.

The lavish bathrooms, many with Jacuzzi and separate shower, share a common theme of wall-to-floor marble and hand-painted, pastel trompe l'oeil ceilings- an intriguing and imaginative look that combines elements of the palatial and the grotto. Another nice touch is the floor-level motion lights that turn on when you enter, and create a romantic, starry atmosphere. The light in the spacious separate wardrobe room also turns on and off simply by opening and closing the door.

The boutique hotel's villas, such as the impressive 'Ariadne,' contain two or three full residences, mini-gym and steam showers, saunas and Jacuzzis. And the suites too are sufficiently large as to exceed most expectations. In fact, at the end of each visit, guests are asked to inspect all of the accommodations that can be seen - something which has led many repeat visitors to request "their" room when planning the next vacation at the boutique hotel.

Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites' signature appeal, however, is found outside of the rooms - on the veranda, where its (highly photogenic) infinity pools slope gently down over the eastern rim, creating the illusion that pool and sea are one. Turn on the jets in the pool and accompanying Jacuzzi for an impromptu massage, or simply contemplate the stunning views of the Gulf of Mirabello and islands adjacent.