Review of Elounda Mare Hotel, by Christopher Deliso

Luxury hotel Elounda Mare is an established favorite with vacationers seeking resort-style luxury in the timeless atmosphere of a Greek seaside enclave. It is owned under the Elounda S.A. company, together with sister hotels Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsula. The Elounda Mare was designed by local architect Spyros Kokotos over 30 years ago, with an eye to Greek traditional architecture. The flower-strewn, whitewashed bungalows and Orthodox chapel with its gleaming blue dome, as well as the maze of little alleys that connect some of them, intimate indeed the sense of being in a Cycladic island. Colorful fish dart in the translucent waters that lap on the luxury hotel's sandy beach below. At night the hotel's extensive network of pathways are lit up to great effect by illuminated terracotta jugs, though they can seem too few and far between for those who can't see well in the dark.

The facilities

The Elounda Mare offers house restaurants and a bar, but guests can also partake of the formidable offerings at sister luxury hotels Porto Elounda and Peninsula Resort. The best views and seafood can be had at the Yacht Club, located in a secluded part of the hotel, adjacent to the small Orthodox chapel and just above the sea, whereas the Old Mill on the upper side of the complex is the choice for fine dining. The luxury hotel's breakfast buffet is served up on the gorgeous open-air patio of the main Deck restaurant. There are drinks to be had at the hotel's bar, Karavia, but it is hidden in an undistinguished spot in a corner of the reception, so be sure not to walk right past it.

The Elounda Mare also has an art gallery, astroturf tennis courts, heated main pool, a sandy beach and water sports, conference center, car rental and a chapel. The luxury hotel is especially proud of its spa, operated in conjunction with the Dubai-based Six Senses Spas, which offers a variety of innovative massages, beauty treatments and wellness packages. Guests at the luxury hotel also have access to a 9-hole golf course- the only one in Crete that can be found within a hotel.

Finally, regularly-held art shows, at which guests can purchase paintings, antiques and prints, highlight emerging Greek artists as well as modern masters such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Claude Urbani and Roy Lichtenstein - a surprising splash of culture in the eastern corner of Crete.

The rooms

Founder Spyros Kokotos takes credit for having introduced in the early 1980's the first bungalows with private pools in Europe, something by which he distinguished his Elounda hotels. Now the concept is no longer unique, but still makes for a welcome addition. The whitewashed interiors, rustic bedspreads and traditional rugs are all in keeping with the architect's desire to convey the warm simplicity of a traditional Cretan village home - while at the same time offering modern comforts such as marble bathrooms, Jacuzzis, fireplaces and firm, comfortable beds. All rooms at the luxury hotel come with a view of the sea and the bungalows and suites have private pools.