Crete, the largest and most southerly Greek island, boasts some of the best hotels in the country. One area in particular is the village of Elounda, close to the island of Spinalonga, a former leper colony that featured in Victoria Hislop’s book, The Island.
I visited three hotels in particular that are owned and run by the Kokotos family. They all look out over the Bay of Mirabello, each with their individual identity, but all sharing the same facilities except for their beaches. There is a nine-hole,par 3 golf course, Sea Sports Centre, tennis courts, kids club (from 6mths) and a fabulous Six Senses Spa.
The Elounda Mare, the most characterful, has been one of the stars along this coast for many years. It is set unobtrusively into the hillside with rooms in the welcoming main building and in bungalows throughout the colourful gardens leading down to the sea.
The more recent additions are the Porto Elounda and Elounda Peninsula which reflect a more contemporary style interspersed with traditional Greek antiques. From porto deluxe rooms to presidential villas, with a whole host of room categories in between, there is something for everyone.
The properties are about a 20-minute walk into Elounda with its range of bars and restaurants, and just a slightly further taxi ride to Aghios Nikolaos with its busy nightlife and scenic harbour. For those wanting a bit of culture, the ruins of Knossos are not too far away and can easily be combined with a visit to the island’s capital, Heraklion.
To find out more, give Susie a call on 01428 658 777.
