TRAVEL
NESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE NORTHEASTERN SHORE OF CRETE , ONE OF GREECE ’ S LARGER SUN-FILLED ISLANDS , LIES ELOUNDA . A SHORT DRIVE FROM THE NEIGHBOURING BUSTLING CRUISE PORT TOWN OF AGIOS NIKOLAOS , ELOUNDA OFFERS PERFECTLY ENCAPSULATED LAID-BACK SOPHISTICATION , EFFORTLESSLY BLENDING NATURAL BEAUTY , HARBOURSIDE LUXURY , RICH CULTURE AND EPICUREAN HERITAGE . TRANQUIL YET UPSCALE , IT HAS BECOME THE ‘ DESTINATION DE RIGUEUR ’ FOR THOSE SEEKING A SERENE AND LUXURIOUS ESCAPE , AND THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO STAY THAN AT ONE OF ELOUNDA COLLECTION RESORTS , SO GOOD IN FACT THAT I CHECKED IN AT TWO OF THEM … BY SAMANTHA READY
ELOUNDA PENINSULA : THE WATERFRONT JEWEL OF CRETE
Perfectly perched , as its name suggests , on an expansive yet elegant curve of the northern coast , Elounda Peninsula is the embodiment of secluded sophistication . From the moment you arrive , you ’ re enveloped in an atmosphere of refined elegance , where every detail is meticulously crafted to provide an unforgettable experience and every member of the team is faultlessly impressive . Known for its unparalleled service , stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the bobbing yachts in the Aegean Sea below , every abode at this all-suite hotel is more incredible than the last .
Designed to perfectly blend modern luxury with traditional Cretan charm , think modern Nespresso machines and stark white square suites against a backdrop of local stoneclad facades , each suite or villa offers panoramic sea views , private pools and spacious terraces that invite you to unwind in utter tranquillity .
Positioned to offer complete privacy , our own one-bedroom junior suite - of which we were wonderfully offered two as interconnecting rooms to create our own master family suite - comprised of groundfloor lounge ( which can convert to offer an additional bed ) with kitchen , downstairs bathroom , an upstairs master bedroom , which , along with boasting a huge ensuite bathroom complete with freestanding bath double vanity and walk-in shower , also offered a glorious suntrap balcony , beneath which the pièce de résistance on the ground floor - your own private pool .
If you simply wish to stay in your abode , which unashamedly and for good reason many guests choose to do - especially those who pick a villa with private beach access - there is 24-hour room service and every amenity you could need . For those that wish to explore , however , the wider resort beckons .
Part of a collection of three properties , guests at each hotel have access to amenities and restaurants at any property they choose to frequent and are able to access them both via golf buggy or the resort ’ s own boat !
At Elounda Peninsula , there is a wonderful beachfront pool , sandy sheltered bay and the Kids ’ Ark , which aside from offering supervised activities for small toddlers , also caters for adventurous tweens and up , addressing possible teenage boredom with aplomb . As well as an air-conditioned activity room , it comes complete with its own waterpark and offers a great partnership with Valencia CF Soccer Skills Camp , much to the delight of Jaxon who immediately signed up ( for a reasonable additional fee ) to experience top-tier soccer training with a Valencia FC coach and work on his ball skills .
While the children are taken care of , there is a great adults ’ haven too … The hotel ’ s Six Senses Spa located in the Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort hotel , standing majestically at the pinnacle of the resort triangle , is an utter sanctuary of relaxation . Offering a range of treatments that combine ancient wellness practices with modern therapies , here you can indulge in everything from a revitalising massage to a serene yoga session by the sea , or simply partake in a hydrotherapy circuit to reinvigorate the body and mind .
While room service was an evident draw for the pool-loving Readys , restaurant dining at Elounda Peninsula is a culinary journey that reflects the rich flavours of the Mediterranean and arguably none do it better than Il Borro Tuscan Bistro .
Instantly transporting you to the southern charm of Italy to a backdrop of modern beige flagstone flooring , contemporary water features and grand potted olive trees in terracotta pots , Il Borro Tuscan Bistro offers a truly unique dining experience inspired by the renowned Il Borro , the Tuscan Estate owned by the Ferragamo family .
www . insidekent . co . uk • 111