Crete has my heart. Greece’s largest island mixes dramatic mountains with sparkling bays, ancient stories with easy-going beach life, and some truly special hotels that are perfect for a luxury getaway.

On my recent FAM trip, I was based in beautiful Elounda on Crete’s north‑eastern coast. Elounda is a stylish resort town located approximately 1 hour from Heraklion Airport. It is a chic town with tasteful tavernas, restaurants and boutique shops.  

Over 4 nights I:

• Stayed 2 nights at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa in Plaka
• Stayed 2 nights at Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort
• Visited Elounda Peninsula and Elounda Mare within the Porto Elounda collection
• Enjoyed a spa treatment at Cayo’s spa and at the Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda
• Joined a boat trip past the island of Spinalonga, with its evocative Venetian fortress and leper colony history
• Dined at various restaurants across both resorts
• Took part in olive oil tasting at Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa 

Spending time in each property was invaluable, because although they are all luxurious, they each have a very different personality. Here is my honest take on who each hotel would really suit.

5 Star Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa, Plaka: Chic hillside sanctuary with a view of Spinalonga

Cayo feels like stepping into the pages of a design magazine: sleek architecture cascading down the hillside, pale stone, glass, and soft neutral tones, with that all‑important view across to Spinalonga.

During my stay I loved:

• Waking up to panoramic sea views and that iconic island on the horizon
• The sense of privacy, with accommodation tiered down the hillside
• Joining a boat trip from nearby, gliding past Spinalonga and along the coast, which is an ideal half‑day for guests
• The quality of the food and wine, and the welcoming hospitality that begun as soon as I walked into the stunning lobby

It has a grown‑up, polished feel: think calm pools, stylish design, and evenings that are more about cocktails and conversation than loud entertainment.

Who Cayo is perfect for

Stylish couples and friends

• Ideal for couples who want a romantic, design‑led base with wow‑factor views.
• Great for friends who enjoy long lunches, pool time and the occasional boat trip or stroll into Plaka.

Honeymooners and special occasions

• Works beautifully for honeymoons, anniversaries, or a special birthday.
• The views and architecture give it that “this is somewhere special” feeling as soon as you arrive.

Families with babies or older children

• There is no kids club but the hotel is not “adults-only”, so it would suit parents with babies looking for a chilled escape, or families with older children whose objective is to get out and explore.

Good to know

• The hillside setting is part of the charm, but it does mean steps and slopes, so it may not suit those who prefer everything on one level. However, the funicular that serves the resort is a unique feature making getting up and down the resort stress free and easy.
• The hotel offers a daily free shuttle down to the pebble beach and to Plaka, which can be called upon via WhatsApp to the concierge services.
• The vibe is more chic and tranquil than family‑focused, so I would recommend it most strongly to adults and older teens who appreciate that atmosphere.
• Board basis available: Bed and Breakfast or Half Board.

5 Star Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort: Relaxed luxury with activities and space to breathe

Porto Elounda feels like a little world of its own: a generous seafront estate with lawns, pools, small sandy coves, and a friendly, understated atmosphere. It is part of a trio with Elounda Peninsula and Elounda Mare, and together they offer a huge amount of choice.

Over my 2 nights at Porto Elounda I:

• Explored the spacious grounds, with sea views and easy access down to the water
• Had a spa treatment at the Six Senses Spa, which is a real destination spa in its own right
• Visited both Elounda Peninsula and Elounda Mare, which helped me understand how to pair the right hotel with the right client

It feels relaxed rather than overly formal, with plenty of space for families and couples to do their own thing.

Who Porto Elounda is perfect for:

Families and multi‑generational stays

• Great for families who want facilities and freedom: space for children to play, access to the sea, and activities to keep everyone busy.
• Works very well for multi‑gen trips, where grandparents might enjoy the spa or a quiet corner, while younger members make the most of the pools and sea.

Golf and spa fans

• Ideal if one person loves golf while the other prefers spa time: Porto Elounda ticks both boxes.  The golf course is only 9 holes so ideal for beginner golfers.
• The Six Senses Spa feels like a calming retreat within the resort, so you get a proper wellness experience without needing to go anywhere else.

Good to know

• This is a resort‑style property, so it is great if you enjoy facilities and on‑site options. For those seeking ultra‑boutique intimacy, Elounda Peninsula or Elounda Mare may fit better.
• The Kids Club has its own water slides and booking a slot is required. It is a drop-off service.
• Board basis available: Bed and Breakfast, Half Board or Premium Half Board Dine Around.

Elounda Peninsula: Suite life and elevated luxury

Elounda Peninsula sits within the same estate but has a more exclusive, all‑suite and villa feel. It feels a step up in privacy and luxury, ideal for those who want to be slightly cosseted while still benefiting from the wider resort facilities.

Who Elounda Peninsula is perfect for:

Luxury‑focused couples and families

• Excellent for guests who want suite or villa accommodation, more private outdoor space, and a higher level of personal service.
• Works for both couples and families who are used to premium properties and prefer a quieter, more exclusive environment.

Honeymoons and milestone celebrations

• Ideal for honeymoons, special birthdays or anniversaries, especially if you like the idea of:
• A more private base
• Easy access to spa, dining and activities across the wider resort
• A setting that feels distinctly luxurious and curated

Guests who value privacy but not isolation

• Perfect if you want to feel tucked away, yet still want restaurants, spa and facilities within easy reach, rather than being in a stand‑alone villa in the middle of nowhere.

Elounda Mare: Classic charm and timeless elegance

Elounda Mare has a very different personality again: more traditional, with a classic, timeless Greek elegance and a strong sense of place. It will appeal to clients who value character and warmth just as much as facilities.

Some of the accommodations have a more contemporary design whilst still keeping the traditional style so if you are someone who likes a modern feel, then don’t discount Elounda Mare.

Who Elounda Mare is perfect for:

Repeat Greece lovers and “old‑school” luxury fans

• Great for clients who have perhaps “done” Greece before and now want somewhere with soul and history, not just a modern build.
• Think mature couples, or anyone who enjoys long, lingering dinners and the feel of a more established property.

Discreet, low‑key stays

• Ideal for guests who prefer understated service, peaceful gardens and sea views, rather than a buzzy, high‑energy environment.
• A lovely choice for longer stays, where you settle into a gentle rhythm of beach, lunch, pool, and sunset.

Those who appreciate characterful surroundings

• Perfect for clients who are drawn to traditional architecture, landscaped grounds and a sense of authenticity, rather than a very contemporary design style.

Which Elounda hotel is right for you?

All four properties offer luxury and access to the beautiful north‑eastern coastline of Crete, but in different ways:

• Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa:
• Best for: design‑loving couples, honeymooners, and wellness‑seekers
• Vibe: sleek, contemporary, intimate, with dramatic sea and Spinalonga views
• Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort:
• Best for: active families, multi‑gen groups, golf and spa breaks
• Vibe: relaxed, spacious resort living with excellent facilities and a superb spa
• Elounda Peninsula:
• Best for: privacy‑seeking couples and families who want suite or villa‑style luxury
• Vibe: elevated, exclusive, with the benefits of the wider Porto Elounda estate
• Elounda Mare:
• Best for: discerning couples and repeat Greece visitors who love character and tradition
• Vibe: classic, charming and timeless, with a strong sense of place

If you are considering Crete and would like help matching the right Elounda hotel to your travel style, I would be delighted to share more from my stay and design a tailor‑made itinerary around it. Get in touch by submitting an enquiry, dropping me an email or give me a call and I'll be delighted to help you.