Blending pink-hued stone and earthy tones, this Luxury Collection Resort seems to flow into the Cretan landscape with its wild beauty and sense of timelessness. Dotted through its fragrant guardians, the resort’s accommodation options (many of which come with private pool) are true sanctuaries complete with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and history-drenched Spinalonga Island, and decorated with a feel for understated luxury.
These most exclusive suites (19) and villas (four) have been created for those who plan to spend a lot of their holiday in their own private realm and get a complete escape from the world. Spacious, airy and elegant, with calming yet energising contemporary decor including canopy beds, they come with exclusive services, VIP breakfast at Anthos, VIP amenities, personalised services and enhanced mini-bars. They also benefit from their own private Haven area of the resort beach enjoying enhanced services from the resort’s beach team.
Meanwhile, their expansive private verandas, gardens and larger pools were designed to enhance the divine sea views and sense of freedom. All have been individually designed using natural materials, eclectic pieces of art, colours that match their nautical environment and authentic elements that speak of Crete’s rich history.
As well as a gorgeous private stretch of beach, the resort has three outdoor pools (one heated) plus children’s pools. Aquatic fun aside, there is also a whole array of activities and fun in store, including watching open-air movies, Greek cookery lessons, local wine tastings aboard the resort’s traditional caique, fishing from the caique and watching an island cheese-maker in action.
The resort is well placed for exploring this remarkable island shrouded in ancient myths, not least at the legendary Palace of Knossos, where the first European civilisation, the notorious Minoans, took seed. Unique cultural offerings from the resort include boat trips to Spinalonga for a guided tour of this island that served as a leper’s colony from he 18th to the 20th century and has been nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
This serene resort filled with the sounds of water and nature is ideal for physical and mental renewal, especially in its beachfront spa with its 24 treatment rooms (some for couples) and its therapies including Ayurvedic rituals, therapy baths, kids’ massages and family spa packages. Among the signature treatments are the locally inspired Cretan Bliss massages performed in the healing environment of the olive grove, and the Aphrodite Beauty Ritual combining body exfoliation, a face and body massage with aromatic candles, and a cocooning hair mask.
The resort also hosts an array of wellness experiences including sunrise yoga and fitness sessions, as well as having a state-of-the-art gym.
Curated by Greek celebrity chef Athinagoras Kostakos, cuisine at the resort is focused on authentici Cretan and Mediterranean fare based on seasonal vegetables and other produce, some sourced from its own organic kitchen garden.
Anthós offers high-end traditional Cretan cuisine, while Blue Door in a former fisherman’s stone house is a quintessentially Greek taverna serving fresh fish and seafood directly from the sea, including family recipes passed from generation to generatioan. There’s also Asia Deep Blue, a fusion restaurant with inventive Japanese, Thai and other dishes. Enjoy a magical Mediterranean affair by the beach at the resort’s Isola Beach Club where the hottest cuisine meets the coolest of cocktails.
To book your holiday at the Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, with full financial protection, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Aruba beckons with its serene beauty, making it an irresistible choice for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Aruba boasts award-winning, uncrowded, white-sand beaches that promise a slice of paradise where you can unwind to your heart's content. With guaranteed sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and stunning architecture, Aruba is a gem waiting to be discovered.
The personal experiences of our Travel Counsellors, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations, ensure that they can hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
