Elounda Mare was the first hotel in Europe with bungalows and private pools. In 1987 the hotel was invited to join the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, which has established itself as an authentic and original hotel, exuding an aura of timelessness through its decoration with antique folk art; overall a truly all-time-classic establishment. The Elounda Mare has 46 rooms and suites in the main house, 29 private-pool bungalows, 7 Minoan Royalty villas, and the Minoan Palace, one of the largest waterfront villas on the island.
What makes Elounda Mare very unique, besides the atmosphere and decoration that communicate a strong sense of place, is the fact that all pools in bungalows and villas are very secluded. The hotel has its private sandy beach, receiving the Blue Flag distinction annually for its cleanliness and crystal clear waters, as well as two multi-awarded restaurants; the “Yacht Club” serves creative Mediterranean dishes, and the unique “Old Mill” Cretan Gourmet restaurant. The hotel guests can also visit the internationally acclaimed Ferragamo dining concept “Il Borro Tuscan Bistro” and the contemporary Japanese “Sumosan” located at the sister property Elounda Peninsula.
Traditional theme nights are prepared every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday introducing the local atmosphere to guests. A unique Six Senses Spa, the largest in Europe, is available throughout the year, along with a 9-hole par-3 golf course located just 300 meters away at the sister property Porto Elounda. The hotel is very popular with members of European royal families, politicians, and business people who like to keep a low profile.