Elounda Mare Hotel
Elounda | Crete (Heraklion Area)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overlooking the impossibly blue Mirabello Bay, Elounda Mare Hotel is a refined Cretan retreat where low-rise bungalows, fragrant gardens and stone pathways tumble gently down to a private stretch of beach. New to the UK package market for summer 2025 yet long established in luxury circles, this gracious hideaway blends Relais & Châteaux-style gastronomy, discreet service and family-friendly facilities, with access to a superb spa and golf course across the wider Elounda Collection estate.
Classic Greek architecture, pine-framed views and the glittering Mirabello Bay set the scene at Elounda Mare Hotel. Meander past stone walls and olive trees to the hotel’s private section of beach, linger over tasting menus and local vintages, or retreat to your own bungalow or villa with private pool. With a dine-around concept, thoughtful children’s programme and access to superb spa and golf facilities in the sister resorts, it’s a polished yet unpretentious base for couples and families who like their luxury low-key and genuinely Mediterranean.
For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s charm without the crowds, Elounda Mare Hotel delivers the perfect balance. It’s approximately 2 hours 45 minutes from Heraklion (HER) airport. See more Greece holidays.
Hotel Overview | Elounda Mare Hotel
Highlights
🆕 New to our programme for Summer 2025
🏖️ Private section of sandy beach on Mirabello Bay
🏊 Great range of facilities including pools, spa access and golf
🌅 Panoramic sea views from many rooms, terraces and restaurants
🍽️ Dine-around concept with outstanding Greek, Italian & Japanese options
📶 Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rating and Board
Official rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rooms: 83 | Blocks: 36 | Floors: 6 | Lifts: 2
Board options: Bed & Breakfast, Half Board
Child age: up to 11 years
Minimum check-in age: 18 years for lead guest
Location | Elounda Mare Hotel
Location
Elounda Mare Hotel occupies a privileged position on Crete’s north-east coast, just outside the laid-back resort of Elounda. Terraced gardens cascade gently down towards a sheltered, private section of sand-and-shingle beach lapped by the calm waters of Mirabello Bay – perfect for swimming, paddling and watersports.
The pretty harbour town of Elounda, with its tavernas and sea-facing cafés, is a short taxi ride away, while the livelier nightlife and shopping of Agios Nikolaos sit a little further along the coast. Boat trips to historic Spinalonga Island and day trips into Crete’s mountain villages are easy to arrange from here, giving you the choice between slow, sea-view days and culture-rich excursions.
Distances and Transfers
• Direct access to a private section of beach
• 900m to the nearest bars and restaurants
• 2km to Elounda resort centre
• Easy access by boat to Spinalonga Island (locally bookable)
Approx. transfer time from airport: 2 hours 45 minutes
Map
Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
Facilities and Rooms | Elounda Mare Hotel
Restaurants and Bars
Dining is a real highlight at Elounda Mare Hotel thanks to the Elounda Collection’s dine-around concept and a clutch of excellent à la carte venues.
At the heart of the hotel, Deck Restaurant serves Greek and Mediterranean flavours for buffet breakfast and dinner, with a mix of classic dishes, live-cooking and options for younger palates.
By day, Elies Beach House keeps things relaxed with creative Greek and local dishes right by the pool and beach. For summer 2025, renowned nutritionist and Sunday Times best-selling author Emily English curates exclusive menus here, blending nourishing ingredients with vibrant Cretan flavours for health-conscious foodies.
As the sun dips, you can head to:
• Yacht Club – elegant Greek cuisine for lunch and dinner on a lovely sea-facing terrace.
• Old Mill – refined Cretan fine dining in atmospheric stone surroundings.
• Il Borro Tuscan Bistro – Italian classics on the beach at neighbouring Porto Elounda.
• Sumosan – contemporary Japanese dishes in a sleek, bayside setting.
• Nafsika – buffet dinners with international and Greek options at the sister property.
Two bars complete the picture: a chilled Beach Bar for daytime refreshments and sunset cocktails, and the stylish Karavia Lobby Bar for pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps.
A smart dress code applies in many venues and some restaurants require reservations or carry a supplement depending on your board basis; details can change seasonally, so check the latest on arrival.
Pool Areas and Beach
Water is never far away at Elounda Mare Hotel.
The hotel features two outdoor saltwater pools, including:
• A main outdoor saltwater pool with generous sunbathing terrace, sunbeds and parasols.
• A separate children’s saltwater pool with sunbeds, parasols and baby-changing facilities close by.
Pool towels are complimentary, so you can travel lighter.
Just beyond the gardens lies the hotel’s private section of beach, a gentle sand-and-shingle cove ideal for swimming and snorkelling in the calm bay. A watersports centre (run by an external provider) offers canoeing, pedalos, motorised water sports, giant inflatables, scuba diving and snorkelling for an extra charge, typically available during the main summer season and weather permitting.
Spa, Sports and Other Facilities
Staying at Elounda Mare Hotel gives you access to an impressive line-up of wellness, sport and leisure facilities, many shared with the wider Elounda Collection.
Sport & fitness
• Air-conditioned gym with cardio machines, free weights and stretching zone (approx. 07:00–21:00)
• Golf course with on-site clubhouse at neighbouring Porto Elounda (reservation required, extra charge, min. age 18)
• Activities such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, basketball, football, paddle, pilates, table tennis, tennis and yoga (some with extra charge)
Spa & beauty
Guests can make use of a dedicated spa area in the sister properties Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort (charges apply), typically including:
• Sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and whirlpool
• A wide menu of massages, facials and body treatments
• On-site hairdresser and beauty salon services
Entertainment & experiences
• Daily daytime entertainment (approx. mid-May to early November), often including family activities and light games
• Daily evening entertainment (approx. mid-May to early November) such as in-house shows, live music and DJ sets
For something different, look out for the “Life in a Virtual Paradise” programme on selected dates in May, July and August, with immersive VR games, challenges and laser-tag style adventures tailored to families and older children (reservations may be required; games typically played in groups of 1–6).
Facilities, schedules and charges can vary by season and occupancy; the hotel team can share the latest programme when you arrive.
Rooms
Superior Room with Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 2
Elegant, light-filled room with furnished balcony or terrace framing beautiful sea views. Amenities typically include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safety deposit box, bathrobe and slippers, DVD player, hairdryer, ironing board and iron, coffee and tea-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), shower bathroom, air-conditioning and daily cleaning with regular linen and towel changes.
Twin Room with Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 2
Comfortable twin-bedded room with similar facilities to the Superior Room and sweeping views over Mirabello Bay from a private balcony or terrace.
One Bedroom Suite with Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 3
Ideal for couples wanting extra space or small families. Features a separate bedroom and living area plus sea-view balcony or terrace. Facilities include flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, bathrobe and slippers, DVD player, hairdryer, ironing board and iron, coffee and tea-making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), bathroom with bath and shower attachment, air-conditioning and turndown service.
Superior One Bedroom Suite with Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 4
More spacious than the standard suite, with separate bedroom and lounge, two bathrooms (each with bath and shower attachment) and extended outdoor space for enjoying those sea views.
Superior Two Bedroom Suite with Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 5
Great for larger families or couples travelling together. Two bedrooms and a living area are complemented by three bathrooms (mix of bath, separate shower and shower-over-bath), plus a balcony or terrace with wide sea views.
Deluxe Bungalow with Private Pool and Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 3
Set within the gardens, these charming stone bungalows offer a private seawater pool and terrace overlooking the bay. Inside, expect all the hotel comforts – flat-screen TV, Wi‑Fi, safe, coffee facilities, minibar (charge), bath and separate shower – alongside bathrobe and slippers, DVD player, hairdryer, ironing facilities, air-conditioning and daily maid service with turndown.
Superior Bungalow with Private Pool and Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 3
An elevated take on the Deluxe Bungalow with an even more generous layout and refined décor, plus your own private pool and terrace gazing out over Mirabello Bay.
Royalty One Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 4
Perfect for honeymoons or special occasions, these villas feature a separate bedroom and lounge, two bathrooms with bath and separate shower, and a private seawater pool with large sun terrace. Service is elevated with thoughtful extras and turndown.
Royalty King Asterios Two Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and Sea View
Sleeps: min 2, max 5
A signature villa option for families and friends, combining two bedrooms, a generous living area, two bathrooms (each with bath and separate shower) and a spacious terrace with private seawater pool and panoramic bay views.
All accommodation types benefit from air-conditioning, Wi‑Fi, daily housekeeping with linen and towel changes, bathrobe and slippers, coffee-making facilities and turndown service as standard.
*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.
Activities & Experiences
Hotel Activities
⚽ Multi-sports programme including basketball & football
🏓 Table tennis & paddle
🎾 Tennis (reservation & charge may apply)
🏌️ Golf at Porto Elounda’s course (extra charge; min age 18)
🧘 Yoga, pilates, aerobics & aqua aerobics (selected sessions chargeable)
🌊 Watersports: canoeing, pedalos, motorised sports, inflatables, scuba & snorkelling (external provider, extra charge)
🎮 Seasonal “Life in a Virtual Paradise” VR experiences for families (selected months)
🎤 Daily entertainment programme with live music, shows and DJ sets (seasonal)
Guest Services
🛎️ 24-hour reception and concierge
💼 Luggage storage
👶 Equipment hire including bottle warmers, kettles, pushchairs and wheelchairs (some items at extra charge)
💱 Currency exchange and access to English-language newspapers (charge)
🚼 Crèche (4 months–4 years) and kids’ club (5–12 years) with supervised activities, indoor play area and outdoor playground
🏖️ Complimentary pool and beach towels
💇 On-site hairdresser and beauty services within the estate (extra charge)
♿ Motorised scooter charging points (extra charge)
Services and opening times can vary by season; the hotel will confirm full details on arrival.
Practical Info
Local area & essentials
• Resort: Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece
• Language: Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time difference: GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 in summer)
• Average UK flight time to Heraklion (HER): around 4.5 hours
Destination tips
Elounda is known for its laid-back waterfront tavernas, pretty fishing harbour and easy boat trips to historic Spinalonga Island. Nearby beaches offer a mix of soft sand and pebbles with clear, sheltered waters that are ideal for families. Inland, traditional mountain villages and scenic drives showcase another side of Crete beyond the coast.
Good to know
• This hotel welcomes families, with child age up to 11 years.
• Some facilities and services (including the spa, golf course, certain restaurants, VR experiences and watersports) are shared with nearby sister properties and may incur an extra charge, require reservations or operate seasonally.
• Local charges may apply for some amenities and activities; details are available locally.
For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.
Prices and Book | Elounda Mare Hotel
Elounda Mare Hotel Prices & Book
Choose your dates in the search box for live availability and offers. Book with low deposits. ATOL Protected.
FAQs | Elounda Mare Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Elounda Mare Hotel on the beach?
Yes. Elounda Mare Hotel enjoys direct access to a private section of beach on Mirabello Bay. Guests can walk down through the gardens to reach the sand-and-shingle shoreline, where sunbeds and parasols are typically available along with a beach bar and watersports (the latter at extra charge and run by an external provider).
2. Is Elounda Mare Hotel suitable for families with children?
Very much so. The hotel offers a children’s saltwater pool, a kids’ club for ages 5–12, an indoor play area, an outdoor playground and a crèche for babies and toddlers from 4 months to 4 years (additional charges apply for the crèche). Several restaurants feature children’s menus and highchairs, and family-friendly suites and villas provide extra space.
3. What board options can I book at Elounda Mare Hotel?
You can book Elounda Mare Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis. Half Board includes buffet-style breakfast at Deck Restaurant and, depending on dates, buffet or set-menu dinners at selected restaurants on the estate. Guests also benefit from a dine-around credit that can be used towards food in certain à la carte venues, subject to availability, reservations and any supplements.
4. Does Elounda Mare Hotel offer spa and wellness facilities?
Yes. While there is no large standalone spa building within Elounda Mare itself, guests have access to a comprehensive spa offering located in the neighbouring Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort and Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort. Facilities usually include sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool, massage cabins, beauty treatments and a hairdresser (all at extra charge). An air-conditioned gym is also available on site.
5. How far is Elounda Mare Hotel from Elounda resort centre?
Elounda Mare Hotel is approximately 2km from Elounda resort centre. It is a short taxi ride or a longer walk, and from the harbour you can join boat trips to Spinalonga Island or simply enjoy the waterfront tavernas and cafés.
6. Are there private pool rooms or villas at Elounda Mare Hotel?
Yes, a signature feature of Elounda Mare is its collection of bungalows and villas with private seawater pools and sea views. Options include Deluxe and Superior Bungalows with Private Pool and Sea View, Royalty One Bedroom Villas and the Royalty King Asterios Two Bedroom Villa. These are ideal for added privacy and space.
7. What is the dress code at the restaurants?
Most restaurants at Elounda Mare Hotel and its sister properties operate a smart-casual dress code, particularly at dinner. Beachwear and sportswear are generally not permitted in the evening, and guests are encouraged to wear tailored shorts or trousers, collared shirts and appropriate footwear. Exact requirements can vary by restaurant and season.
8. Is Wi‑Fi available at Elounda Mare Hotel?
Yes, complimentary Wi‑Fi is available throughout the hotel, including in guest rooms and most public areas. Speed and coverage may vary in some outdoor spaces.
9. How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda Mare Hotel?
The transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Elounda Mare Hotel is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes by coach, depending on traffic and the number of stops en route. Private transfers are usually faster and can be arranged at the time of booking or on request.















