Elounda Gulf Villas

Eating

If you’re staying in the suites, a buffet breakfast is included. If you are villa guests, you have the option of taking it privately or raiding the buffet, as you prefer. Being served an organic breakfast with locally sourced ingredients in a glass-walled room overlooking the sea is, well, wonderful. So much so, you might be tempted to ask the butler to return for the evening meal. Or at least to shop for it and stand by, while you attempt taramasalata in the gleaming kitchen. Easier still, you can hire a chef to sort that out for you. High on romance, they’ll even set up candlelight and throw fresh flowers in your pool if you ask – nothing is too much.

Alternatively, join other guests at the hotel's Argo Restaurant – the candlelit tables by the pool are atmospheric and the food, thought not cheap, is very good, a cut above the fare in the touristy Elounda town restaurants. Try the fish soup for starters and the loukoumades (sweet bread doughnuts) to finish, both traditional Cretan dishes served alongside more trendy Med offerings such as mushroom risotto with pine kernels and parmesan or pork fillet in honey and sweet wine from Samos. There’s a children’s menu and the occasional mezé evening.

Ask your waiter to recommend a bottle from the outstanding wine list, which includes several astronomically priced French vintages, and of course champagne (this is the sort of place you drink it for breakfast). Round off with a nightcap at the adjoining Argonauts bar and stroll home. It’s not far.

On Argo’s rooftop veranda, Daphni serves creative gourmet cuisine and affords stunning views over the bay. It is open alternate nights for dinner only, and can be reserved for private dining and celebrations.

For more choice, it's a short drive into Elounda, which has a huge choice of restaurants and bars. Favourites include The Ferryman on the waterside (try their slow cooked lamb and the stuffed vine leaves) and Lotus Eaters for seafood (the grilled prawns, steamed sea bass with soy and ginger and peppered steak all come recommended). A good budget option is Vacchus, which serves simple homely fare like gigantes (butter beans) and pork chops at unbeatable prices.