Elounda Gulf Villas
Elounda, Crete
Press Reviews
Conde Nast Traveller (UK), August 2010
"Once a small fishing village, Elounda, on the north-east coast,
has retained many of its traditional charms; and is now home to
Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites. This five-star resort stands on a
hillside overlooking both mountains and sea, and is an ideal base
from which to explore the island, stopping off for refreshment at
one of the many local tavernas. But you may prefer simply to relax
by the pool or at the Elixir Spa and dine at one of the resort's
excellent restaurants: the veranda of Daphni is a particularly good
place for an alfresco supper while watching the sun dip below the
horizon."
The Telegraph, March 2009
"Elounda Gulf Villas in Crete is new Greece, where life is viewed
over the lip of an infinity pool – your own pool, because
every villa has one, as well as a whirlpool bath and an extravagant
kitchen. Some have private saunas and gyms. All this comes with
hot-and-cold running butlers and knockout views over the Gulf of
Mirabello. And if you are on a budget there is always a
suite."
Conde Nast Traveler (US)
"Many hotels claim that your every wish is their command,
particularly if you have the potential to be a generous tipper. But
the Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites may be the only one that will,
upon request, fill your private pool with either fresh or salt
water. Not everything here is perfect—which is to say that
the 18-villa, ten-suite property is not on the sea but on a hill
overlooking Mirabello Bay. But beyond that shortcoming, if you
consider it one, it's hard to imagine another property in Greece
that does a better job of making guests feel the world is theirs.
Once you've tired of the pool, for instance, you can spend some
time in your private gym, or if you've already eaten at the hotel's
restaurant, have a chef come in to prepare a meal—with or
without salt."
The Independent, May 2008
"Despite their sleek appearance, the villas are still run as a
family affair by owner Anna and her daughter Charitini, which
probably accounts for the homely welcome. They had thought of
everything: milk and other essentials were in the fridge and a
delicious Cretan spread was laid out. The 'serviced villa' concept
works brilliantly, with all the space, privacy and feeling-at-home
aspects of a villa, plus the facilities of a good hotel. The care
and attention to detail given to the villas has also been given to
the suites: they are all immaculately equipped."
The Guardian
“The ultimate in luxury hotels: all the villas have their own
pool and Jacuzzi, and the presidential and executive villas boast
their own sauna and gym. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of
the stunning views, and the interiors include marble-lined
bathrooms with trompe l'oeil ceilings and antique furniture. Cretan
and international dishes are available at the à la carte
restaurant.”
Tatler
“Passionate hotel-keeping to the factor of 10. Nothing seems
too much trouble for owner Anna Kadianakis. If you don't want
saltwater in your infinity-edge pool, she'll change it to
freshwater. Probably Evian. Elounda Gulf Villas, designed by her
husband Dimitris, is an ingenious hybrid of a villa hotel. The
villas cling to the cliffside overlooking the Gulf of Mirabello;
they are private and beautifully equipped. Smallbone-like kitchens
come as standard (cook and shop for yourself or be cooked and
shopped for), and the Royal Villa has an olive grove.”
Guest Reviews
Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.
“A wonderful hotel. The staff were amazingly friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. All making a very relaxing holiday.”
madelon, United Kingdom (02.10.10)
