I do now know where to start as this place exceeded by far all my expectations. This was the first time we were taking the plane to travel to a ‘faraway’ place (we are based in Switzerland) and did not know what to expect. We took the taxi from the Heraklion airport and for to the resort. We were immediately welcomed and offered a glass of sparkling wine and juice for the kids. The check in was done in the lounge on the sofas and everything was very smooth. We then were escorted to our rooms and our luggage arrived shortly after. The rooms are spacious and the spa wing where we were was very lovely. The furniture was a bit outdated but in the big scheme of things that was not a factor that negatively impacted us. The bed was comfortable, the toiletries were very nice and the housekeeping was phenomenal. Speaking of phenomenal, we had half board and the choice was ample (at dinner one Greek restaurant, one Italian and one gourmet fusion). Breakfast was also very good and many choices as well. The Veghera bar is worth a very special mention as this is the place where we would go regularity to every evening at 6pm for sunset drinks and then we would return after dinner. Yannis is one of the best and most welcoming bartenders I have ever met and the setting is spectacular overlooking the sea and the beach. The beach is really nice, fine sand and the water is crystal clear despite the wind that constantly blows in Crete. The beach service was also very efficient and the sun beds were disinfected every day. We felt very safe and good at this place! Great for honeymoons, families with or without kids, singles.....The service is really good throughout the resort and it is a place where one can definitely come back to as it has everything. A small mini shop where you can find newspapers, medication, beach stuff, souvenirs, more luxury stores for jewelry, clothing and others.. there is even a small Greek Orthodox Church in the middle of the square! I was quite apprehensive about COVID and safety as I was traveling with children but from the moment we arrived and until we left we could not feel safer and happier. A huge congratulations to Mr. Eduardo Sgubin and his entire team for such a perfect resort! I have been to many places and stayed at very nice proprieties throughout the world but Elounda Beach is probably the one that I could almost call home. I will attach a few pictures as well but my recommendation would be for all of you to leave your gears behind, go to Crete and when you do stay at the Elounda Beach- you will not be disappointed!!!!!

We visited the hotel for 5 nights, we would love to have stayed longer and hope to return. We had booked a standard bungalow, when we arrived we were told that we had been upgraded to a newly decorated and refurbished superior sea view bungalow. What a lovely surprise, we were escorted to our accommodation and it certainly had the wow factor, a beautiful veranda with a settee and armchair plus a table and chairs. Once inside we found a very spacious light and airy room, beautifully decorated and with one of the largest bathrooms that I have ever seen, sunken bath, double sink, separate WC and a large enclosed shower that looked like a sauna, with a rain shower, hand shower and two side jets it was very decadent. We were able to walk into town in the evening and sample the numerous restaurants, we had lunch in the hotel but were a little disappointed in the menu at the beach bar, I had a toasted sandwich that was decidedly average given how much it cost, we ate in the Italian restaurant for lunch the next day, although there was limited choice for a light lunch we shared a pizza and salad which was of a much higher standard. We had breakfast every morning which was good and the staff were always very friendly and attentive, the chef preparing eggs was also very cheerful and accommodating. We visited the spa for a massage which was a real treat. The spa is in a tranquil setting with an outdoor pool where we were made to feel very welcome.

We are just back from our annual hotel to this great hotel and as always we wondered why we hadn't stayed an extra week . We have been coming for over 20 years and are already planning for next year. For anyone who hasn't heard of this hotel it is an absolute gem. The staff are so well trained and couldn't do enough for the guests . I am not going to list them out but they make the holiday for us. The food is excellent for all meals. Half board is great value and there are many restaurants to dine in from the Greek to the Taverna , the Italian and the Polynesian and finally the Sea Food restaurant. All serve delicious food in great settings. There are many different types of rooms to choose from. Most have been renovated and even the one's that haven't are very comfortable. The renovated rooms and bungalows are as good as any rooms you would find in a top class hotel. The beach area is not huge but very well managed and although the hotel is quite large there is never a problem getting a bed or fresh towels. For anybody who feels like a pool instead of the beach there is a fabulous pool in a very peaceful setting with a sensational view. The village of Elounda is only down the road and it has some lovely restaurants, our favourite is the Loutus Eaters and it is particularly good for lunch. Agios Nikolaos is about 10 minutes in a taxi and well worth a visit. Great for shopping. Thanks Maria Sarafi and Andie Argiraki for making this holiday particularly enjoyable.