Although it’s part of the Small Luxury Hotels group, Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites does not feel small, though definitely luxurious. The charming 18 villa property set aside a hillside overlooking Elounda in Crete has all the hallmarks of a luxury hideaway – from the privacy to the plush interiors, private pool villas and super smiley staff.
Arriving at night didn’t quite do our one-bedroom Pool Villa justice. Sure, we were impressed by the sheer size of it, over two floors, the huge plush bedroom, Jacuzzi bathtub big enough for three, the sauna and steam room and its own private gym, but it wasn’t until the next morning we were hit with the ‘wow’ view. Looking out over our own terrace, over our own eternity pool, out to the big blue beyond …
The one bedroom villa also came with a top floor living room and kitchen, complete with sleek black granite countertops, dishwasher, kitted out with all the essentials, from a coffee machine to a full size fridge filled with basics like water, Toblerone and Veuve Cliquot. Holiday basics, that is!
The living room is stylish, yet cosy: a big red sofa to lounge on in front of a huge Panasonic flat screen and DVD player – should the weather take a turn for the worse (it didn’t) and of course, that view over the Gulf of Mirabello …
Outside we soon discovered a neatly kept maze of paths bordered by beautiful whitewashed villas, over-enthusiastic fuchsia bougainvillea and spiky cactus plants. Walking down to the breakfast restaurant, Argo, was one thing, coming back up, we had to call on the friendly buggy driver to whisk us back up in. Aside form anything I love a good golf cart ride, as does Junior! And yep, the steep incline back was none too tempting in the unseasonably warm 32C we were treated to on our off-season October visit.
With exercise not really being our thing, we concentrated on the indulgent romantic side of the visit.
Candlelit meals are taken on the patio at Argo, one of three restaurants on site, for a low key evening by the pool, with yet more Big Blue Views, a cool bar with a gentle jazzy soundtrack, cocktails on a menu featuring my favourite Greek dish – grilled lamb chops, severed here with delightful estragon potatoes. The chocolate fondant rocked too.
To push the boat out, the fine dining restaurant above the main one is all linen table clothes and sparkling chandeliers with a gourmet menu but we gave that a miss. It’s not quit the same with a toddler in tow!
The other option for a laid back meal? The resort’s Seven Seas Greek Taverna, a must for the local fare of course, to try classics like Gyros (roasted pork in pitta bread) or Moussaka (aubergine lasagne) and that fabulously tasty Halloumi grilled cheese …
Daytime activities consisted mostly of not doing much. When you have your own pool it’s hard not to spend a fair amount of time lazing by it and coaxing mini into it with self styled swimming lessons. It’s worth noting that off-season, the pools aren’t heated so they can get chilly.
We nose around the resort, and even peek into one of the larger villas, the 4 bedroom 350m² Royal Spa Pool Villa. It’s immaculate, all marble floors, antiques and high-end contemporary luxury finish. The views are absolutely jaw-droppingly beautiful as is the crescent shaped pool with its own Jacuzzi. Of course!
Intrigued by the ‘private beach’ we also hopped in a taxi (Mercedes of course) and made the five-minute excursion via the harbour town of Elounda to the hotel’s beachside villa.
A nifty set up with pristine teak and white sun-loungers, with raffia parasols, overlooking the bay, it was blissfully quiet and really felt like having your very own beach house, with sodas or coffee to boot. Maria, who looked after us there was very smiley and helpful, so it felt like our own home by the beach, with the added bonus of a very accommodating friend who liked to bring out provisions!
Back at the resort, the other Maria (on reception) has become another BFF. She is so full of smiles and so helpful I’m starting to wonder what we’ll do without her when we go home. She’s also taken with our son, as he is with her, and brings him little gifts daily, from an Elounda Gulf Villas baseball cap to a much-treasured set of crayons. Even the cleaner in the villa, an adorable woman with whom we communicate in hand gestures, turns up with a little present on the last day for our boy. The two lion flannels become some of his favourite bath toys, long after we get home. Bless her.
I’m impressed to see this little slice of paradise’s owner, Anna Kadianakis, is really hands on, meeting all her guests in person. She’s ‘in the house’ when we are and stops by for a chat. The secret of her success? “Taking care of the guests and listening to their feedback” – a sound strategy if you ask me. She also tells me that they have a lot of regular visitors, which means they must be doing something right, and it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.
Aside from the guaranteed sunshine (almost) and the beautiful setting, the luxurious pool villas and the private beach, there’s such warmth to this family run boutique hotel, it’s hard saying goodbye, and before you’ve even left, you’re already plotting a return trip.
GETTING THERE
Small Luxury hotels of the World offers stays at Elounda Gulf Villas from £187 per night B&B based on two people sharing a one bedroom suite with se view / www.slh.com / 0800 0482 314