There’s a boat that sits quietly across the bay in Elounda, a classic two-masted sailing yacht with a deep blue hull that mirrors the water and echoes the colours of the Greek flag. Moored at the end of the dock beside a row of sunbeds, its polished woodwork catches the light, inviting guests to pause and admire its beauty. It becomes a focal point throughout my stay on the Elounda property. Some days it appears like a painting; others, it slips into motion, the lapping of waves carrying guests on private overnight journeys to Santorini or softly skimming the waters between Crete and her thirty-five neighbouring islands. But like everything at the Elounda Collection, this backdrop is more than just part of the scenery, it is part of its deeper story, one I am drawn to every time I visit Greece.
To understand Elounda’s story, you have to see it as more than a small fishing village on Crete’s northern coast. Once a quiet harbour for sponge divers and salt traders, it has grown into a destination where history and modern luxury meet. The old stone pathways still lead down to the sea, just as they did centuries ago. Yet today they carry you past elegant suites, fragrant gardens and terraces that open to the endless blue of the Mirabello Bay.
To really understand the richness of this land, we begin with a glass, poured generously. Seated in a cool tasting room lined with bottles of some of Greece’s best wines, we are informed that it is less about pairing the notes and more about anchoring yourself in the place. Swirling the glass, you notice the profile of the wine: a bold blend of Cotsifali and Mandilari, native grapes known for their sun-soaked richness and elevated alcohol content.
“Wine needs a table and stories to tell,” our sommelier says, opening the evening with a line that lingers long after his final pour. We work our way through five wines, from crisp whites down to sun-warmed reds. Tasting from across the island and from the smaller islands that orbit it. There are over thirty-five micro-islands scattered like forgotten jewels around Crete, and many of the bottles we try are crafted from vines grown there, each with its own geological fingerprint and story. The Greek islands are known for their produce, be it wine, olive oil or honey. There is an appreciation for this rich harvest, something the Elounda Collection also captures in its properties and restaurants onsite. The collection heightens this sensory experience across its three family-owned resorts, Elounda Mare, Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort, and Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort, each gracefully threaded along the coastline.
Elounda Mare was built first and is still arguably the soul of the collection. Pathways and stone-washed walls covered in vegetation curve towards the private villas. White chapels can also be explored here, each one named after a member of the Kokotos family. Well, almost all. Three children, two chapels. The third sibling, not named in chapel form.
There is a unique history here, not just in the buildings, but in the memory as a holiday destination for generations. My grandparents stayed at Elounda Mare in the early 1980s, long before the wellness retreats and branded menus. Finding their way to this resort, drawn in by the same Mediterranean warmth, glittering water and the promise of somewhere peaceful to unwind. Now, decades later, I am walking the same paths, wine in hand, the air filled with oregano and thyme on my way to dinner at Old Mill, a Cretan fusion restaurant
At the Elounda Peninsula, each suite is designed to offer a sense of effortless luxury and privacy. A spacious sunken living room anchors the interior as you open the door, leading you directly onto a private terrace complete with sunbeds and a dining area. An inviting swimming pool and steps cascade down the rocky edge to a secluded viewing point with more sunbeds, closer to the ocean below.
Inside, the layout is both functional and spacious, with a generous dining area, ample wardrobe space, two marble-lined bathrooms, and a dedicated dressing room that all contribute to its residential feel. The bedroom is intentionally separated from the main living space, allowing for greater serenity and privacy. Throughout, natural materials such as light timber and pale stone reflect the coastal surroundings and enhance the calming atmosphere. These suites feel more like private villa bungalows, where the view of the bay is uninterrupted and ever-present and can be taken in fully from your bed, your bath and the living area.
Though the spirit of Elounda is anchored in tradition, the collection knows how to evolve, and its 2025 collaborations are evidence of this. At Elies Beach House, located at Porto Elounda, social media favourite Emily English (@emthenutritionist) has curated a menu that draws in a new generation of wellness-minded travellers. It is the kind of food that leaves you feeling good, beautiful, vibrant, and deceptively simple dishes that satisfy your lunchtime cravings. Light Mediterranean plates built around fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the main components of its success. Think heirloom tomatoes, citrus-dressed grains, rich and creamy feta cheese that crumbles as you cut into it, local fish and crispy chickpeas that are lovingly scattered across The Glow Bowl.
The collaboration not only modernises the culinary offering, it signals a shift toward wellness-led dining on holiday. A table at Elies leaves you feeling satisfied yet energised, ready to hit the tennis courts or pool in the afternoon. For guests who know Emily’s work, it is a chance to taste the signature flavours she celebrates on her feed, in the setting they were made for.
The Elounda Collection is proof that growth can lead to new legacy. Porto Elounda, with its golf course and fitness retreats, appeals to active luxury seekers. Elounda Peninsula leans further into intricate design for those wanting private spaces like pools and terraces, curated dining such as the soon-to-be-refreshed Sumosan, and facilities like a games room and splash pool for children. New wellness facilities have further expanded the spa experience across all three hotels, so relaxation is always a top priority.
The Elounda Collection invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in a world where every moment is infused with the beauty of the land, the freshest local flavours, and the warm, unforgettable spirit of Greek hospitality.
