Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort, Elounda, Crete

Dream

Generously proportioned rooms, suites and villas are effortlessly chic with stylish, elegant interiors that invite guests to relax from the moment they set foot inside. Floor-to-ceiling doors introduce an abundance of light and panoramic views of the Mediterranean scenery beyond, as well as leading out to exclusive al fresco spaces. Many rooms boast their own infinity pool, merging seamlessly with Mirabello Bay below, tempting guests out of their room to enjoy refreshing private swims. For the ultimate indulgence and a wealth of additional benefits, choose one of the suites or villas that make up the exclusive Haven Collection.

Eat

An array of exceptional dining venues present authentic, seasonal menus. Start the evening at Arsenali Lounge Bar, as the sky begins to turn from blue to the oranges and reds of a Mediterranean sunset, and take in the views of the Aegean Sea and Spinalonga Island, before moving on to one of the five remarkable restaurants. Farm to table Cretan cuisine is on the menu at Anthós, enjoyed al fresco beside the fragrant organic herb garden, whilst Blue Door presents Greek cuisine from the sea to the plate in a quintessentially Greek Taverna setting. World flavours tickle tastebuds at Asia Deep Blue, with its inventive Asian fusion offering, and at Isola, where pizza and pasta takes centre stage on the authentic Italian menu. Isola Beach Club is a magical beachfront setting both during the day and at night – daybeds, loungers and swings encourage lazy, laidback days and, as the sun dips beneath the horizon, the DJ ups the tempo - the perfect backdrop to sumptuous BBQ food and delectable cocktails.

Play

Chic accommodation at the resort is designed to make guests feel immediately at home, and private infinity pools in many of the rooms encourage private relaxation, but there’s plenty of opportunity for sun-soaking throughout the rest of the resort as well. Lounge on the beach or by the outdoor pool, or order cool cocktails and delicious food from the comfort of a daybed at the olive tree-lined Isola Beach Club.

There’s no better way to discover remote beaches and the rugged Cretan coastline than on the resort’s traditional caique, and the hotel’s Watersports Centre offers a myriad of thrilling options for guests to get active on the waves as well. Back at the resort, wine tasting in the organic garden is a delightful introduction to Greek wine, and a cooking class allows guests to learn some of the island’s cooking secrets. The ‘Therino’ open-air cinema is a lovely way to end the day, relaxing on a lounger with the stars overhead.

Unwind

The Elounda Spa offers a range of treatments including massages, facials and salon services using the Swiss skincare brand, Valmond, and the French spa brand, Cinque Monde. Stunning views towards the neighbouring island of Spinalonga set the scene for pure indulgence, and a relaxation pool, three thalasso pools, two traditional marble Turkish Hammams, saunas, indoor Jacuzzis and a couple's suite, as well as fitness facilities and a spa boutique, complete the experience.

Family

Younger visitors will feel right at home at Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Children from 3 to 12 years of age can enjoy theatrical play, Greek dancing and mythology in the supervised kids' club, whilst teens can splash about in swimming lessons in the pool, on kayaks or canoes, or try their hand at water-skiing, windsurfing and diving. For guaranteed fun for all the family, boat and cultural tours can be arranged, or guests can opt to relax at the spa with a soothing parent and child therapy. The evening open-air cinema is the perfect distraction for little people, whilst parents kick back with a refreshing cocktail.