The Greek island resort for doing everything – or nothing

Words: Harriet Cooper

Teens, toddlers, grandparents, honeymooners… It’s harder than you think to find a hotel that can satisfy everyone. While some guests like to keep up with their exercise regime or immerse themselves in local culture when they’re away, others are firmly on hol-i-day, which means, well, doing not a lot. Long lunches, maybe a massage… And then there are the low-boredom-threshold kids, an audience that’s notoriously hard to please. Things we all want? Sunshine, smiling service, to catch up on sleep. Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort, on the coast of Crete, meets every criteria. In fact, thanks to its proximity to its two sister resorts and their amenities, it goes above and beyond. Whether you’re a holiday ‘doer’ or a ‘chiller’, here’s why this Greek beach retreat is the ultimate people-pleaser.

FOR THE DOERS…

Water, water everywhere

Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort certainly makes a splash, commanding prime position on a private peninsula in Mirabello Bay, on Crete’s northeast coast. The Aegean is calm and clear as glass in this sheltered cove, an invitation to jump straight off the jetty for a snorkel and, if you’re lucky, spotting wrasses, damselfish and maybe an octopus or two. For a deeper dive, there’s a PADI-certified scuba diving centre, and the water sports team can arrange anything from windsurfing and mono-skiing to pedal boats and a private sailboat trip. 

Have a ball

Racquet sports-loving guests are in for an ace time, with two tennis courts, a padel and a pickleball court, plus LUX Tennis coaches offering lessons and group clinics. Or tee off at the private nine-hole par-three course at Porto Elounda Golf Club, where the greens and fairways are flanked by a sparkling sea. New to the links? Borrow clubs from the Pro Shop and book in with one of the PGA professionals. Meanwhile, Valencia FC’s youth academy will immerse football-mad kids in the beautiful game. 

Step up the step count

Whether you’re a cardio devotee or a yogi, pack your activewear to work up a sweat in the sleek new Fitness Centre. Boost your BPM in the gym – all state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, dark wood and mirrors – or go slow in the light-filled yoga room and the Pilates studio, which features Allegro 2 and Cadillac reformers. If you prefer the outdoors, the resident PT can build beach circuits and hill running or TRX and kettlebells into your personalised fresh-air fitness regime. 

Child’s play

As any holidaying parent knows, a kids’ club can be a lifeline. While you’re brushing up your serve/souvenir shopping/hiking, little ones can burn energy elsewhere. Purpose-built Kid’s Ark is designed to keep five-to-12-year-olds happy (there’s a crèche for babies and toddlers) with pools and slides, play areas, a vegetable garden to tend and activities such as treasure hunts and Greek dancing lessons. Teens will feel seen, too, with a dedicated space for their entertainment. 

FOR THE CHILLERS… 

The luxury of lounging

When a beach is the first thing you wake up to, why wouldn’t you set up camp on the golden sand for the day? Elounda’s has Blue Flag status (meaning it’s clean and safe) with gentle shallows that are ideal for little ones. The hotel’s saltwater swimming pool is the talk of Crete – it’s the largest on the island – heated out of season to a balmy 27°C, with hydro-massage areas, easy-access steps and submerged loungers? This is just the place to float, then flop, again and again. 

From spa to aah

There is an argument to be made for never leaving the resort’s holistic-meets-high-tech Six Senses Spa. The heat and water experiences are extensive, with indoor-outdoor thalassotherapy pools, hydrotherapy, a Roman steam bath, caldarium, hot tubs and saunas. Recalibrate with botanical massages, Ayurvedic therapy or a science-backed facial in one of the 23 treatment rooms. Alternatively, go for an all-out health MOT with a wellness screening, nutrition management or weight consultation. 

The food of love

There’s a saying in Greek kitchens that ‘good food needs heart and soul’, and Elounda serves both. Start the day at Calypso, while sun-dappled lunches at Elies Beach House lean into locality and seasonality. As dusk falls, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro buzzes with foodies who can’t get enough of the fresh, organic ingredients from the Ferragamo family estate, and Sumosan is for starlit sushi and sashimi. You can dine in the neighbouring sister hotels, too, with complimentary sea transfers whisking you to and fro. 

Suite sensation

The whitewashed and rustic stone resort offers either suites or villas, many beneath living roofs, their light, bright décor upscaled by marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors that frame the sandy cove, the bay or the gardens. Even the entry-level accommodation feels spacious, with a split-level sitting area and balcony, while others have private heated saltwater pools. Or dial up the Greek chic in one of the Peninsula Collection Suites or Presidential Villas. 

Book your holiday

All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include a generous checked baggage allowance and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your holiday at Elounda Peninsula Luxury Resort with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits.