Elounda Gulf Villas

Elounda_Gulf_Villas
Elounda Gulf Villas

Elounda Gulf Villas

Perfect for honeymoons and special celebrations Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World Peaceful hillside setting with sweeping sea views Mirabello Bay panoramas from many suites and villas Villas and suites with private pool options Free Wi-Fi throughout

Official rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Board options Bed and Breakfast, Half Board
Child age up to 12 years
Suites & villas 33 (no lifts; hillside setting)

Overview

 
Elounda Gulf Villas is where discreet five-star luxury meets the warmth of a genuinely family-run Cretan hideaway. Perched on a tranquil hillside above Elounda, this member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World combines sweeping Mirabello Bay views with tailored service, refined pool villas (many with private pools), and a chic private beach club reachable by complimentary shuttle. Expect Argo Restaurant\u2019s creative Greek cuisine, an elegant lounge bar, a serene saltwater pool and the soothing Elixir Spa \u2013 all wrapped in a calm, villa-style estate that feels more private residence than resort.

Wake up to sapphire Mirabello Bay views, pad out to your terrace for a private dip, then drift between the saltwater pool, spa and beach club shuttle. Elounda Gulf Villas feels delightfully intimate, with just 33 suites and villas scattered across manicured hillside gardens. Service is polished yet personal, dining is gourmet Greek with a contemporary twist, and curated experiences \u2013 from meze lunches to sunset cocktails \u2013 make this a standout choice for honeymoons and special-occasion escapes to Crete.\u00a0 For couples and families seeking Crete (Heraklion Area)’s softer, more scenic side, Elounda Gulf Villas delivers a luxurious yet low-key base. It\u2019s around 1 hour from Heraklion Airport (HER) with hillside views, a serene spa and a private beach club a short shuttle away. See more Greece holidays.

Map & location


Elounda, Crete (Heraklion Area), Greece

Set on a quiet hillside above Elounda, Elounda Gulf Villas feels wonderfully tucked away yet within easy reach of the area\u2019s beaches and tavernas. Golden sands line nearby Elounda Beach, while peaceful Driros Beach and pebbly Plaka Beach are a short drive away for a change of scenery.

From the resort, you can cruise across to historic Spinalonga Island, a former Venetian fortress and leper colony, or explore the ruins of ancient Olous beneath the clear waters between the islands on calm days. Evenings can be as low-key or as lively as you like, with Elounda\u2019s waterfront tavernas and bars just a few kilometres away.

  • Elounda resort centre 3km
  • beaches (Elounda area) short drive
  • Hotel private Beach Club daily shuttle 10:00–18:00
  • Approx. transfer time from airport 1 Hour from Heraklion (HER)
  • Time difference from UK +2 hours
  • Currency Euro (€)
  • Language Greek

Facilities

Pool & outdoors


The resort\u2019s main outdoor saltwater pool is a tranquil focal point, flanked by cushioned sunbeds and parasols with a whirlpool section for leisurely soaks. Pool towels are complimentary, so you can travel lighter.

While Elounda Gulf Villas is hillside rather than beachfront, its private Beach Club more than makes up for it. A complimentary shuttle runs daily between 10:00 and 18:00, whisking you down to a stylish spot by the sea with loungers, parasols and access to non-motorised and motorised water sports (most activities chargeable and run by an external provider). It\u2019s the best of both worlds: peaceful elevated views at the hotel and easy beach days on demand.

Spa, sports & wellness


Wellness takes centre stage at the Elixir spa gallery, which features a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool and a menu of indulgent massage and beauty treatments (minimum age 12 years for spa facilities; treatments incur additional charges).

Active guests are well catered for with an air-conditioned gym equipped with cardio machines and free weights (typically open 08:00–22:00 in season), plus a roster of instructor-led sessions such as aerobics, aqua aerobics, dance classes, pilates and yoga (usually with a supplement).

Evenings may see occasional entertainment between roughly May and October, including live music and DJ sets that still respect the resort\u2019s relaxed, boutique ambiance. Practical touches like concierge-style reception and luggage storage round out a polished but personal service offering.

Activities


? Main outdoor saltwater pool with whirlpool
?️ Relaxed days at the private Beach Club (shuttle included)
? Water sports at the beach club: canoeing, kayaking, pedalos, snorkelling and motorised options (run by external company; charges apply; minimum age usually 12+)
? Instructor-led classes including aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, yoga and dance (seasonal, often with a supplement)
? Occasional evening entertainment between roughly late May and late October, including live music and DJ sessions that complement the resort\u2019s chilled atmosphere

Guest services


?️ Reception with concierge-style assistance and luggage storage
? Elixir spa gallery with sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool and massage treatments (12+; charges apply)
? Air-conditioned gym with cardio equipment and free weights
? Cool Kids Club (4\u201112 years) offering arts & crafts, sports, movie nights, story time, food-based activities, drama, music and games consoles (seasonal)
? Cool Cr\u00e8che Club (4 months\u20114 years) with soft play, TV/DVD, changing and feeding facilities, sleeping area and toys (seasonal; charges may apply)
? Children\u2019s playground with swings, slides and shaded areas (age/height restrictions may apply)
? Daily housekeeping and regular towel changes across suites and villas
? Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

Food & drink

Argo \u00c0 La Carte Restaurant is the culinary heart of Elounda Gulf Villas, serving imaginative international, Greek and local dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Expect refined takes on Cretan classics, seafood fresh from the bay and a thoughtful wine list enjoyed beside the pool with far-reaching views.

The stylish Argo Bar and lounge, also poolside, shakes up signature cocktails and pours local, international and premium drinks from morning until late, ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a relaxed nightcap under the stars.

A smart dress code usually applies in the evenings (no beachwear; gentlemen may be asked to wear long trousers), and reservations may be required for peak times. Menus, opening days and times can vary seasonally, and supplements may apply depending on your chosen board basis.

Rooms
One Bedroom Imperial Spa Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 3, maximum 3
A romantic choice with plenty of privacy, this villa pairs a private swimming pool and terrace with its own spa-style bathroom featuring a bath and separate shower. A fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, full cooker, microwave, oven, toaster, sandwich maker, coffee maker, kettle) and washing machine make longer stays effortless. Amenities include flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu, sunbeds, ironing facilities, minibar (charge), air conditioning and daily cleaning service.

Deluxe One Bedroom Senior Suite


Sleeps minimum 3, maximum 3
Boutique-style suite ideal for couples or small families, with a separate bedroom and comfortable living space leading to a balcony or terrace. Expect flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, sunbeds, tea and coffee making facilities, kettle, minibar (charge), air conditioning, and a bathroom with bath and separate shower. Daily cleaning and towel change are included.

Deluxe Two Bedroom Family Suite


Sleeps minimum 2, maximum 5
Designed with families in mind, this suite offers two bedrooms, a generous lounge area and a furnished balcony or terrace. Two bathrooms each feature a bath and separate shower. In-room features mirror the Senior Suite: flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, sunbeds, ironing facilities, coffee and tea setup, kettle, minibar (charge), air conditioning, plus daily cleaning and towel change.

Four Bedroom Royal Spa Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 2, maximum 8
An impressive multi-bedroom retreat with its own private pool and terrace, perfect for extended families or groups. The villa includes four bathrooms with bath and separate shower, a full kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle), washing machine and spacious indoor living areas. Extra luxuries include flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

Two Bedroom Elounda Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 1, maximum 4
Two-bedroom villa with private pool and terrace, combining homely comforts with high-end touches. Facilities include a fully fitted kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle), washing machine, 2 bathrooms with bath and separate shower, flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

One Bedroom Junior Suite with Private Pool


Sleeps minimum 2, maximum 2
A great honeymoon or couples\u2019 choice, these suites offer an intimate private pool terrace, sunbeds and a chic open-plan layout. Inside you\u2019ll have a flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, ironing facilities, coffee making facilities, minibar (charge), air conditioning and a bathroom with shower. Daily cleaning and towel changes are provided.

Three Bedroom Aegean Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 1, maximum 6
Perfect for larger families, the Aegean Pool Villa brings three bedrooms, a private pool with terrace and 2 bathrooms with bath and separate shower. The full kitchen setup includes dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and kettle, plus washing machine. Amenities span flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

Two Bedroom Executive Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 1, maximum 4
Combining apartment-style practicality with five-star polish, this villa has two bedrooms, a private pool, balcony or terrace and a fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, full cooker, microwave, oven, toaster, sandwich maker, coffee maker, kettle) plus washing machine. Two bathrooms feature bath and separate shower. Expect flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

Three Bedroom Presidential Spa Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 1, maximum 6
A premium villa category with three bedrooms, private pool and terrace, three bathrooms (each with bath and separate shower) and expansive living and dining areas. The kitchen is fully fitted (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, 4 cooking rings, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, kettle) with washing machine. Additional comforts include flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

Three Bedroom Med Pool Villa


Sleeps minimum 1, maximum 6
Similar in spirit to the Presidential Spa Pool Villa, the Med Pool Villa features three bedrooms, private pool and terrace, three bathrooms with bath and separate shower, full kitchen, washing machine, and all the upscale in-villa amenities you\u2019d expect: flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, hairdryer, pillow menu, bathrobes and slippers, sunbeds, minibar (charge), ironing facilities, air conditioning and daily cleaning.

Superior One Bedroom Suite with Private Pool and Massage Room


Sleeps minimum 2, maximum 2
Tailor-made for couples who take wellness seriously, these one-bedroom suites come with a private pool, terrace and a dedicated massage room. You\u2019ll find flat-screen TV, DVD player, Wi-Fi, safe, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, pillow menu, sunbeds, ironing facilities, coffee making facilities, minibar (charge), air conditioning and a bathroom with shower. Daily cleaning and regular towel changes are included.

*Images indicative; layouts/views may vary.

More info

Elounda Gulf Villas is a hillside property with steps and slopes, so it may be less suitable for guests with reduced mobility. The resort offers a calm, upscale atmosphere rather than a large-scale entertainment programme, making it ideal for couples, multi-generational families and friends seeking space, privacy and tailored service.

Local indicative costs (subject to change): a local beer is around £4.20, and a three-course meal for two in a taverna is roughly £42. Typical UK–Crete flight time is about 4.5 hours, with onward transfers from Heraklion Airport to Elounda taking around 1 hour.

Board options normally include Bed & Breakfast or Half Board; restaurant openings, entertainment, kids’ clubs and water sports are often seasonal (approximately April–October) and may vary based on occupancy and weather conditions. Some services and facilities carry an extra charge, payable locally.

For entry rules and health guidance see the UK FCDO Spain advice.

Prices & book

Find your dates

Live availability and real-time offers. Low deposits, full ATOL protection.

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FAQs
Is Elounda Gulf Villas suitable for honeymoons?
Absolutely. With its hillside setting, sea-view suites, private-pool villas and personalised service, Elounda Gulf Villas is a standout choice for honeymoons and special celebrations. Couples can opt for intimate categories like the One Bedroom Junior Suite with Private Pool or the Superior One Bedroom Suite with Private Pool and Massage Room for added indulgence.
Do all villas at Elounda Gulf Villas have private pools?
Many, but not all, accommodations include a private pool. Dedicated pool categories such as the One Bedroom Junior Suite with Private Pool, Imperial Spa Pool Villas, Executive and Aegean Pool Villas, and larger three- and four-bedroom Pool or Spa Villas all feature private pools. A selection of deluxe suites and family suites instead offer generous balconies or terraces without a private pool.
How does the Half Board option work at Elounda Gulf Villas?
The Half Board package usually includes buffet-style breakfast and a three-course set-menu dinner served at Argo \u00c0 La Carte Restaurant. Drinks at dinner are typically not included and are payable locally. As offerings can change from season to season, you\u2019ll receive the latest details on arrival or from reception.
Is there a kids\u2019 club at Elounda Gulf Villas?
Yes. Families benefit from a Cool Kids Club for 4\u201112 year-olds with activities like arts and crafts, sports, movie nights and games consoles, plus a Cool Cr\u00e8che Club for little ones from 4 months to 4 years, with soft play and nap areas. Both clubs usually operate between April and October and may carry an additional charge, particularly the cr\u00e8che.
How do you get from Elounda Gulf Villas to the beach?
The hotel is set on a hillside above the coastline and operates a complimentary shuttle service to its private Beach Club between around 10:00 and 18:00. The journey takes only a few minutes, and once there you\u2019ll have access to loungers, parasols and water sports (many at extra cost).
What is the dress code at Argo Restaurant and the lounge bar?
Daytimes are relaxed, but in the evening a smart-casual dress code is expected: beachwear is not permitted, and gentlemen are usually asked to wear long trousers. This keeps the atmosphere suitably refined for a five-star dinner or sunset cocktail.
Does Elounda Gulf Villas have a spa and gym?
Yes. The Elixir spa gallery features a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, whirlpool and a range of massages and beauty treatments (charges apply, with a minimum age of 12 years). There is also an air-conditioned gym equipped with cardio machines and free weights, open daily in season.
How long is the transfer from Heraklion Airport to Elounda Gulf Villas?
Transfer time from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Elounda Gulf Villas is typically around 1 hour by road, depending on traffic and any additional stops. Private transfers are often quicker and more direct.
Is Wi-Fi included at Elounda Gulf Villas?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, including in suites, villas and communal areas, making it easy to stay in touch or plan your next Cretan adventure from the comfort of your terrace.