Horse Riding HotelsElounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel
Rating:
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel Overview
First Impressions
The moment you pull up to Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel, you understand why this five-star property has earned its reputation along Crete’s northeastern coast. Honestly, the setting is something else — perched right on Elounda‘s waterfront with unobstructed views across Mirabello Bay toward the mysterious Spinalonga Island. The whitewashed buildings cascade down toward a private beach, and there’s this immediate sense that you’ve found something genuinely special.
The Luxury Experience
What strikes me most about this place is how they’ve managed to create intimate luxury without feeling stuffy or pretentious. Each room and suite feels like a private retreat — I mean, most come with their own terrace or balcony where you can watch fishing boats drift by in the early morning. The interiors blend traditional Greek elements with refined elegance, and you know what? It actually works without feeling forced.
Equestrian Adventures
The horse riding program here is where things get really interesting. They partner with local stables to offer trail rides through the Cretan countryside, and I’ve got to say, exploring olive groves and ancient paths on horseback gives you a completely different perspective on this landscape. The rides range from gentle coastal trails perfect for beginners to more challenging mountain routes that experienced riders will love. What’s nice is how they tailor everything to your comfort level — no pressure, just pure enjoyment.
Dining and Amenities
The main restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients, which means incredibly fresh seafood and produce from nearby farms. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the bay is honestly one of those moments that stays with you long after you’ve returned home. There’s also a spa that offers traditional treatments alongside modern wellness therapies — perfect after a day in the saddle. The private beach area is small but beautifully maintained, with comfortable loungers and attentive service that never feels intrusive.
Why Guests Love It
This hotel works because it understands what luxury travel should feel like in 2024 — authentic, personal, and connected to place. The staff genuinely cares about creating memorable experiences, whether that’s arranging a sunset horseback ride or recommending the best local tavernas in Elounda village. Parking is handled seamlessly, and the whole property maintains this relaxed sophistication that’s becoming harder to find. With a 9.3 rating, it’s clear that other travelers feel the same way about this remarkable corner of Crete.
Hotel Highlights
Reviews
Staff: 9.7
Comfort: 9.6
Location: 9.7
Free WiFi: 8.5
Facilities: 9.2
Cleanliness: 9.5
Value for money: 8.8
Judith from United Kingdom (13 October 2025)
The situation overlooking the sea was very special.
The staff were wonderful!
What could be improved: Nothing
Judith from United Kingdom (12 October 2025)
Its location is superb!
What could be improved: Nothing
Isabella from Italy (28 August 2025)
I loved the hotel, the rooms, the halls, the garden everything!
What could be improved: The beach was a bit small. When ordering a soft drink on the beach I noticed that the barman would put a lot of ice in the cup to not finish the can of the drink and save the rest for the following customer. This would not be expected in a five star hotel
Caroline from United Kingdom (16 August 2025)
Everything was perfect, amazing place and fantastic staff
Jimmy from Belgium (15 August 2025)
Elounda Mare offers all the elements for an unforgettable stay : the beautiful setting, the gardens, the confort of the rooms and above all the exceptional staff, which makes you feel you're part of a family. Some might argue that the decoration of the rooms is somewhat outdated, but that’s exactly what makes the charm of this place and the reason...
Zulfiya from Kazakhstan (6 August 2025)
Everything! In my opinion, it is the best hotel in Crete! Beach, staff, rooms!
What could be improved: The breakfast and room service menu can be more versatile.
Nigel from United Kingdom (19 July 2025)
Location, food quality
What could be improved: Dated decor
Muhammad from Canada (12 July 2025)
Phenomenal hotel, gorgeous grounds, breathtaking views, amazing pool and beach, friendly and attentive staff, delicious food.
John from United Kingdom (8 July 2025)
Amazing breakfast . Nothing too much trouble throughout our stay. Family of 6 - children age ranges 13-24. Great location between Elounda town and Agios Nikolaus . Therefore easy to visit both for dinner in evening for some variety. Watesports on site at the 2 beaches .
What could be improved: Nothing !
Joanne from United Kingdom (27 June 2025)
Everything! Oozes old school charm. Very pretty grounds, stunning views. Plenty of sun beds and places to relax, no need to get up early to find a gorgeous spot.
Amazing, friendly staff who can’t do enough for you.
Completely relaxing. Loved it all!
Surroundings
What's nearby:
- Mini Club: 6 km
- Αρχαια Πολη Λατω: 17 km
- Φρουριο Σπιναλογκασ: 5 km
- Αρχαια Ολουσ Ολουντα: 1.9 km
- Archaeological Museum of Agios Nikolaos: 8 km
- Εκκλησια Παναγια Κερα: 16 km
- Αρχαιολογικοσ Χωροσ Δρηρου: 17 km
- Αρχαιολογικοσ Χωροσ Λατουσ: 18 km
- Παλαιοχριστιανικη Βασιλικη: 2.2 km
Restaurants & cafes:
- Cafe/bar The Peacock Bar: 1.4 km
- Cafe/bar Veghera Jetty Bar: 450 m
- Restaurant Thalassa Sea Front Restaurant: 1.1 km
Natural beauty:
- Lake Lake Voulismeni: 8 km
Beaches in the neighbourhood:
- Skisma Beach: 2.6 km
- Ammoudi Beach: 7 km
- Elounda Beach: 2.5 km
- Havania Beach: 5 km
- Kolokithia Beach: 3.7 km
Closest airports:
- Sitia Public Airport: 68 km
- Heraklion International Airport: 63 km
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel Rooms
- Estimated price from: $271. Superior Double Room with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $288. 1-Bedroom Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $769. 1-Bedroom Royalty Villa with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2
- Estimated price from: $317. 1-Bedroom Superior Suite with 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3
- Estimated price from: $414. Superior Bungalow with 1 double bed for Max persons: 3
- Estimated price from: $706. Suite with 2 × 1 large double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5
- Estimated price from: $730. 2-Bedroom Superior Bungalow with 2 double beds for Max persons: 5
- Estimated price from: $1,896. Princess Ariadni Royalty 2-Bedroom Villa with 1 large double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 5
- Estimated price from: $4,762. Four-Bedroom House with 1 extra-large double bed and 3 × 1 large double bed for Max persons: 8
Facilities
General:
- Shuttle service Additional charge
- Minimarket on site
- Shared lounge/T V area
- Designated smoking area
- Air conditioning
- Non-smoking throughout
- Heating
- Car hire
- Chapel/shrine
- Soundproof rooms
- Lift
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle Additional charge
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Wellness:
- Fitness/spa locker rooms
- Personal trainer
- Fitness classes
- Yoga classes
- Fitness
- Spa/wellness packages
- Foot bath
- Spa lounge/relaxation area
- Spa facilities
- Body wrap
- Body scrub
- Body treatments
- Hair styling
- Hair colouring
- Hair cut
- Pedicure
- Manicure
- Hair treatments
- Make up services
- Waxing services
- Facial treatments
- Beauty Services
- Sun umbrellas
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
- Massage Additional charge
- Spa and wellness centre Additional charge
- Fitness centre
- Sauna
Activities:
- Bicycle rental Additional charge
- Aerobics Additional charge
- Live sport events (broadcast)
- Cooking class Additional charge
- Themed dinner nights Additional charge
- Bike tours Additional charge
- Walking tours Additional charge
- Temporary art galleries Additional charge
- Beach
- Tennis equipment Additional charge
- Kids' club Additional charge
- Water sport facilities on site Additional charge
- Snorkelling Additional charge
- Diving Additional charge
- Cycling Off-site
- Hiking Additional charge Off-site
- Canoeing Additional charge
- Windsurfing Additional charge
- Table tennis
- Games room
- Fishing Additional charge
- Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge
- Tennis court Additional charge
Food & Drink:
- Fruits Additional charge
- Wine/champagne Additional charge
- Kid meals Additional charge
- Special diet menus (on request)
- Snack bar
- Breakfast in the room
- Bar
- Restaurant
Languages spoken:
- German
- Greek
- English
- French
- Russian
Cleaning services:
- Daily housekeeping
- Trouser press Additional charge
- Ironing service Additional charge
- Dry cleaning Additional charge
- Laundry Additional charge
Safety & security:
- Fire extinguishers
- Smoke alarms
- Security alarm
- Key card access
- Key access
- 24-hour security
Reception services:
- Private check-in/check-out
- Concierge service
- Luggage storage
- Tour desk
- Currency exchange
- 24-hour front desk
Business facilities:
- Fax/photocopying Additional charge
- Business centre Additional charge
- Meeting/banquet facilities Additional charge
Great for your stay:
- 3 restaurants
- Parking
- Spa and wellness centre
- Free WiFi
- Fitness centre
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Outdoor swimming pool
Outdoor swimming pool Free!:
- Seasonal
- Salt-water pool
- Pool/beach towels
- Sun loungers or beach chairs
Entertainment and family services:
- Strollers
- Baby safety gates
- Board games/puzzles
- Babysitting/child services Additional charge
Parking Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).:
- Valet parking
- Street parking
- Electric vehicle charging station
Other for your stay:
- Outdoor furniture
- Beachfront
- Sun terrace
- Private beach area
- Terrace
- Garden
House Rules at Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel
Pets:
- Pets are not allowed.
Check-in:
- From 14:00
- Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in
Check-out:
- Until 12:00
Cancellation/prepayment:
- Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.
Elounda Mare Relais & Châteaux Hotel Location
Main Street, Elounda, 72053, Greece
