Crete, Plaka Near Elounda
Based on 2422 traveller reviews
80% of travellers recommended this hotel
A recommendation from Condé Nast traveller promises exciting things and the Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa certainly doesn’t disappoint. Overlooking a beautiful bay with views of Spinalonga (the island immortalised in Victoria Hislop’s The Island), this hotel is a treat for all the senses.
The rooms are as impressive as the views – from a classic guestroom right up to the jewel in the crown, The Royal Blue Villa – a three-bedroom villa with private heated pool. Honeymooners will fall for the romantic views and private plunge pools of the Superior Bungalows and there are plenty of options for families travelling with children.
Five diverse restaurants offer something to please every palate – from elegant Italian cuisine at Isola to modern pan-Asian at Asia Deep Blue. After dinner make time for a drink in the scenic Arsenali Lounge bar – overlooking the sea it’s a beautiful spot to enjoy a cocktail. The Blue Palace is also the perfect base for some gentle exploring. Head into the charming hamlet of Plaka, where among the narrow streets you’ll find a selection of tiny restaurants, tavernas and cafés for a lunchtime snack or buzzy evening drink. For a day trip take a boat over to the former leper colony of Spinalonga for a breath-taking history lesson.
Hotel child prices apply to ages 2–12 years. The hotel has 251 rooms.
Enjoy the finest Greek dishes, cooked in an open air kitchen by a team of highly skilled chefs in this restaurant located in the hotel's organic garden.
Open: 19:00-23:30 from June to Mid September and 18:30-23:00 from May to mid–October. Closed Tuesdays.
This stylish restaurant serves modern pan-Asian fusion cuisine ranging from Japanese to Thai.
Open: 19:00-23:30 from June to Mid September and 18:30-23:00 from May to Mid-October. Closed Thursdays.
Dinner at this restaurant are included with the Dine Around (Half Board) option.
Enjoy a classic American buffet style breakfast or dinner at the scenic Olea. There’s even champagne on offer at breakfast for a reviving Bucks Fizz or two.
Open: 07:15-10:30 and 18:30-21:30
The hotel's main restaurant serving daily American buffet breakfast with Champagne as well as occasional buffet dinners.
A picturesque Greek taverna serving local specialities and fresh fish, the waterside location is as delicious as the dishes.
Open: 12:00-00:00. Closed Wednesdays.
Make time for a relaxed lunch or dinner at this elegant poolside restaurant with stunning panoramic views.
Open: 12:30-16:00 from June to Mid September, 19:00-23:30 from May to Mid September and 18:30-23:00 from Mid September to October. Closed Mondays and Saturdays.
Meals at this restaurant are included for Dine Around (Half Board) guests. Guests on half board can eat dinner at this restaurant or switch dinner for lunch.
From daytime snacks and pool and beach service to occasional night-time DJs and designer cocktails, Isola is a fun and relaxed option.
Open: 09:30-18:00, snacks served 13:00-16:00
With cosy lounges overlooking the beautiful sea views the Arsenali Lounge Bar was made for enjoying a couple of sundowners and sushi prepared live by sushi chefs. Guests can also enjoy music played by the resort's resident DJ.
Open: 09:30-01:30, snacks served 13:00-21:00
Cool and calm, the Votsalo bar offers complimentary Wi-Fi and enjoys stunning views of the resort.
Open: 19:30-00:00. Closed Thursdays.
The private 200m pebble beach is surrounded by stylish wooden decking and comfortable loungers. Those staying in an Island Luxury Suite or Private Villa have access to ‘The Haven’ an exclusive stretch with an elite team of staff and goodie bags containing beach essentials.
From the 140 private plunge pools to the three main outdoor pools you’re never far away from water at Blue Place. An additional two children’s pools mean family fun needn’t spoil a quiet break.
Located on the beach, the Elounda Spa combines the natural landscape and world-class treatments to create a uniquely zen feeling. With 23 treatment rooms plus a fully equipped gym, impressive timetable of classes and signature Thalassotherapy treatments it’s a one-stop shop for total mind and body health.
Open: 09:00-21:00 for spa facilities, 12:00-20:00 for spa treatments, and 24 hours for fitness centre
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the spa facilities between midday - 20:00.
Enjoy a movie-at-the beach experience under the stars at 'Therino', an open air cinema. Relax on beach loungers while sipping on cocktails and indulging in small sweet and savoury bites.
Families and couples alike will love the sports facilities at the Blue Palace. There are two flood lit tennis courts, billiards, table tennis and biking.
The water sports centre offers a range of activities to try at the beach. Make the most of the PADI diving centre, water skiing, wake boarding and more. You can also book boat trips and explore the coastline.
Max 2 adults
Decorated in natural colours, the Classic Rooms offer a king size or two twin beds, comfortable sitting area, marble bathroom and a balcony with side sea view.
39m²
Max 3 adults
Enjoy the stunning sea views from the private balcony of your Superior Bungalow Sea View. Featuring a king size or two twin beds with luxurious cotton sheets and pillow menu, these rooms come equipped with marble bathrooms and comfortable sitting area with coffee table and writing desk.
40m²
Max 3 adults
With stunning views of Spinalonga island, these Superior Bungalows offer a private veranda with sun loungers and 22m² plunge pool in addition to all other amenities found in standard Superior Bungalows.
40m²
Max 4 adults, 1 child
The Superior Family Room Sea View consists of two Superior Bungalow Sea View rooms with an interconnecting door. Featuring a king size or two twin beds in each room, with luxurious cotton sheets and pillow menu, these rooms come equipped with marble bathrooms and comfortable sitting area with coffee table and writing desk.
Max 2 adults, 2 children
Ideal for families, the Two Bedroom Deluxe Rooms are situated over two floors with veranda offering a private heated plunge pool and views over the landscape. The lower level offers a spacious bedroom with king-size or two twin beds, en-suite bathroom with bathtub and separate shower and an additional guest cloakroom. Upstairs, there is an airy master bedroom with king-size or two twin beds and a shower room. Staircase is fitted with childproof gates.
79m²
Max 4 adults
Varying in layout between open-plan, bi-level and one bedroom, Family Suites include a bedroom with king-size bed or two twin beds, spacious sitting area with contemporary furnishings and a veranda with beautiful sea views.
58m²
Max 3 adults
The one-bedroom or open plan style Junior Suites offer an expansive veranda with private heated plunge pool and views over the landscape. Inside, the bedroom is equipped with king-size or two twin beds, marble bathroom and a comfortable sitting area.
54m²
Max 4 adults
Deluxe Suites have a bedroom with a king-size or two twin beds, a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool bathtub and separate shower, a spacious living room, two large terraces and a seawater infinity pool of approximately 44m².
68m²
Max 4 adults
Island Luxury Suites feature a bedroom with a 4 poster king-size bed, two dressing areas, a luxurious bathroom, living area and a large terrace with a heated pool of approximately 30m² with sea views.
Guests staying in Island Luxury Suites and Private Villas will have exclusive access to the Haven. Here you will have your own private section at the beach, personalized beach baskets with complimentary goodies, an elite beach service crew and a private gazebo for each villa. Guests can enjoy breakfast at a pebble-mosaic courtyard shaded by fragrant jasmines where you can indulge in a selection of artisanal products and delicious breakfast favourites. Other benefits include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi, Nespresso® Making Facilities, luxurious bathroom amenities, an indigenous Welcome Amenity, Daily Chef's Treat in villas, Daily International Newspaper, Fresh Flowers & farewell gift in the villas and for guests staying in the Royal Blue Villa you will also receive Valet and self-parking.
72m²
Max 5 adults
Two Bedroom Suites Sea View Private Heated Pool measure 108m² and have elegant and fine decor. The suites have two bedrooms, a living room, large furnished veranda with infinity pool and sea views. The suite is equipped with a mini bar, safe, bathrobes and slippers, pillow menu and hairdryer.
108m²
Max 4 adults
The Two Bedroom Villa is contemporary and furnished in a modern Oriental Mediterranean style. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. The sitting area leads to the veranda with private heated pool (28m²) and sea views.
Guests staying in Island Luxury Suites and Private Villas will have exclusive access to the Haven. Here you will have your own private section at the beach, personalized beach baskets with complimentary goodies, an elite beach service crew and a private gazebo for each villa. Guests can enjoy breakfast at a pebble-mosaic courtyard shaded by fragrant jasmines where you can indulge in a selection of artisanal products and delicious breakfast favourites. Other benefits include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi, Nespresso® Making Facilities, luxurious bathroom amenities, an indigenous Welcome Amenity, Daily Chef's Treat in villas, Daily International Newspaper, Fresh Flowers & farewell gift in the villas and for guests staying in the Royal Blue Villa you will also receive Valet and self-parking.
110m²
Max 5 adults
The Grand Villa has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Day beds surround the 31m² hydro jet pool which offers sea views, a second heated pool of 18m² is indoors offering the ultimate relaxation. The Grand Villa also boasts a private sauna, massage area and gym equipment.
Guests staying in Island Luxury Suites and Private Villas will have exclusive access to the Haven. Here you will have your own private section at the beach, personalized beach baskets with complimentary goodies, an elite beach service crew and a private gazebo for each villa. Guests can enjoy breakfast at a pebble-mosaic courtyard shaded by fragrant jasmines where you can indulge in a selection of artisanal products and delicious breakfast favourites. Other benefits include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi, Nespresso® Making Facilities, luxurious bathroom amenities, an indigenous Welcome Amenity, Daily Chef's Treat in villas, Daily International Newspaper, Fresh Flowers & farewell gift in the villas and for guests staying in the Royal Blue Villa you will also receive Valet and self-parking.
220m²
Max 8 adults
The Royal Blue Villa - Three Bedroom Sea View Private Heated Pool measures 290m² and has three bedrooms all with marble en suite bathrooms, living room, dining room and private heated pool. The suite is equipped with an outdoor BBQ, complimentary Wi-Fi, iPod docking station and a Play station. Guests have upgraded dining options including access to the VIP Breakfast Section of Olea Restaurant, in-room dining from any of the resort's restaurants, and butler service.
Guests staying in Island Luxury Suites and Private Villas will have exclusive access to the Haven. Here you will have your own private section at the beach, personalized beach baskets with complimentary goodies, an elite beach service crew and a private gazebo for each villa. Guests can enjoy breakfast at a pebble-mosaic courtyard shaded by fragrant jasmines where you can indulge in a selection of artisanal products and delicious breakfast favourites. Other benefits include complimentary Premium Wi-Fi, Nespresso® Making Facilities, luxurious bathroom amenities, an indigenous Welcome Amenity, Daily Chef's Treat in villas, Daily International Newspaper, Fresh Flowers & farewell gift in the villas and for guests staying in the Royal Blue Villa you will also receive Valet and self-parking.
290m²
Sovereign guests receive a complimentary bottle of Cretan red wine in room on arrival.
A minimum of 5 nights stay is required for the above special offers.
Guests receive special signature honeymoon amenities (offer must be requested at the time of booking and wedding certificate to be presented in resort).
Based on 2422 traveller reviews
80% of travellers recommended this hotel
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Mixed feelings about The Blue Palace
Robert A, Sawbridgeworth, United Kingdom
Nov 07 2023
Late Summer vacation in Crete
YiorgosE, Athens, Greece
Nov 02 2023
We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it.
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