Our opinion
Blue Palace is a fusion of contemporary Greek architecture with inspiration from the island’s Venetian and Arabic past, providing a captivating setting for this luxury spa.
Hotel description
Overlooking the inviting turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the island of Spinalonga with its Mediaeval fortress, the five-star luxury Blue Palace Resort & Spa offers unrivalled Cretan service and hospitality in sophisticated surroundings. The architecture of the resort blends effortlessly with the beauty of the natural landscape, with gracious Byzantine-inspired arches and clean contemporary lines, and the gentle ‘Meltemi’ breeze is refreshing on warm summer days. The Blue Palace is truly deserving of its name, as calming azure waters play a pivotal role in the design of the hotel, with three outdoor pools, two of which are heated and a heated one indoor pool at the spa for guests of 14 years and over and 142 private infinity pools.Rooms are plush and impeccably furnished in an understated neutral colour scheme which contrasts with the view of stunning blue skies and sea offered by every room at the Blue Palace Resort. Infinity pools flowing seamlessly into the sea are available in most room types, and all rooms feature a private terrace or verandah. For complete indulgence, there are three luxury villas which offer the privacy of a private residence. Almyra and Thalassa are inspired by a fusion of Mediterranean and Oriental design, and the Grand Villa is the height of luxury with an indoor and an outdoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, verandah with pergola and seaview, and state of the art entertainment technology including home theatre equipment.The 2000 square metre Elounda Spa and Thalassotherapy is dedicated in its entirety to relaxation and indulgence in a tranquil environment, its concept based on the rejuvenating properties of seawater which is extracted daily from the clear and sparkling Cretan Pelagos. An extensive range of wet and dry Thalassotherapy treatments is available,and guests can choose from treatment programmes designed to restore balance and optimise the therapeutic benefits of Thalassotherapy, or select from the extensive a la carte menu to further tailor-make their Spa experience.The dining experience is a highlight of the Blue Palace Resort & Spa, and cuisine is inspired by Mediterranean and Greek tradition, with fresh, locally-produced ingredients a constant feature of all dishes. The main restaurant Olea is open for breakfast and dinner, and guests can take advantage of the varied menu and terrace setting. The Blue Door has the rustic appeal of a Greek taverna, situated at the water’s edge offering locally caught fish and fresh salads. Flame, the new steak house focusses on the freshness of ingredients, the purity of taste and the use of wild local herbs. After dinner, the Moroccan-inspired Arsenali Lounge with its authentic lanterns and opulent leather furnishings sets an exotic and inviting atmosphere; this is the perfect place to unwind in sheer comfort and style.Overall the Blue Palace Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for guests seeking pampering and relaxation in a truly spectacular location.
Official star rating
no rating
Annual opening
Open All year except 24 Oct - 29 Apr.
Distance from airport
About 60 minutes by car.
Closest airport
Heraklion
Room types
204 bungalows and suites. All rooms have air-conditioning, hairdryer, mini-bar, 24-hour Room service, safe, satellite television, CD/DVD, Internet connection.
Hotel facilities and services
5 restaurants, 2 bar, 2 swimming pools, Private beach, Tennis, Fitness, Spa, Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Canoeing, Waterskiing, Sailing, Children’s playground, Boutique, Excursions, Hairdressing Salon, seawater and freshwater swimming pools, 1 indoor Spa pool.
Land sports
Complimentary: Beach sunbeds, daytime use of tennis courts, Free entrance to ‘The Elounda Spa and Thalassotherapy’ and use of gym, steam bath, indoor and outdoor jacuzzis and ground floor heated swimming pool.
A wide range of fitness classes are available including yoga, meditation and Kinesiology.
Out and aboutnearby/local interest
Walks are organised several times per month to enable guests to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.The area around Elounda is both historic and beautiful. The ruined city of Olous, Spinalonga Island, and the ancient village of Panaghia Kera with its Byzantine church can be explored easily from the hotel. The Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archeological Museum provide an intriguing insight into the ancient culture of the island. There are cultural and wine festivals in each town on Crete throughout the summer, the most important of these being the Renaissance Festival in Rethymnon, Heraklion’s Summer Arts Festival and the Lato Festival in Aghios Nikolas.
Sports nearby
18-hole golf course in Hersonissos is 40 minutes away by car.