Elysium Boutique Hotel Crete

Arrival and First Impressions

We had the pleasure of staying at the Elysium Boutique Hotel Crete, a 5-star, adults-only hotel, and this turned out to be one of the most pleasurable times spent in the Greek sun. It is located in a peaceful and serene spot on the promenade of Analipsi in the Hersonissos region of Crete.

We took a very early flight leaving from Gatwick Airport at 7 am, arriving at Heraklion Airport at 1 pm, to ensure we had the maximum time possible to spend in the stunning hotel. Once we arrived at Heraklion Airport, we were very warmly welcomed with a hotel driver and an extremely comfortable Mercedes saloon, the perfect vehicle for all of our luggage and a comfortable transition. The trip to the hotel was a 15-minute journey, travelling along the coast road and some beautifully scenic roads with traditional Greek tavernas and independently owned businesses. It was a wonderful way to begin our short break.

When arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by a member of the team with bottles of water. We checked in and our luggage was taken directly to our suite. Check-in was swift and stress-free; we were given a chilled glass of bubbles while we took in the surrounding reception rooms and dining areas.

Luxurious Suite and Amenities

Our room was absolute perfection: an extremely spacious suite with a double bed, a single bed, and a beautiful en-suite bathroom with a bath and a selection of premium toiletries. The terrace was stunning, with a double day bed, a private infinity pool, and a seating area to enjoy a lovely morning coffee—it was simply amazing. The décor of the room was very modern, clean, and comfortable; it’s so important when you’re travelling to feel like you’re staying in a home away from home. The room also included a mini-bar equipped with water, Cokes, and fruit juices, tea and coffee-making facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, fluffy fresh towels, and dressing gowns, of course.

Hotel Facilities and Grounds

Once we had settled in and unpacked, we decided to take a walk around the grounds to get some lunch after our journey and to take in all that the hotel had to offer over the next couple of days. The hotel is equipped with a private pool for all guests, with sun loungers, day beds, hammocks, and bean bags. However, if you are not a pool lover and prefer the beach, there is a gorgeous private beach area with bar service—the private beach was glorious. This is just the start of the facilities: there are also three restaurants, a gym, conference meeting rooms, a spa, and more. Whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, Elysium has it all.

Floating Breakfast and Spa Indulgence

On our first morning, we were offered a ‘Floating Breakfast’ in the privacy of our own pool. It included a selection of delicious traditional Greek breakfast items, yoghurts, pastries, fresh orange juice, and coffee. It was the most perfect way to begin our day.

After our lovely breakfast experience, we spent a few hours in the spa, being pampered to the extreme. We warmed our muscles up in the sauna first and were more than ready for our massage, which was superb. The therapist soothed away the tension from the early morning flight of the day before, and the gentle, subtle sounds helped us to fall into a deep slumber. The Elysium Boutique Hotel Spa is designed to promote a calm and harmonious atmosphere, and the treatment menu includes a wide variety of face and body treatments designed to rejuvenate and relax your mind, body, and spirit.

We spent the next few days on the beach and by the pool—it was a short but extremely stunning few days.

Dining Experiences

The dining was simple but tasty. Euphoria Restaurant served traditional Cretan and Mediterranean dishes, all freshly prepared on the day, buffet-style, so perfect for those picky eaters or super-hungry diners—you can indulge as little or as much as you like.

We dined in the Bliss Bar one evening, and we decided table service would be a great treat; we were not disappointed. Fresh fish and seafood from the seas of Crete, vegetables and greens from selected farmers around the region of Hersonissos, meat and cheese from top-quality farmers. There was also a fabulous selection of wine, beers, soft drinks, and cocktails. Our dining experience here was second to none, and had we more evenings at this beautiful hotel, we would have gone back and enjoyed another evening there.

Fitness and Wellness

To ensure we didn’t pile on the weight too much and to maintain our summer bodies, we decided to make use of the state-of-the-art gym: fully air-conditioned and filled with strength training and cardio equipment, providing guests with an awesome fitness experience. We spent a good hour here every day, enabling guilt-free dining.