Elia Hotel & Spa
Traditional hotel for Relaxation and Rejuvenation
On the slopes of a hill with a view over the Mediterranean, situated in the middle of an olive grove and next to the oldest olive-tree in the world, is this two hundred year old historical building, carefully restored, now the Elia Traditional hotel & Spa.
Located in west Crete in Greece, in an advantageous position west of Chania city, it is a gateway for the most interesting sightseeing and most beautiful beaches of the west and south coasts like Elafonissi, Falasarna and Balos, considered by organizations like Trip Advisor or CNN, to be amongst the ten most beautiful beaches in the world!
A quick glance at the Visitors’ book tells you that peace is the overriding feeling people take from Elia -that and the memory of an exquisitely restored farmhouse with its ten enchanting suites decorated with antique furniture and objects d’art. This place has offered a peaceful refuge to the members of the Cretan resistance during the stormy history of Crete since 1860.
But today such conflicts are almost impossible to imagine, as you gaze out from the raised quests’ veranda, where you can take breakfast, or swim in the pool, which both looks out over this fertile land and on-wards to the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
You can search and search for a word or phrase to describe Elia – but you won’t find it. You’ll have to go there to discover its innate powers of natural serenity. You may want to ponder on your description as you silently sway in one of the hammocks which hang beneath the huge oak trees in the grounds, fed by the underground streams which make the whole of Elia particularly verdant. A walk around Elia is itself an experience. Wander around the ruins of a Venetian house, sit on the stone benches with their panoramic views or simply wandering through the olive groves and orchards which encircle the main building. A short walk from Elia is also the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old.
The sheer natural beauty of the environment of the traditional Hotel ELIA enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The lush gardens are rich in tropical plants, vibrant bougainvillea’s, plum, lemon and fig trees; sweet smelling jasmine and all surrounded by a sea of olive trees; the source of all oil used at the hotel.
Hidden throughout the gardens are little seating areas, footpaths ideal for walking, and little nooks where you can enjoy the tranquility and calmness, with just the sound of the cicada’s to disturb the incredible peace and quiet.
If this is not enough for you to forget the modern world, our therapist can fortify your mental and physical balance with personalized programs and relaxing treatments. Sauna, Jacuzzi, and the mineral salt baths with natural essential oils stimulate your senses and in combination with freshly made cleansing drinks, aromatherapy and different treatments offer total relaxation and beauty.
Start the day with our lush buffet breakfast rich with home made pies and cakes, variety of healthy breads and paximadia, delicious biscuits and cereals, fresh fruits (many from our gardens) and all washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice. Guest are free to take their breakfast anywhere they wish in the gorgeous grounds, and for those who like their sleep, we will serve you when you wake up – whatever the time!
After your relaxing massage or a walk around the grounds, you can dine in the traditional little restaurant, or on the raised terrace with glorious views across to the Mediterranean sea and to the setting sun in the west. Our local Chef is renowned for his hearty dishes – many secrets recipes of his grandmother – and he uses only the finest local produced ingredients available to us – everything cooked fresh every day.
Lunch is an informal affair of light salads and snacks served at any time you would like it, or a picnic is prepared if you would prefer to follow the shepherd trails around the hotel and have lunch on the go. Dinner is a home cooked three course meal (though you can actually eat any course you like). Vegetarian menu is also available.
The guests of Elia are advised on a series of walks which can be taken from here, some guided, which can lead to waterfalls, hilltop Byzantine churches- or simply to enjoy rural Crete at its finest.
Why choose Elia Hotel & Spa
Is Elia right for you?
Experience home cooked Cretan food in a friendly and social atmosphere? Relax in the peaceful environment with stunning sea views listening to nothing but the birds? Drift away in our holistic spa and gorgeous swimming pool? Visit the most famous beaches on the island? Explore the wild west and south coasts? take the food and wine trails to organic olive presses and boutique wineries? Dine in small villages offering the best produce that Crete has to offer?
The Traditional Hotel ELIA has 10 different rooms (three standard rooms, two superior, five deluxe or deluxe maisonette) with their own wc, air/condition-refrigerator-mini bar-satellite TV-water kettle, hair-drier. For your breakfast or your meals, you can choose between a 60sq.m area which is for public use or a special formed veranda with sea view which offers also for a drink or a coffee.
Μost of the furniture are antiques. The beds – sofas are made from ecological mattresses and hyper-mattresses from coco –tree fibers and natural rubber.
Wellness & Spa
In a natural environment, rich in beautiful sounds and colours, the traditional guesthouse ELIA enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The surroundings are full of olive and fruit-bearing trees, green gardens and many paths ideal for walking in the tranquility and calmness that nature offers unsparingly. If this is not enough for you to relax, our therapists can restore your mental and physical balance with specialized programs.
Here you’ll find all
reasons to visit ELIA
Conde Nast Traveller recommendation
The world famous magazine about traveling and tourism Conde Nast Traveller honoured us by mentioning our hotel, in a special article referring to Crete, for its unique beauty, atmosphere and hospitality. For these reasons, they state it as the most beautiful room that they inhabit. In addition, it is recommended in the page “places & prices” in which you can find the best hotels and restaurants.