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We stayed at Elia in October 2004, to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary!Carol arrived with a bad dose of bronchitis and I, being the supportive husband, slipped a disc and was crippled by back pain on day 1 !

Our planned exploration of this most beautiful corner of Crete was severely limited and we were confined to the hotel for most of our stay. Here, the good fortune returned as we were looked after and spoiled by the kindness of the staff, especially Maria. Elia and its surroundings became our haven for recuperation, but we looked forward to the happy evening meals, hearing from the other guests of their adventures in the neighbouring hills and finding remote beaches.

A holiday to remember for several reasons, but above all for the warmth and care of our hospitable hosts.

We will return and trust that peace, tranquillity and kind hearts will still prevail in the special corner of the fabled isle of Crete.

Carol and Roger Price

Just adding to Emmalou’s comments!…As she says, we NEVER holiday in the same place twice but Elia could become a yearly fixture. We are going back this year. It’s certainly our favourite destination for quiet and relaxation. We would and DO recommend Elia to anyone we can with kids or couples looking for escapism…Though Hania has plenty of cultured hedonism.
Emmalou forgot to mention the wonderful breakfasts and evening meals (if you wish). And the Shiatsu massage is literally one of the highlights of my life! Talk about natural high…And I’m not even into ‘alternative’ therapies, I’m very cynical.
Oh, and I particularly enjoy the birds of prey you can watch all day from the pool, gliding over the olive groves.

Nick & Emmalou

I wanted to add my gratitude for the wonderful stay at Elia. The summer of 2005 will be remembered for a very long time. At the end of a 3 week vacation in Greece, our last stay was on Crete with George, Maria et al. With in our family of 7 (parents and 5 children) we all unanimously agreed, Elia was our favorite spot! We all just relaxed and enjoyed the best of life. My husband and I are expecting another child because we were so much enjoying ourselves!! Thank you to Elia and all of its’ charms.

The Gammmons

If you are looking for total and utter relaxation in the most beautiful surroundings imaginable, surrounded by the most perfect hosts – Maria & George -then this is the place for you!
The food, the views, sunsets, pool, therapies (especially the shiatsu and the double bath my fiancee and I shared!) all make this the most perfect place to holiday.
Crete is a wonderful island and Elia so special that we are vising again this year, for the second summer in a row.
Maria and George, we are looking forward to seeing you again in September…oh and also hoping to see Mikey the friendly cat again!

Emmalou & Nick X

This is our 2nd visit to your nice guestbook – we only think it fair to state that finally we came to the famous waterfalls – we had the best guide ever: George himself! And although the waterfall had not as much water as he obviously has in its best times, we found a very romantic place which offers wonderful refreshment. George, you know this is also a reminder to alter the description of the route.

Beate and Uwe

I stayed at the Elia in September 2004.
It is simply unforgettable – and I must return as soon as possible for it’s beautiful surroundings, the atmosphere, the smells, the sunsets. The views from the terrace and pool are magnificent, the suites original and comfortable.
But above all this heaven is run by two angels called Maria and George who make this all a paradise.
Can’t wait to go to Heaven… Again!

Klaus H. Schilling

Mike and I spent our honeymoon at Elia. We had a wonderful time – it is a glorious spot on a lovely island and George and Maria did so much to make our stay a memorable experience. We particularly enjoyed the large pool and dining on the terrace with its superb views of the Cretan sunsets. The rooms are all beautiful (each with its own unique character) and the gardens are a delight. You couldn’t wish for a more enchanting holiday.

Michael and Linda Reason

Within easy reach of some of the best beaches in the world and perfectly situated for exploring the natural and historic wonders of Crete, Elia is a little piece of paradise. The calm and quiet of evenings on the veranda, and the breakfast buffet brimming with fruit and Yoghurt, the tastefully renovated rooms (we stayed in two different suites and both were lovely) and above all the friendly reception from George and Maria made our Cretian holiday one we will always remember.

Beate and Uwe