In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 56 guest reviews of Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass. Guests in the sample highlight Service & staff, Location and The rooms. The most common complaints: Many find the property poorly maintained, with peeling paint, rust and worn woodwork. Several feel the price is not justified by the upkeep and service.
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Located just a short stroll from the sea in Elounda, the family-run property offers stylish villas with a private pool, and individually decorated luxury suites with Cretan Sea or garden views.
Each elegant suite features a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and a marble bathroom with hydromassage. All have access to the communal swimming pool. Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass offers spacious living rooms and bathtubs.
Breakfast is served daily at the main pool terrace. Drinks are served at the stylish bar. The property offers free transfer to a private Beach Club, located within a 10-minute drive, while complimentary transfer service to and from the beach is provided.
Services like massage in the privacy of the suite or in the Elixir Spa Gallery, and diving lessons in the main pool can be provided upon request. An Elixir Spa Gallery is also available for those who like to work out.
Heraklion City is 70 km away. The town of Agios Nikolaos is approximately 10 km away. Free private parking is possible on site, and transfer from and to Heraklion Airport is offered.
Facts we have checked
- Private-pool rooms
- Full-size private pool
- Kids' club
- Family suites
- Babysitting
- Kids' menu
- Spa
- Sauna/steam
- Hydrotherapy
- Individual design
Tripplo’s hotel summary
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 20 October 2026 · How we review hotels
Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass is a small, family-run property in Elounda with pool villas and suites that have full kitchens. The private pools, the views and the personal touch of the family that runs it set it apart. Elounda is a drive from the airport and the property sits above rather than on the water, so a car helps; the hotel runs a free transfer to its private beach club.
Guests score it 9.1 out of 10 — the average across the 53 hotels we list on Crete is 9.1.
- Each villa has its own private pool, and there is also a communal pool that all the suites can use.
- Elounda Gulf Villas is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which fits its small scale and the personal touch of the family that runs it.
- The property sits above the sea, a short stroll from the water rather than on the beach itself, so beach days mean a walk or the free transfer to the beach club.
- Heraklion airport is roughly 70 kilometres away, and although the hotel offers airport transfers, a car is handy for getting around the area.
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Prices at Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass
When we last checked (30 September 2026), a 2-night stay for two adults cost from €302 in total (€151 per night).
Across our last 4 daily price checks, the nightly rate has ranged from €151 to €156.
Prices sampled daily by Tripplo for a two-adult stay about a month ahead, in EUR. Your dates may differ — use the price check to see live availability.
What guests actually say
Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 56 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.
The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.
Food & restaurants
- +An excellent, generous breakfast is the most praised meal
- +Tasty cooking with healthy options, and gluten-free meals on request
- +Good afternoon snacks on the all-inclusive
- –Lunch and dinner menus barely change, which gets repetitive
- –A few complaints about little variety at the buffet or no gluten-free options at breakfast
”The view was absolutely breathtaking, and the breakfast was delicious and very generous.” — guest, translated
Service & staff
- +Exceptionally warm, kind staff, with the reception team often praised by name
- +Thoughtful gestures such as upgrades and surprises arranged for special occasions
- +Staff willingly try to fix problems
- –Housekeeping sometimes forgets towels, glasses or coffee capsules
- –A few unfriendly encounters in the restaurant, and promised compensation was not always followed through
”From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and friendliness.” — guest, translated
Pools, beach & aquapark
- +An infinity pool with lovely sea views
- +A private beach club with bar, towels and loungers, reached by free shuttle
- +Quiet pools that you often have to yourself
- –The private beach is a drive away and small, with neither sand nor proper rock
- –The pools and the spa pool are not heated, even when advertised as heated
”We loved the private beach, which was peaceful and beautifully maintained.” — guest, translated
The rooms
- +Very spacious villas and suites, some on several levels with private pool, gym and sauna
- +Free upgrades to larger villas are common
- +Stylish interiors and lovely marble bathrooms
- –Some villas feel tired and in need of refurbishment
- –Practical gripes such as no heating, a cold shower, a toilet without a proper door or a camp bed as the extra bed
”The villa was huge, with a private pool, jacuzzi, gym and sauna, all in complete privacy.” — guest, translated
Condition & cleanliness
- +Clean, well-equipped villas for many guests
- –Many find the property poorly maintained, with peeling paint, rust and worn woodwork
- –Fittings that need fixing, such as shower heads, toilet flushes, a jacuzzi or drains backing up
- –Some found the cleaning only basic
”Perhaps it used to be, but a lot of the upkeep has not been done.” — guest, translated
Location
- +A hillside setting with breathtaking sea views
- +Away from mass tourism, yet within reach of Elounda by taxi or shuttle
- –Not in Elounda itself, so you rely on a car, taxi or the shuttle
- –Parking can be some way from the rooms
”A nice location, quiet and away from mass tourism.” — guest, translated
Noise levels
- +Calm and private, with only birdsong to be heard
- +A peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere
- –Evening DJ sets near some rooms, building work nearby and thin walls disturbed some guests
”A calm location, we could only hear the birds singing.” — guest, translated
Value for money
- –Several feel the price is not justified by the upkeep and service
- –Extra costs, for example for an extra bed or a pricey upgrade to fit a third guest
”The price paid for such an experience is not worth it.” — guest, translated
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass from Heraklion Airport (HER)?
Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass is approximately 51 km from Heraklion Airport (HER) in a straight line, calculated from map coordinates. This is not a road distance or transfer time; check the route and transport options before booking.
How do guests rate Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass?
On Booking.com it scores 9.1/10 from 282 guest reviews.
How many stars does Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass have?
Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass offer?
Elounda Gulf Villas by Sandglass offers outdoor swimming pool, private beach area, spa and wellness center, bar, free Wifi and free parking.
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Right now: 17° air · 22° sea
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Elounda, 72053 Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece