While Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands, it remains relatively undeveloped. It also is lower profile than other islands in the country when it comes to cruising. Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has joined forces with a developer and hotel brand to create the Elounda Hills resort and marina. Not just a destination, the resort and marina will adhere to well-established sustainability principles.
Elounda Hills is in the town of Elounda, on the island’s northeast coast. With archaeological finds dating back to the Minoan era, it’s further a popular vacation area. Additionally, it boasts views of the teardrop-shaped island of Spinalonga, home to a 16th-century Venetian fortress, among other things. The town of Rethymno, meanwhile, lies to the west, the birthplace of Zeus. Elounda is less than an hour from the Heraklion International Airport, too, and 30 minutes from the Kastelli International Airport, which opens in 2026.
Given Greece’s popularity with yacht owners, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas will handle not only marina management, but also promotion. Phil Ladmore, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas’ commercial director, says the team will “ensure the marina becomes a prominent and successful cruising destination.”
Although it hasn’t revealed the number of slips at Elounda Hills, the resort sits on 138 acres on a hillside. Phase one will see 137 hotel rooms and 257 residences. Each residence will have full views of Mirabello Bay and of course the Aegean Sea. The hotel company 1 Hotels and the developer are adhering to BREEAM and LEED sustainability practices. Rooted in science, BREEAM focuses on not just real estate sustainability but also the health and wellbeing of guests and residents. LEED, meanwhile, focuses on environmentally minded building principles. Therefore, anticipate renewable-energy sources, plastic-free zones, water and waste recycling, and “fish to fork” dining. Furthermore, anticipate botanical gardens prioritizing local plants, plus biophilic design drawing from Cretan architecture.
Residential sales start this spring. Phase one should see completion in 2026.
Camper & Nicholsons Marinas cnmarinas.com
Elounda Hills eloundahills.eu
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