Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel

Featuring a modern exterior that almost blends into the natural landscape, the Royal Marmin is Greece's first hotel that's certified green and energy efficient. The eco-friendly vibe permeates many of the hotel's offerings, from solar panels down to mostly organic restaurant ingredients and organic spa products. Inside, the lobby mixes antique touches (armchairs and huge classical fresco-style paintings) with modern design (light tile floors and walls) to beautiful effect. The vibe throughout is high-end and sophisticated, enhanced by the lovely sea views from multiple vantage points. It's worth noting that its hillside setting can be difficult for guests with mobility issues, but there's a golf cart service to transport guests around the property if needed. 

Spilling down a hillside onto the water, the Royal Marmin is in a secluded setting with little in the immediate surrounds aside from a handful of other hotels. However, the property is located halfway between the towns of Elounda, a fairly popular vacation spot five minutes away by car, and Plaka (four minutes away). Taxis are cheap here, which makes getting around easy. The town of Elounda itself has other gorgeous beaches, shopping, and restaurants and tavernas. Guests looking for a day trip can head to Plaka's marina, which has ferries to Spinalonga Island. Nikos Kazantazakis Heraklion Airport is about 60 minutes away by car.

The hotel's 88 rooms are bright and airy, with clean lines, whites, and sandy browns, which create a modern and serene atmosphere. Marble flooring and furniture, plus gold accents, help lend an upscale feel. Each room has a furnished balcony or terrace with sea views, and all come with king-size beds topped by natural Egyptian bedding. Rooms all have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes in the good-sized closets. Bathrooms come with soft bathrobes and towels made from natural fabric, as well as toiletries and slippers. Lower-category rooms have showers, while upgrades mean marble shower/tub combos. Some have terraces with a private pool or hot tub.

The Royal Marmin bills its Euphoria Spa as the "shining jewel of the resort," and the assessment isn't far off. The spa is small, with just three treatment rooms, but the quality of the services is high. The menu features a large range of massages, and products are organic. There are also two saunas and two steam rooms. The private beach is sandy, which is unusual for the area, and has beautiful clear water. Loungers are set atop a boardwalk and positioned under leafy umbrellas. Guests can hit the beach for yoga sessions. An outdoor pool is also lovely, with a huge expanse of blue water, plenty of padded loungers, and gorgeous views of the bay. 

Food is excellent across the board, though it's expensive -- especially compared to off-site restaurants -- if guests aren't on a board option. The property's airy Athena restaurant serves a free breakfast buffet until mid-morning and Mediterranean and Cretan dishes at night. The Poseidon restaurant is open-air and looks out over the sea, with lunch and dinner service featuring Cretan food. The most recent addition, in 2017, is a sushi bar and restaurant overseen by well-known chef Dannie Mira. There are three bars, including ones by the pool and beach -- the main one is open until late, but they tend to be quiet because drinks are quite pricey.  

Guests can do some upscale souvenir shopping at the on-site jewelry shop and art gallery. The property can also arrange for a car rental or an excursion on the hotel's 52-foot yacht. The hotel also hosts weddings, and there's even a tiny traditional church on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and parking is available for free on site.