“Relaxed Luxury at Greece’s First Eco-Friendly Hotel: The Upscale Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel“
Spilling down the hillside toward the Mirabello Bay in eastern Crete, the adult-only Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is the first energy-efficient, eco-friendly hotel in Greece, and is all about its upscale and green touches.
Each room has a view at the Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
The Eco-Design
The traditional stone will charm every visitor, while the modern architectural design perfectly integrates into the surroundings, adding a contemporary touch to rooms and common areas. The laid-back atmosphere, soothing neutral colours, black-and-white photos and loads of natural light lull guests into ultra-relaxation mode.
The eco-friendly hotel uses 100 percent LED lighting, resulting in lower power consumption, and a water management system that directs reclaimed water to the gardens of the hotel. Solar panels contribute to 50 percent of the production of hot water, and chemical-free cleaning products and organic products are used throughout the eco-friendly hotel.
Spend a day by the pool
The Amenities
One of the best things about the eco-friendly Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel are the ubiquitous views of Mirabello Bay and Kolokitha and Spinalonga islands. The hotel has its own private beach with sun loungers and parasols, a restaurant, and an array of water activities to enjoy the crystal clear water.
A large pool and sundeck invite long lazy days of sunbathing, eating and drinking.
The indulgent Euphoria Spa pampers guests with a wide range of alternative and holistic therapies as well as natural and organic products. The spa also has a steam bath, sauna and salon.
Every Sunday, the hotel organises a Cretan night on the beach with live music, Cretan dances, and a traditional Cretan dinner with island specialities.
Soothing colors and modern vibes dress guest rooms at Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
Eco-Friendly Rooms
Thanks to the steep slope of the hill on which the Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel was built, all 97 standard, superior and deluxe rooms have views over the bay and Kolokitha and Spinalonga islands, which you can enjoy from private balconies and patios, many of which have heated pools or Jacuzzis.
The calming decor of each light and bright room is simple and modern, yet still feels sophisticated with their white walls, marble floors, and sheets and towels made from the best, environmentally friendly materials.
All guest rooms of the eco-friendly hotel are equipped with energy-efficient windows as well as low energy consumption cooling systems.
Guest room with private heated pool and island view
Out & About
The Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel‘s position on the shores of Mirabello Bay make it a prime location for boat trips to nearby private coves and beaches for swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters including the ruins of Olous found underwater, just south of Elounda.
Trips to historical sites are possible, including to the deserted Spinalonga Island, which you can see from the hotel. It was made famous by author Victoria Hislop’s in her novel The Island, which was set during the time when Spinalonga was used as a leper colony between 1904 and 1957.
Elounda Village, just two miles away, is just north of the well-known town of Agios Nikolaos, and both good for shopping, dining, and sightseeing if you can tear yourself away from the tranquility of the hotel.
Spinalonga Island was occupied by Venetians, Ottomans, and was a leper colony before being abandoned
Lounge on the private beach of Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel
Organise a private cruise for swimming and diving
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BeSeeingYou In: Crete
Good to Know: Mirabello Bay is the largest bay of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea
WOW! Factor: Crete has winter, which means it sometimes snows on certain parts of the island
Tip: if you want to explore as many places as possible while on Crete, renting a car is your best chance
Author bio: Annick Dournes and Frederic de Poligny
Photos: ©Frederic de Poligny or ©Annick Dournes
