As far back as 8000BC, when King Minos is alleged to have built Knossos Palace and its labyrinth to house his notorious Minotaur, Cretans have had a unique respect for their natural surroundings.
In fact, the distinctive environment shapes everything on this, the largest of the Greek islands, from what Cretans eat (olive oil, carob, vine leaves and freshly caught octopus) to how they cure illness (the dittany herb is known to relieve stomach pain).
This harmonious approach to living is now being opened up to the rest of the world as a new property development on the island is being launched from the Mirum Group.
Elounda Hills is an ultra-luxurious, sustainable 138-acre resort on Crete’s dramatic north-east coast. This ancient hillside juts out defiantly into the sea, with protected views of the historic island of Spinalonga, famous as the setting of Victoria Hislop’s award-winning novel, The Island.
In contrast to the partying reputation of other Greek island resorts, Elounda Hills will focus on well-being, both of oneself and one’s surroundings. Phase 1 of the development, scheduled for completion in 2026, will see a 123-key hotel and 257 residences, serviced by the eco-centric 1 Hotels, plus a Camper & Nicholsons boutique marina.
There will be water sports, two beach clubs, boutiques, 15 restaurants, a spa, kids’ clubs and a business centre, access to which can be arranged for Elounda Hills residents. Phase 2, scheduled for the end of 2027, will see an amphitheatre, botanical garden and over 170 more properties added.
These residences will have panoramic views, private pools, landscaped gardens and parking with EV charging.
The site has been designed by internationally renowned Greek architects with a biophilic aesthetic always in mind.
The development follows the contours of the hillside, with tectonic lines of architecture which give it a natural feel that simultaneously feels modern but also as if it’s always been there.
Outside, colourful botanical gardens are filled with local flora, rather than exotic blooms and palm trees shipped in from elsewhere, and lifts and stairs are camouflaged with traditional windmill structures.
This appreciation of the environment is reflected in what you can’t see too. The development uses renewable energy sources, water and waste recycling, plastic-free zones and fish-to-fork dining to achieve a positive lasting impact on its surroundings. Plus, any materials excavated when building the site will be used to make concrete and put straight back into it.
“Elounda Hills has taken around 20 years of planning due to the scale of the project, the architectural challenges in dealing with the topography, ensuring that every home has a wonderful view over the Mirabello Bay, and incorporating the latest advances in sustainable construction.
“It will completely transform the island by setting new standards not found anywhere else in Greece,” says Robert Green, founder of Sphere Estates, through whom the residences can be purchased in UK.
“The spacious and modern designs of the properties, coupled with five-star service through 1 Hotels will appeal to many Londoners who favour open plan living with beautiful interior designs and incredible ocean views.
“Many of our London buyers express a growing interest in investing in more eco-friendly and sustainable developments and most now want a holiday home that they can spend longer periods at due to their ability to work remotely. These properties are ideally suited to those looking to find the perfect balance between work and lifestyle.”
Elounda Hills is easily accessible with regular direct flights between all the major London airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, to Heraklion Airport, a 50-minute drive away.
Kastelli International Airport is also set to open in 2026 and will be just a 30-minute drive from the new development.
One-bedroom Hilltop Residences start from €495,000, while a detached family villa with views of Mirabello Bay starts from €1,800,000.
