Nestled on the famed coast of Elounda on the island of Crete, Blue Palace, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, is the perfect hideaway.  This is a journey in every sense. Endless views, crystal clear waters and a host of cultural and gastronomical experiences await guests for a truly authentic Greek island vacation. The majestic island of Crete, rich in history, culture and gastronomy, is the perfect backdrop!

A CRETAN FEAST

There are so many opportunities to celebrate life in Crete: good music, endless dances and the festival culture under the full moon, next to the sea, within vineyards or on the top of the mountains. Feasts all over the island celebrate religious holidays, weddings or baptisms and they are always an occasion to eat, drink and celebrate life with family and friends. Usually these occasions are confined to locals.

This year we are introducing a brand new experience at Blue Palace: the Cretan Feast.  Guests of Blue Palace Resort and Spa will have the opportunity to discover a unique ritual: large bonfires will be lit at our private beach for the slow cooking of the famous “antikristo” lamb; local producers will join to showcase a wide variety of Cretan products, from honey, olive oil and herbs to clay pottery and Cretan artifacts. Authentic local delicacies and stone oven baked bread will be prepared on the spot, all under the distinct tunes of Cretan lyra. Guest will enjoy this unique cultural and gastronomical experience, while rejoicing in a landscape of breathtaking beauty by the sea and enjoying the unmatched facilities and unparalleled service of Blue Palace Resort & Spa.

• 65€ per person excl. beverages, 32€ per child from 6-12 yrs, free for children up to 6 yrs

TRADITIONAL AND CRETAN AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy an afternoon tea experience at Arsenali Lounge, with breathtaking views of Spinalonga island, while soaking in the summer sun! Tea in a pot, scones with cream and jam, finger sandwiches and dainty cakes… nothing could be more enticing than the afternoon tea at Blue Palace Resort and Spa.

If you would like to be more adventurous, opt for our Cretan Afternoon Tea experience. Our traditional Cretan Afternoon Tea offers a wide selection of Greek herbal teas or the famous Greek coffee prepared there on the spot for you; traditional Cretan pastries and delicacies and savory bites with the freshest Cretan ingredients. It is a treat!

• Traditional Afternoon Tea at 18€ per person, with a glass of champagne 23€ per person
• Cretan Afternoon Tea at 18€ per person
• Available daily at Arsenali Lounge from 16:00 – 18:00
• Available daily from 17:00 – 19:00 between June 1 – September 15

ISLAND ESCAPE AND PICNIC AT BLUE PALACE

At Blue Palace dining is an unmatched experience, with a diverse range of options and a variety of delectable dishes created from fine ingredients.

Our traditional caique will sail you in crystal clear waters around the Mirabello Gulf. Swim and sunbathe at remote beaches and unlock some of the most authentic surroundings. Our chef prepares a mouthwatering lunch with a selection of homemade dishes, light snacks; fresh bread and Greek wine – all packed in a traditional picnic basket!

• 306€ for 2 persons (excl. beverages)
• 48€ surcharge per person (excl. beverages)
• 18€ surcharge per person (excl. beverages)
• Two hour trip                           

CRETAN WINE TASTING

Wine is usually a significant part of peoples’ cultures.  In Crete, wine traditionally accompanies each meal and it is a way of socializing and making friends.

Crete is a special place, where the distilled essence of Greece is augmented by African, Turkish, and other influences. And for wine drinkers, the island is like Darwin’s Galápagos. The catalogue of grape varieties found mostly, or only, on Crete is more varied than that of anywhere I’ve been [in Greece]. If you have ever a vague interest in wine, a few days on the island are sure to bring out your inner geek. If you’re into it to begin with, well, it’s like finding buried treasure. -Bruce Schoenfeld, Travel + Leisure

We invite our guests to get acquainted with some of the best wine labels of the island with our Cretan Wine Tasting Experience. Set up at Flame Restaurant, you can enjoy a selection of the most distinguished wines along with an array of delightful bites, such as local cheeses – Crete is famous for that – and traditional cold cuts, refreshing dips and crudités. Our sommelier Babis Bebelakis, will take you through the stories and relationship of the wine and winemaker.

25€ per person 12:00 at Flame on Fridays (with min. of 4 and max. of 10 persons’ participation)

FLAME

In an effort to go back to our gastronomic routes and support local farms, two years ago we introduced a new addition to our culinary family. Flame specializes in expertly cooked steak dishes prepared from finest quality, locally sourced meat with a distinct flavor and fragrance. Classic and signature cuts, some exclusive, are served on large wooden platters, complemented by the freshest ingredients from carefully selected small-scale producers in the surrounding area.  Many of the specialty herbs and vegetables are handpicked by our chefs shortly before preparation, directly from the restaurant’s purpose-built gardens. Guests have the opportunity to visit these gardens and learn about the herbs used in the kitchen. Visits can also be arranged to Flame’s local suppliers – including cattle farms, olive groves, vineyards and dairies – who will be happy to present their products and explain the production process.