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Hotel review: First look at Ella Rocrita, Crete

Aug 7, 2026by Dominique Hines

Discover what’s on offer at Ella Rocrita, one of Crete’s latest resort openings, from Greek hotel group Ella Resorts

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Crete is not short of resorts, so when a newcomer claims to redraw the blueprint, you might raise an eyebrow before telling clients to reach for their suitcase.

But five-star Ella Rocrita, which debuted in March after a two-year expansion and reconstruction of the former Aldiana Club Kreta, is starting with a setting that feels like a statement of intent.

The 358‑room all-inclusive property sits on the Greek island’s rugged northeast coast, closer to quiet Cretan fishing villages than to the large-scale resorts seen elsewhere.

The 90-minute journey from Heraklion International Airport is a long but scenic series of stunning cliff edges, sun-scorched hills and dramatic flashes of the Aegean, so by the time guests arrive, they’ve already had a glimpse of the island.

It’s worth noting the current international airport at Heraklion will soon close to make way for a new base at Kastelli in a couple of years, which will reduce the journey time.

Ella Rocrita hotel guide

The vast Ella Rocrita spreads across the hillside, with earthy tones and stone textures that blend into the landscape and echo Crete’s Minoan roots. Rooms, however, are much more modern, with smart TVs, great lighting, robes, slippers and branded beach bags. Many also have a shared swim-up pool.

However, the resort’s open layout means some rooms look out at car parks or busy tennis courts, and guests will be aware of sightlines to other people’s terraces – and vice versa.

For kids, of which there were many during my visit, there are activities at Ella Land Kids’ Club, including watersports, padel and tennis, plus a pool with an obstacle course. But couples and solo travellers can still find quieter corners, particularly in swim-up areas and higher room categories.

In fact, Ella Rocrita has swimming pools in abundance. The main sea-facing pool is stunning, especially in the early evening when the whole area settles into a spellbinding sunset. That’s also when the rooftop and beach bars come into their own.

The main pool at Ella Rocrita. Image credit: Heinz Troll

Restaurants at Ella Rocrita

Clients have a choice of six restaurants and three bars. The main buffet at Domenū has live cooking stations and covers everything from early breakfasts to late-night dinners.

Vióla offers Italian dishes, Anthéma leans towards the Mediterranean, Carūma is a fusion of South American and Cretan cuisine, and Smígo – one of the strongest dining options in the resort, suited to a slower-paced evening – has meze plates alongside raki, ouzo and wine.

Reservations are required for most à la carte restaurants, and smart-casual dress is expected in the evenings.

The Street Food Hub, near one of the main pools, covers the more casual end of the spectrum with wraps, salads, burgers, sushi and ice cream – though quality was inconsistent and service rather slow.

At Mamalū beach bar, set by the beautiful sandy beach, orders were taken from my very comfy sunlounger, but guests are expected to collect drinks themselves.

Things to do near Elounda

I popped into the Roée Wellness spa, which sits alongside the gym so guests can move from training to treatments. The signature massage was far more physical than I expected – but ended up being one of those experiences I really needed, even though I hadn’t realised how much.

It would be tempting to dwell there all day, but that would be a mistake; the resort’s Ellascapes programme helps clients explore this part of Crete. A boat trip to Spinalonga – a small island fortress, once a Venetian stronghold and later a leper colony, sitting just off the coast near Elounda – is a must.

The stop in Plaka afterwards is all waterfront tavernas and sea views; clients should save room for a plate of fresh sea bass at Giovanni’s taverna.

Another highlight was Moni Toplou, a fortified monastery. The drive is not for the faint-hearted, but the setting is striking. Monks produce organic wines on site, and there are tastings of reds and rosés – drinking wine never felt so ordained.

Boat trip to Spinalonga. Image credit: Shutterstock/Paul Cowan

Book it

Jet2holidays offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay from £1,165 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes 22kg baggage, transfers, tourist tax and flights from Manchester departing September 28.
jet2holidays.com