Crete

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Tiered and terraced like a glorious celebration cake, this villa stands in the heart of Crete’s wild interior. The view is greenery and misty mountains as far as the eye can see. The villa towers above an azure swimming pool, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. There are plenty of loungers to laze away the day, seating beneath a pergola and a circular sunken hot tub for a sunset soak. The highlight of the outdoors has to be the taverna-style dining area beneath the wooden ceiling which has a built-in outdoor kitchen and is, quite simply, huge. 

Accommodation inside is spread across five apartments, each with its own fully-equipped kitchen and wrap-around terrace. Views from the top of the home stretch beyond the mountains and all the way to the sea. In terms of location, you’re a twenty-minute drive from the Venetian ruins and pristine sandy beaches of Rethymno, but there are hiking trails to explore on your doorstep if you fancy. 

Standing Proud

Soak up the brilliantly blue views from this stellar holiday home. It sits up high, overlooking the incredible Elounda Bay – but the prime position is not the only elevated thing about this home. It's been created to ensure every guest can enjoy pure relaxation – there's a multi-level outdoor area with plenty of space for each guest to soak up the sunshine, including from the stunning freeform infinity pool, as well as the covered dining terrace where you can sip cocktails at sunset. Inside the home is stylish and modern, yet still retains a ton of traditional Cretan charm, with its whitewashed walls and built-in furniture.

Apollinia

Gather all your favourite people for a stay at this palatial estate housing two identical villas within nearly two acres of private Cretan landscapes. Both villas offer gold-standard amenities, with a lengthy outdoor swimming pool to soak up the panoramic views of the sea and the Psiloritis mountains and a professional tennis court at the heart of the grounds. And don’t get us started on the crisp, minimalist interiors and unique collection of paintings by award-winning artist Kostas Tsolis. Location-wise, you’re just fifteen minutes from the airport and Heraklion city, and Ammoudara Beach is even closer. 

The Garden of the Gods

This beautiful, traditional stone house on the edge of Prines, set on a gentle, west-facing slope, has wonderful mountain and sea views. Relax in the Crete sun by the private pool – we love the beautifully maintained garden with its vibrant flowers and verdant hedges. Later in the day, watch the rich sun set over the sea from the large balcony with a glass of wine. 

Inside, exposed stone, beams and arches create an atmospheric space, especially at night, and several sofas accommodate your family or friends for a good chat before dinner.

Situated in a cul-de-sac, it’s a leisurely stroll to the village centre, where there is a mini market and a choice of tavernas and cafe bars if you prefer to eat out. Or head to Rethymno, with its old Venetian harbour, 6 kilometres away. For a day at the sea, the nearest beach is 3 kilometres from this lovely villa. 




Stone Arches

Nestled on the coastline, this minimalist villa is located in the small village of Kalyves. Contemporary in design, this home offers a relaxing base to explore Crete. The terrace and private swimming pool are perfect for lazy days in the Greek sun. While the shaded dining area is the ultimate spot for sundowners and a bite to eat. Fancy a trip to the beach? Just a few meters from the villa – you’ll find a sandy beach and blue waters. The village isn’t too far either – where you can discover plenty of authentic food and local tavernas. 

I Am Greek

We can’t imagine there’s much on your holiday wishlist that this contemporary villa doesn’t tick off. Fancy glistening sea views and access to a private beach? This home has you covered. How about a private gym and water sports equipment to get out on the deep blue sea? You’ll find that here, too. Sun seekers can also enjoy the generous terraces and private pool, hanging over the sea below. The basement bedroom even boasts a private kitchen, affording two guests extra privacy – which makes up for the lack of natural light, we think, and all adds to an unforgettable stay. 

Serenity & Sunlight

Tucked away on the rugged coastline of Mochlos, this minimal yet striking villa embodies indoor-outdoor living. A true reflection of laid-back luxury, the villa's open-plan interior, transitions seamlessly with the large terrace – all located on ground level, this home is ideal for those with limited mobility. The bi-fold doors keep the Cretan sun beaming in, while the outdoor wooden pergola makes for the ultimate shaded spot. If sun worshipping is more your thing, where better to relax than the infinity pool? Just a short walk from the villa, and you will find yourself on Mochlos beach itself. 



Mochlos Minimalism

Nestled in the north-eastern corner of Crete, this villa is an ideal base for a coastal stay. Privacy is limited here, however – the garden is overlooked by the neighbouring home while inside, the mezzanine bedroom is semi-open to the space below and has an open en-suite. With two guests sleeping on the pull-out bed in the living room at full occupancy, we think this home is better suited to families who don’t mind sharing their space. For days out of the villa, seaside seekers can easily get their coastal fix, with Malia beach just 600 metres away. 

Eucalyptus & Olive

Overlooking the glittering Chania Bay, this pet-friendly villa offers expansive views and plenty of outdoor space. You'll want to hire a car for your stay, but it's only a short drive to the nearest beaches and towns, including Chania and Platanias. The private pool can be heated at an extra cost, and the large, lush garden and dedicated children's section of the pool are ideal for families. The ground-floor bedroom has garden access and is great for guests with limited mobility. The upstairs bedrooms enjoy their own sun terrace and balcony, with excellent sea views.

The Glowing Planet

Stay in this renovated home, and you’ll be in the heart of the beautiful old Venetian town of Chania. We love the 360-degree views of the old town, the iconic lighthouse and the sea from the large rooftop terrace – it’s a rarity for this type of house and a wonderful spot for a glass of wine at sunset.

Inside, the bright living room, with its stone arch and beamed ceiling, is very atmospheric. Take a seat on the sculpted wood sofa here, choose a book from the shelves, and relax.

There’s a fabulous farmers’ market every Saturday in the neighbourhood, while bars and restaurants are all within walking distance of this home. If you fancy a day on the beach, the nearest is a ten-minute stroll away.


Venetian Owl

From its elevated position, this villa boasts wonderful views of the countryside and the coast. It’s in a rural setting 4 kilometres above the village of Tavronitis, within easy reach of Chania – the old town is well worth a visit. We think it's essential to have a car to get the most out of your stay. The villa is traditional in style but has everything you might need for a comfortable stay – we love the mature gardens, the swimming pool, and the sun deck. Kids will love having a games room to take over, while grown-ups will enjoy cooking on the pizza oven and dining alfresco. 

White Mountains & Blue Sea

Fancy a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean sea each morning? Follow the short 10-metre private path, and from here, you'll have direct access to its crystal waters. Those who prefer to spend their days in a more luxurious setting stay by the sparkling swimming pool equipped with its own sunken bar and lounge area to enjoy instead.

Lounge out on the day beds to soak up the sunshine, or head up to the viewing platform for not only the best panoramic views in the house looking over the glimmering bay but – a scenic spot to work on your fitness routine (as there's gym equipment installed for prime viewing time). 

For the competitive type, why not play a game of petanque in the garden before firing up the wood-burning pizza oven for an evening spent in good company? 

As you transition into the house, natural stone floors flowing from indoor and outdoor living spaces create a social setting, whether you prefer to be out in the sun or amidst the cool and shaded interior. Get comfortable on the cosy couches and admire the art installations that inject style and sophistication into the contemporary setting.

With the quaint village of Plaka just a two-minute drive away and the nearest sandy beach reachable in five minutes – this place boasts both comfort practicality. Oh, and we can't reiterate enough those magical, swoon-worthy views. 


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