Luxury Villa | Greece, Crete, Korakies Olives and Thyme Retreat

The complex consists of the tower-like main building “The Keep” and a separate stone cottage on the left-hand side. “The Keep has four luxurious en-suite bedrooms on the first floor and second floor. The Cottage can sleep up to two more people, giving a total of up to 10 sleeping places, plus 2 additional sleeping places in the Rock Apartment.

The interiors are luxuriously appointed with architecturally designed furniture and high quality materials that create a feeling of indulgence. Large windows provide a sense of lightness and connection to the outdoors.
By the architects. Aristomenis and Georgios Varoudakis
An olive grove with volcanic rock overlooking the bay of Souda and the White Mountains forms the setting for this distinctive and sophisticated house.
The volcanic stone was to become the main masonry of the interior and exterior. A look into the past of the island of Crete led to the architectural design of this three-storey tower building. The three levels are all connected with a green, central communication core to reinforce the tower feeling inside.
All interior finishes and furniture made of wood, metal and glass have been designed in harmony with the natural light as a unique unit.

Two swimming pools offer the opportunity to swim laps or swim endlessly. Both the lap pool and the infinity pool are heated infinity pools. Both pools offer breathtaking views over the bay of Souda. Early swimmers can enjoy the sunrise reflected in the pools, giving a sense of unity with the day. The first floor pool can be accessed directly from the two first floor bedrooms or via a staircase from the cottage or from the infinity pool, past the water statue. The infinity pool with a shaded terrace next to it is located on the second floor with the outdoor kitchen and dining area to its side. The large terrace with a shaded, fully equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area is the perfect place for al fresco dining. A second area is located next to it but has no shade. Ramps from the first and second floor allow easy access to the pool and terrace.
Wi-Fi internet is available throughout the property.

The Keep: Four double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms are located on the first floor and second floor. All windows, both internal and external, are fitted with blinds to maintain privacy and keep out the light. A metal and wooden staircase leads to each floor. A glass atrium extends to the top floor and houses a large Ficus Alii, or Amstel King, which grows inside and brings nature into the house. On the top floor is the living area and fully equipped kitchen with a large covered and suspended balcony with spectacular views over the entire bay. A metal and wooden staircase connects the floors inside with ramps and platforms outside that allow access to each floor and to the outdoor leisure and dining areas.

The Cottage: Located slightly off the main villa, this cozy apartment features a large bedroom, full bathroom with walk-in shower, kitchenette and mezzanine sitting and office area. Stepping stones lead to the pool in one direction and to the main villa in the other.

The Rock Apartment: This ultra-modern metal and glass apartment is located in an excavated rock and under the outdoor living area. With a large bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a living room and a small kitchen, it is large enough to accommodate up to four people if we put up the sofa bed. The floor to ceiling glass walls provide plenty of light and give an open and airy feel.

First floor bedroom in the Keep: Access to these two bedrooms is via a ramp leading from the parking lot. There is a metal staircase that leads to the outdoor living area and the infinity pool.

Bedroom 1: This bedroom has a man-made stream with aquatic plants and goldfish on three sides. This room has been designated as a possible twin room as the beds can be separated. A really relaxing room with a door to the pool. There is a dressing area with a very large wash basin and a separate walk in shower and toilet. A large wooden work surface on the south side provides space to work or be creative if you want to draw or paint the amazing rock or just watch the goldfish.

Bedroom 2: This room is located next to the atrium with the Ficus Alii tree, and its eastern window overlooks a large rock with shrubs growing in its crevices. E=here you will find a wooden work surface. The large private bathroom with dressing area has two washbasins and a separate toilet. The south-facing French doors offer stunning views over the bay and allow direct access to the pool.

Second floor bedroom in the Keep: These two bedrooms are accessed from the inside via the metal and wooden staircase or up ramps from the parking lot. A platform leads directly to the outdoor living area and the infinity pool.

Bedroom 3: Located directly above bedroom 1, this room can also be used as a double or twin room. It offers a breathtaking view of the bay and the mountains, over the rocks to the pool.

Bedroom 4: Located directly above bedroom 2, this bedroom has the top of the Ficus Alii tree as a backdrop. The large private bathroom with dressing area has two washbasins and a separate toilet. A private balcony overlooking the pool offers a view of the bay.

The living area and kitchen on the top floor
At the top of the stairs there is a large table with enough chairs for all guests. When the table is fully extended, all guests can sit at it. In front of the east-facing window is a wooden counter with stools underneath if you need more space. The seating area consists of a large corner sofa designed by the architect and a 70-inch TV in case it rains. There are some stools hidden under the counter for additional seating. Behind the sofa is a second counter with a socket underneath so you can charge your electrical devices.
The kitchen.
The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need to not only have breakfast, but also to dine when you feel like it. In the coffee corner, you can make yourself the coffee you need to start the day.
The covered balcony.
From the kitchen you can have your coffee, breakfast or any meal and enjoy the spectacular view over the bay of Souda to the White Mountains.

The pools: Unusually, there are two pools, both of which can be heated. The lower one is a 3 by 14 meter pool and the upper one is a 6 by 8 meter infinity pool. A concrete staircase connects the two pools with the water feature located between them. From this water feature, an artificial stream flows under glass on a step through the rocks and feeds two water features. To the right is a self-contained pond with aquatic plants and goldfish, and to the left a small stream flows around two sides of one of the first floor bedrooms with plants and goldfish. Both pools are saltwater pools.

The terrace: This is the main outdoor area overlooking the bay of Souda, large enough to have three areas. The covered outdoor kitchen with a large gas barbecue, a sink and a cold room for all your supplies. Next to it is the large dining table, also in the shade.
Next to the endless pool there is a shaded area for sun loungers and a seating area to enjoy your coffee, have a drink after dinner or just sit and have time for conversation. There is also a large, uncovered area for sunbathers and evenings.

The massage area: Under the terrace there is a cool and quiet area set up for massages. The qualified masseuse or masseur can be booked before your arrival or during your stay. A shower room and toilet are also located here.

The location on a large plot of land with olive trees and of course carob trees has inspired the owner to create different areas to enhance your stay. Solar lights illuminate the olive trees and other interesting places on the property.
The carob tree circle: This large, shady carob tree is a favorite spot of the owner. A semi-circle of stone and wood has been built around it to create a quiet place to sit and chat.

Between the cottage and the swimming pool, a path leads to a two-seater bench from which you can enjoy the view of the entire bay of Souda and the White Mountains.

Location:

The location on Akrotiri has clear advantages. Akrotiri is known for the sandy beaches of Marathi, Kalathas, Stavros and Tersanas as well as Seitan Limania. There are many good restaurants and the main amenities you need. Olives and Thyme Retreat is also just a twenty minute drive from the beautiful Venetian city of Chania, where you can stroll through the streets and admire the Venetian villas and learn about the history of the city through the archaeological excavations. Chania offers a range of gastronomic experiences, from giros to fine dining. Olives and Thyme Retreat is located just a few minutes from the road from Souda to Akrotiri, which means that you can be on the national road in just 20 minutes.
The national road offers the opportunity to drive further west to the stunning beaches of Elafonissi and Falassarna or east to Rethymnon and beyond.
However, this fantastic location means that the road from Souda to Akrotiri runs below the villa. Therefore, glass panels have been installed at the end of the infinity pool and the shaded seating area by the infinity pool to reduce the inevitable noise that can be heard, particularly from the two front balconies, the infinity pool and the outdoor living area.

The village of Kounoupidiana is 3.5 km away and has all the important facilities (shops, restaurants, cafes, doctor, pharmacy, gas station...).

The villa has the license of the Greek Tourism Authority with the number 1280514.