Charming Luxury Villa with Heated Pool in a traditional village near Rethymnon, Crete - Greece

Our personal review

This charming luxury villa in the historic mountain village of Maroulas, is a true gem unparalleled in standard and beauty. Most of the buildings in the heritage site date back to at least the Venetian era and no new construction work can be carried out without the cooperation of the archaeological department. Beside the beauty and serenity of the traditional village, it is a living community offering two taverns and two kafeneions.

The walls of the luxurious 540 m² villa, dating back to 1420, have lots to tell: The architectural characteristics of the Venetian era in the one wing (two storey) used to represent a larger farm house, the other wing (single storey) used to be an olive press that was originally constructed during the Turkish occupation. In the following centuries the property served for various other functions until abandoned and left to fall apart.

Today’s owner, a Greek-Belgian with a sense for the exquisiteness of historical architecture, discovered the dormant beauty and meticulously restored it into a luxury villa for people to experience Crete in a unique style and quality. The unique historical, cultural and social identity that developed on the crossroad between Europe, Africa and Asia as well as the Mediterranean climate, dazzling turquoise seas, superb beaches and stunning mountain ranges are not only surrounding this property but also found within the walls of this unique villa.

The result of the expensive restoration is a fusion of light, glass and space, bringing different times and cultures together, self-evidently also incorporating all the modern facilities one would expect to find in an exclusive luxury villa.

Experience the Luxury

The luxury you will experience during your stay in this unique villa is not limited to the villa itself but starts before you even get there and escorts you throughout your stay in Crete. On booking this villa, you may provide any special needs to make sure you find everything you need on arrival. You will be met at the highway to avoid searching for the village and the villa or you may even be met at the airport (at additional charge). A parking space is provided throughout your stay. A small tour through the villa will inform you about the functioning of all equipment (projector, Jacuzzi, computer, …), followed by a short stroll through the village to get a first impression of the most beautiful spots in the proximity. Most likely you will end up in a local tavern or café with a breathtaking view where you will forget the stress of the previous weeks and start to unwind in this serene atmosphere and laid back lifestyle of the Cretan villagers. In the villa you will find everything you need to prepare breakfast: fruits, coffee, tea, bread, butter, cheese, eggs, … and an average of spices and condiments for cooking. An appointment is set with you to match the arrival time of the maid for the next day or two (between 10 am and 2 pm). On the second day, you will be met to discuss any potential needs and receive an informative guide regarding all the possible things to do in Crete. A thirty minute tour to show you the local stores, bank, supermarket, bakery … the nearest and best shops according to your preferences is offered and may finish off with a short stop to a nearby beach for free refreshments. The wine cellar of the villa offers a selection of high quality Greek wine allowing you to pick and choose a suitable wine for the spirit of the moment (charged per consumption).

Throughout your stay, the housekeeper will clean your clothes free of charge, a distributor provides mineral water, a free service delivers Cretan dishes, the management is reachable by phone 24/7 and lives very close, a large choice of materials for children and a big variety of movies is available, qualified staff is employed for any additional service you may wish and you are invited to a typical tavern during your stay.