Olives & Thyme Retreat is available for weekly and short-break rentals from April through October. The estate — six en-suite bedrooms across three buildings — sleeps up to 12 guests and is managed by Crete Villas 4U, who handle all enquiries, contracts and on-the-ground support from the moment you book until the day you leave.
Bookings are made through our partners at Crete Villas 4U. You can check live availability using the calendar on this page and submit your dates directly. For groups who prefer to speak with someone first, the team can be reached at bookings@cretevillas4u.com or +30 2831040556. They respond within a few hours during the season.
Minimum stay is four nights. Peak-season weeks run Saturday to Saturday. The full estate can be booked as a whole — The Keep, The Cottage and The Rock Apartment together — which is how most groups use it. Individual buildings can also be rented separately for smaller parties; contact the team for details.
What's Included in Your Stay
The rental price includes use of both saltwater pools, all bed linen, bath towels and pool towels, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the estate (including outdoor areas), and shaded parking. Every day cleaning. Linen & Towels change every 3/4 days. Electricity, water and pool maintenance are covered. Baby cot and high chair (upon request). End-of-stay cleaning is included.
Optional extras — private chef, VIP airport transfer, car hire, yacht charter, wine tasting, massages, yoga and personal training — are arranged separately through the concierge. Most need at least 48 hours’ notice. The full list is on the Services page.
Rates, Seasons & Availability
The villa is available from April through October. High season runs from late June through the end of August; rates during this period reflect the full-estate capacity of 12 guests across all three buildings. Shoulder season — April, May, September and October — offers the same property at better value, with fewer tourists at the beaches and cooler evenings that make al fresco dining genuinely comfortable rather than just possible.
Live weekly rates are shown in the availability calendar. All prices are per week for exclusive use of the full estate. The four-night minimum applies year-round; longer stays are accommodated and peak-season weeks typically run Saturday to Saturday.
For tailored quotes on partial-estate bookings — The Keep alone, or The Keep and The Cottage without The Rock Apartment — contact the team at bookings@cretevillas4u.com. These arrangements are handled directly and are not shown in the public calendar.
Booking Terms & Practical Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Check-in | Check in after 3pm |
| Check-out | Check out latest 11am |
| Minimum stay | 4 nights year-round. Peak season (late June–August) typically runs Saturday to Saturday. |
| Maximum Guests | 12 guests across the full estate. Day visitors are permitted, please inform the team in advance. |
| Cancellation | Cancellation terms are set by Crete Villas 4U and confirmed in your booking contract. Please read the terms carefully before completing your reservation. |
| Damage deposit | A refundable security deposit is required. Amount confirmed at time of booking. |
| Pets | Not suitable for pets |
| Children | Children of all ages are welcome. The pools are not fenced; parents should exercise appropriate supervision around both pools. |
| Smoking | Smoking is permitted in outdoor areas only. |
| Environmental fee | From November to February: 4 € per night | From March to October: 15 € per night |
If you have questions not covered here such as group size, specific dietary requirements for pre-arrival shopping, accessibility needs, or anything else, the team at Crete Villas 4U will answer them. Email bookings@cretevillas4u.com or call +302831040556. They know this villa inside out.
Rent a villa in Crete - Check Availability
Getting Here:
Korakies, Akrotiri, Chania
The villa is in Korakies, on the Akrotiri peninsula east of Chania. Chania International Airport (IATA: CHQ) is 18 minutes by car — around 16 kilometres. The airport serves direct flights from most major UK and European airports throughout the season.
Chania’s Venetian old harbour is 20 minutes. The port of Souda, for ferry connections to Piraeus and the mainland, is 12 minutes. The nearest beach (Marathi) is around 12 minutes. Car hire is recommended; the team can arrange a vehicle to be delivered to the villa on your arrival day.
Bokking Questions, Answered
Can I book the full estate for 12 guests?
Yes. The full estate, The Keep (4 en-suite bedrooms), The Cottage (1 bedroom) and The Rock Apartment (sleeps up to 4), can be booked together for groups of up to 12. This is how most groups book it. The calendar on the booking page shows availability for the full estate.
Can I book just The Keep without the other buildings?
Yes. The Keep can be rented separately for groups of up to 8 guests. The Cottage can also be added individually. Contact the team at bookings@cretevillas4u.com for a tailored quote, these arrangements are not shown in the public calendar.
What is the minimum stay?
Four nights, year-round. In high season (late June through August), peak-week rentals typically run Saturday to Saturday.
How do I pay and is my booking secure?
Bookings are managed by Crete Villas 4U, a licensed rental management company based in Crete. Full payment terms, deposit requirements and contract details are provided by the team when you submit your dates. Payment is processed through their secure booking system.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms are set by Crete Villas 4U and are clearly stated in your booking contract before you confirm. Read them carefully.
How far is the villa from Chania airport?
Eighteen minutes by car, around 16 kilometres. Chania International Airport (CHQ) serves direct routes from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and most major European markets throughout the season. The team can arrange a VIP transfer or car hire to coincide with your arrival.
When is the best time of year to book?
For the best combination of weather and value, May, September and early October are excellent. The sea is warm, the Akrotiri beaches are quieter, and the evenings are cool enough to sit outside comfortably without any wind from the north. July and August are peak season and book up earliest, sometimes a year in advance for the best weeks.
Are children welcome and is the villa child-friendly?
Children of all ages are welcome. The estate has generous outdoor space including a sheltered garden and multiple terrace levels. The two pools are not fenced, so parents should supervise children around them. The Stream bedroom, a ground-floor room with a goldfish pond around three sides, is a particular favourite with younger guests.
Can we bring pets?
The villa is not suitable for pets.
What should we do about groceries on arrival?
The concierge service includes pre-arrival shopping. Send the team a list and the villa will be stocked before you get there. There is also a supermarket 15 minutes away in Chania town for anything you need during the stay.