Olives & Thyme Retreat
Villa Overview, Akrotiri, Chania, Crete

Six en-suite bedrooms, two saltwater pools and one address in Akrotiri that very few people know about

An Architecturally Unique Luxury Villa in Crete

Designed by Aristomenis Varoudakis, Olives and Thyme Retreat seamlessly integrates the natural environment to offer guests distinctive features. Discover tranquility at ‘The Reading Tree,’ a secluded, shaded spot perfect for reading, and gather at ‘Carob Circle,’ a charming circular seating area illuminated in the evenings beneath a grand carob tree.For intimate moments, ‘The Overlook,’ a private viewing seat nestled amongst the local shrubs, provides a serene setting for two. The villa harmoniously blends with the surrounding olive trees, enhanced by the fragrant presence of indigenous thyme, other herb and vibrant shrubs. True to the Cretan landscape, alongside the olive groves, you’ll find the essential carob tree (“harupya” in Greek), traditionally valued on all land. A private driveway ensures convenience and shaded parking for two vehicles.The property comprises a striking main tower, ‘The Keep,’ and a separate stone cottage to its left and The Rock Apartment to its right. ‘The Keep’ features four luxurious en-suite bedrooms spread across the ground and first floors. ‘The Cottage’ offers accommodation for an additional two guests, with a further two in the Rock Apartment bringing the total capacity to twelve.Inside, the spaces exude luxury with architecturally designed furniture and premium materials, creating an atmosphere of indulgence. Large windows flood the interiors with natural light, fostering a strong connection with the outdoors.

An olive grove with volcanic rocks overlooking Souda bay and the White mountains is the context of this distinctive and sophisticated residence.It was envisioned that the volcanic rock would become the main masonry material of the interior and the exterior. A look to the past of the island of Crete led to the architectural design of this three-story tower structure. The three levels are all connected with a green central communication core to accentuate the tower feeling from the interior.All the interior finishes and furniture, fabricated from wood, metal and glass, have been designed as a unique entity in harmony with the natural light conditions.
In their own words, Aristomenis & Georgios Varoudakis, architects

The Pools, Outdoor Kitchen & Terrace:

The ground-floor lap pool (3×14m, saltwater, heated) is accessed directly from two of The Keep’s bedrooms and also from The Cottage via a short set of steps. Between the two pools sits a stone water feature that feeds a man-made stream, the same stream that runs around three sides of the ground-floor bedroom called ‘The Stream’, complete with water plants and goldfish.

The upper endless pool (6×8m, saltwater, heated) sits on the first floor and is reached from the pool terrace via ramps from the first and second floors. Adjacent to it is a covered outdoor kitchen — gas BBQ, sink, refrigeration — and a shaded dining area that seats the full group of 12 comfortably. Beyond the shade structure, an open sun deck extends the living space further.

Wi-Fi covers the entire property, including all outdoor areas.

Location, Akrotiri Peninsula, Chania:

The villa is in Korakies, on the Akrotiri peninsula — the headland east of Chania that most visitors to the area never fully explore. Chania International Airport (IATA: CHQ) is 18 minutes by car. Chania’s old Venetian harbour is 20 minutes. The nearest beach, Marathi, is around 12 minutes.

The Akrotiri peninsula has five beaches within easy reach: Marathi, Kalathas, Stavros, Tersanas and Seitan Limania. Stavros is where the final scene of ‘Zorba the Greek’ was filmed, the circular bay with the vertical cliff behind it. Seitan Limania is the one guests tend not to tell their friends about.

Practical note on road noise: the Souda-to-Akrotiri road runs below the villa. The architects fitted glass panels at the end of the lap pool and along the shaded seating area to reduce road sound. The effect is noticeable on the two front balconies and the pool terrace; inside the buildings and in the garden spaces, it is not an issue. Worth knowing before you arrive, not after.

The Keep

Four double en-suite bedrooms across ground and first floor, each with a king-size bed and walk-in shower. Two bedrooms open directly to the lap pool. The other two have walkway access to the endless pool. The staircase connecting the floors is a sculptural piece of metalwork, not the kind of thing you expect to find. Top floor: open-plan living room, dining for 12, fully equipped kitchen and a covered balcony over the bay.

The Cottage

A stone guest house set a short distance from The Keep, close enough to be part of the group, far enough to feel like your own place. Ground-floor bedroom, walk-in shower, kitchenette, and a mezzanine sitting area above. Ideal for two people who want the full run of the estate but not the main building. Access to both pools and all shared outdoor spaces.

Outside Spaces

Two heated saltwater pools at two different levels, connected by stone steps and a water feature. A covered outdoor kitchen with gas BBQ and dining for 12. A yoga and exercise pergola in the shade of The Keep. The Carob Circle, a semi-circular stone seating area under an old carob tree lit by solar lights at night. The Reading Tree, a shaded olive tree with exactly two seats under it. The Overlook, a two-person bench between The Cottage and the lap pool, with the best unobstructed view of Souda Bay on the estate.

The Rock Apartment

Excavated into the cliff face below the main terrace. Glass front wall, metal frame, natural rock on three sides, it looks like something an architect designed on a dare. En-suite bedroom, sitting room, kitchenette, sleeps up to four with the sofa bed. This is the space that photographs best and books first.

The Massage Area

A dedicated wellness space under the main terrace, shaded and private, separate from the main living areas. A fully qualified masseuse can be arranged before you arrive or at any point during your stay. Swedish or therapeutic massage, booked through the concierge. Shower and WC in the same area.

Questions About the Villa, Answered

How many guests can the estate accommodate?

Up to 12 guests across six en-suite bedrooms: four in The Keep, one in The Cottage and up to four in The Rock Apartment using the sofa bed. All guests share the pools, outdoor kitchen and garden spaces.

What is the Akrotiri peninsula and how far is it from Chania?

Akrotiri is the headland directly east of Chania, locals call it the ‘sleeping giant’ because of its profile from the sea. The villa is in the village of Korakies on the peninsula’s southern edge. Chania’s old town is 20 minutes by car; the airport is 18 minutes.

Are both pools heated and are they really saltwater?

Yes to both. The lap pool (3×14m) and the endless pool (6×8m) are both heated saltwater systems. They are not chlorinated. Heating can be arranged in advance, mention it when you book if you are coming in the shoulder season.

Who designed the villa and when was it built?

Aristomenis and Georgios Varoudakis, a Chania-based architectural practice. The design brief was built around the volcanic basalt rock of the site, it is used as the primary structural and decorative material throughout. The furniture and fittings were custom-made to the architects’ specifications.

What beaches are nearby?

Marathi is the closest, around 12 minutes. Kalathas and Tersanas are both within 15 minutes. Stavros, where the final scene of Zorba the Greek was filmed, is 20 minutes. Seitan Limania, a dramatic isolated gorge beach reached by foot, is worth the 25-minute drive.

Is there road noise at the villa?

The Souda-to-Akrotiri road runs below the estate. The architects installed glass panels at both pool ends and the shaded seating area to reduce road sound. Inside the buildings and in the garden areas away from the cliff edge, it is not noticeable. On the two front balconies and the pool terrace, you may hear light traffic, particularly in the morning. It is worth knowing so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

What services can be arranged in advance?

Private chef, Cretan wine tasting at the villa, cookery classes, VIP airport transfer, car hire, yoga instructor, qualified masseuse, personal trainer and yacht charter can all be arranged. Contact the team at the time of booking, most services need at least 48 hours’ notice.

Olives & Thyme Retreat Villa Overview, Akrotiri, Chania, Crete