The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
At over 8,000 sq km, Crete is Greece’s largest island – in fact, it’s larger than some autonomous island nations: Malta is a mere 316 sq km by comparison.
It’s Greece’s southernmost island and offers average temperatures of 19 C, reaching much higher in the summer and can drop to just above zero in the mountains in the winter. This naturally makes Crete a popular year-round destination – especially for those looking to escape the Northern European chills.
Although Heraklion is the largest city and the island’s capital, Chania – 103km and a 2-hour drive west along the new highway – was the capital until 1971. With rich architecture that highlights its eclectic past of being taken over by the Ottomans and Venetians, it’s best to spend at least two or three days exploring this ancient city to soak up the atmosphere properly.
Located around the hill of Kasteli, the Old Town of Chania was built over the ruins of the Minoan city of Kydonia and also tombs from this period. Byzantine and Venetian walls surround the Old Town and the views across the harbour are spectacular.
Its narrow streets encompass a cross-section of neighbourhoods, such as Topanas with its Venetian and Turkish architecture, and the synagogue in the Jewish quarter contrasting with the mosque of Küçük Hasan. Archaeological sites, museums and beaches, shopping, leather goods, strolling the streets and eating along the quay overlooking the Venetian lighthouse, Chania really does have it all, and you can sense the authentic.
You’ll need to base yourself somewhere to explore this eclectic and stunning region. There are many Hotels around Chania ranging from small family-run establishments, and boutique luxury in the Old Town such as the Ambassador’s Residence – a Neoclassical building built in the 1890s to house German Ambassador R. Krüger and his wife Wilhelmine.
A favourite, however, is a stay at a small beach hotel a mere 4km from the bustle of Chania. With pool and right in front of the bay of Agii Apostoli, Ammos Hotel provided the philoxenia that Greece and its islands and islanders are so famous for. Indeed, up until the 1970s the hotel was actually the private summerhouse residence of the owners and gradually made into what you will find today; a stylish boutique establishment with owner Nikkos and his staff always keen to help offer a concierge service for guests to help them make the best of their stay. Popular with couples and families alike, it’s also pet friendly.
Garden or sea view rooms all have balconies with suites with a furnished terrace and after a day exploring, it’s superb to come back, swim in the sea and order a delicious traditional Cretan menu for dinner, watching the sunset.
All in all, Ammos is a perfect place to base yourself as you explore the wider region of Chania – or just take a day to relax in the surroundings.
To immerse yourself in complete luxury, head to award-winning Youphoria Villas located in Kissamos Bay, an hour from the port or airport of Chania.
Eight villas; 6 two bedroomed, 1 one-bedroom (suitable for limited mobility guests) and 1 three bedroomed are ergonomically designed to fit into the landscape, cascading down the hillside – all with sea view and private infinity pools.
Local natural materials have been used in the construction of all the villas and owner, Vassilis, is a qualified horticulturist. Knowing what blends in well with the landscape, he was determined to create a project that complimented nature, not fight against it and be a blight on the landscape.
The villa’s open location on the hillside means it benefits from a gorgeous refreshing breeze – perfect for the summer months but pack a pullover if planning to come from October to April.
Upon arrival – whether you choose to come by taxi, hire car (recommended) or private transfer that Vassilis and his team can arrange – you will be given a Welcome Drink in the Reception/Common Area and depending on the time of day, a Welcome Dakkos – that famed Cretan delicacy of local rusk bread topped with chopped tomatoes and crumbly feta (a Greek bruschetta, if you like).
Three days is enough to base yourself here and explore the Chania province of Crete and beyond. It is wonderful to come back in the late afternoon after a day out and dip in the pool and listen to the rural noises of the cicadas complaining about the heat and the farmer’s field with its sheep jangling away with their bells around their necks.
A city girl normally, used to life in Athens, this was the perfect respite I needed to get away from it all.
Youphoria’s eight villas and a further beachfront villa (can be divided into two properties) – also with pool and step right onto the beach – are perfect for honeymooners, couples or families with older children. Minimalist interiors, daily maid service and extras such as booking massage or yoga go to making a stay at Youphoria a vacation in itself.
Why leave at all? With the option of a Private Chef available to come to your residence to concoct a delicious meal using local products, your days can be spent in luxury and harmony – a complete respite from your day-to-day lives.
