“This small rustic spa retreat offers peace and quiet in the Cretan hills. With a pool and a good traditional restaurant, it's the kind of cosy cocoon that some guests won't want to leave, but for those who do the bright lights of Chania are a short drive away.”
“This small rustic spa retreat offers peace and quiet in the Cretan hills. With a pool and a good traditional restaurant, it's the kind of cosy cocoon that some guests won't want to leave, but for those who do the bright lights of Chania are a short drive away.”
Hotel Review
Travellers looking for somewhere to practice mindfulness in a peaceful Cretan setting need look no further. Tranquillity rules here. Most of the time, as you sit gazing out over olive-covered foothills to the sparkling Aegean, there's little noise except for birdsong, cicadas and the distant clank of goat-bells. Elia Traditional Hotel stands in 10 acres of gardens shaded by lemon and olive trees, brightened by clumps of bougainvillea and perfumed by flowering jasmine. Footpaths connect hidden nooks, perfect for an hour with a book. Breakfast features home-grown fruit, fresh baked bread and cheese and spinach pies and fresh orange juice, served wherever (and whenever) you want. Lunch and dinner are served on the pool terrace or in the hotel's own taverna. Bedrooms are in restored stone cottages and outbuildings surrounding a former farmouse that has been in the family since the 19th century. Colours are cream and pink, with exposed beams and stonework. Some rooms are split-level, with mezzanine sleeping areas, and all are decorated with antique wooden furniture, traditional fabrics and Cretan pottery. Villa sleeping 6 is also available.
Written by Robin Gauldie
Recommended For
- Country Escape
- Set amid olive groves and reputely located next to the oldest olive tree in the world, this is a charming rural hideaway
- Families
- Very family friendly - the kids will love the pool while the larger maisonettes make excellent family rooms
- Great walks
- Easy-going walks on the doorstep and challenging treks nearby make this a good option for a hiking holiday
- Total relaxation
- With its peaceful hillside location and spoiling spa, this is a good option to come and simply unwind
- Sights nearby
- The Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa and the Ancient Olive Tree Museum are both nearby
- Riding
- You can go horse riding at Zefiros club at Akrotir
- Yoga
- Watersports
- Groups
- Spa
- Spa treatments including mud massage and aromatherapy
- Antiques
- Antique furniture in all the bedrooms
- Beach nearby
- Secluded beaches on Rodopos peninsula
- Romantic
- Remote
- Eco
- Quiet
- Organic food
- Sit-out Terrace
- Charming
- Traditional
- Wellbeing
- Disabled access
- On an island
- Child friendly
- Restaurant
Facilities
- Spa
- Spa treatments including mud massage and aromatherapy
- Garden
- Lush gardens filled with tropical plants
- Private villas
- One private villa sleeps six
- Sauna/Steam
- Fireplace
- Cots available
- Massage
- Sit-out Terrace
- Air conditioning
- Wifi
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Hot Tub
- Disabled access
- Sitting Room
- Child friendly
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
Activities
- Great walks
- Easy-going walks on the doorstep and challenging treks nearby make this a good option for a hiking holiday
- Sights nearby
- The Monastery of Chrissoskalitissa and the Ancient Olive Tree Museum are both nearby
- Riding
- You can go horse riding at Zefiros club at Akrotir
- Yoga
- Watersports
Map & Location
