Aria - 5 Bedroom Villa - Crete

Beautifully positioned and angled to take in the stunning sunsets enjoyed along this stretch, Villa Aria combines modern facilities with wonderful touches of Cretan architecture and culture. Its thick, ivory coloured stone walls sit perfectly in this gently sloping landscape of olive groves and farm dwellings, the L-shaped structure creating a large, sheltered terrace where an inviting pool awaits.

Creative use of arched doorways and windows as well as varying roof lines give the impression of a restored castle or abbey, yet the design is as much pragmatic as aesthetic, keeping the interior cool and light on hot summer days.

Inside, the décor and furnishings are an eclectic mix of industrial chic and old world charm, with each room boasting its own individual look. The double height lounge is flooded with light through a huge arched doorway leading out to the poolside patio, its plush L-shaped sofa providing a comfy spot to chill out over a movie. Through an interior stone arch and with its own double set of patio doors is a rather grand dining hall, complete with a sturdy timber and iron table and antique style dining chairs.

In contrast, the adjacent kitchen is fully fitted with contemporary cabinetry, a breakfast bar and the full range of modern appliances to ensure your culinary needs are fully met.

That said, there’s every chance you’ll choose to spend most of your mealtimes outside where a built-in barbecue and bread oven provide the tools for some delicious outdoor meals. A large outdoor dining suite is located under an impressive steel and timber framed pergola where the views across the undulating countryside and out to sea are simply breath-taking.

Four of the five uniquely styled ensuite bedrooms are conveniently located on the ground floor, including one with a wheelchair-friendly wide access door and wet room handles. From rustic to elegant, classic to serene, you’ll find each room provided with soft bedlinen, complimentary toiletries, slippers and bathrobes, while the ensuite bath or shower rooms are fitted to a high standard and adorned with exquisite patterned tiles.

A fifth bedroom is located upstairs with access to a private balcony where you can enjoy the magnificent views as well as a little star-gazing after dark.

Outside, a collection of sun loungers and parasols ensures relaxation is top of the agenda, and with Crete’s glorious climate, the cool waters of your own private pool will be the icing on the cake. Steps lead down from the upper terrace to a lower tier of gardens where, surrounded by ancient olive trees, you can spend the afternoon pondering your next move on a wonderful giant chess board.

While there’s a café and a grocery store in the nearby village, you’ll find a much larger array of restaurants, bars and shops a short drive away in the bustling town of Rethymno with its winding streets, Venetian fortress and quaint harbour, as well as some lovely sandy beaches.

There are a number of low walls and balustrades around the villa which may be unsuitable for small children, however Villa Aria is a wonderful choice for a family with older children or a group of adults looking to share a peaceful holiday together.