Villa Zoe

When people who’ve already traveled around the world choose one place as being the most beautiful, then it can only be truly great. Daniela and Martin’s wanderlust was satisfied after countless trips when they came to Koutouloufari on Crete—and decided: We’re staying here! In a typical Greek village, about a hundred meters above sea level, with quaint tavernas and restored natural stone houses with lush bougainvillea bushes growing between them, they immediately felt at home. It’s a feeling that also comes across in the boutique hotel with its five rooms, which the two have created in two authentic Cycladic cottages in the middle of a Mediterranean garden. You can tell from the interior that they’ve seen a lot of the world: Hand-painted plates from Morocco, cushions from Peru, lamps from Myanmar and shells from the South China Sea tell their very own stories. Although there are many treasures, the design is still quite restrained and purist with lots of white and elements in an ethnic boho style. Incidentally, the name “Zoé” is derived from ancient Greek and stands for “life”—something that can be enjoyed here in abundance. Once you’ve passed through the heavy Moroccan wooden door to the property, it’s surprisingly easy to leave all stress behind—preferably in the shade of the carob tree in the garden. There really couldn’t be a better place in the world to really unwind!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• All rooms are individually and minimally furnished: Unique ethnic elements, rattan and textiles are combined with light basic tones.
• The patterned or monochrome tiled floors provide a pleasant coolness in hot summers.
• The two houses are laid out in a way that allows all guests to maximum privacy. The entrances are designed so that you only cross paths when you want to.
• All five rooms have their own terrace or balcony, from which you have a great view as far as the sea two kilometers away.
• The welcome! It’s usually the little things that decide how welcome you feel in a place. A freshly squeezed orange juice is ready and waiting and the room key is handed over to you in a surrounding of fragrant flowers.
• Relaxing on the cozy daybeds in the garden in full bloom, with the sound of cicadas, the scent of oleander and white curtains fluttering gently in the wind
• Individualists who want to get to know Crete away from mass tourism feel at home here.
• The hosts have deliberately decided against a pool. This is because water shortages are a major problem on Crete. And with so many dream beaches close to the villa, Daniela and Martin’s top priority was to conserve resources.
• As Crete is very far south, you can enjoy wonderfully warm days there between May and October.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The lovingly prepared vegetarian breakfast (included in the price) can be enjoyed on your own balcony or in the garden. Fresh and local specialties such as Greek yoghurt, honey from the island, feta, sun-ripened tomatoes and olives are served. And of course there’s fresh flowers!
• All five rooms are equipped with a fridge, air conditioning and WiFi.
• Due to the (really stunning) hillside location, there are many unsafeguarded stairs, which means the house is not suitable for babies and small children. Children aged nine and over are welcome.
• TVs aren’t provided in the rooms in the interests of mindfulness—unless a specific request is made. However, the likelihood of missing anything at all here is infinitely small!
• Gastro guide? Nobody needs one here! Because that’s what Daniela is here for. She knows the best places to try local specialties such as octopus, grilled lamb or sea bass in a salt crust.
• The hotel is located two kilometers above the sea; it’s a 10-minute walk down the hill to the beach.
• The town center with its tavernas, ice cream parlors and small stores is a short walk away. The most beautiful bays can be reached in a few minutes by car, and excursions to ancient monasteries, mystical gorges or romantic mountain villages are also a great idea!
• The hotel can also be rented in its entirety for private events.
• If required, the hosts can arrange an individual program: Island tours, boat charters to the uninhabited island of Chrysi, a Greek evening in the Mediterranean garden or private yoga or Pilates sessions. A massage is also available on request at the hotel.
• The small village of Koutouloufari is located half an hour’s drive east of Heraklion, about twenty minutes from the airport to Villa Zoé. Parking there is free of charge.