Villa Seli

Villa Seli combines the traditional features of an old farmhouse with five star luxury bathrooms and kitchen. This large villa sleeps 10-12 people in 5 bedrooms. Set apart in its own grounds of olive and orange trees on a hilltop it is the perfect place to unwind. The beach is never far away in Crete and Gerani beach one of the most peaceful and clean 2 km stretches of sandy shoreline in west Crete is only a 5-minute drive away.

Only five minutes' walk out of the old village of Gerani , the narrow stony ascent to the villa cuts through olive and orange groves. As you approach the villa you are carried back a hundred years to the traditional agrarian economy of Crete: from its hill-top position surrounded by olive trees, the villa commands spectacular views to Gerani and Maleme bay and unspoilt countryside, carpeted with more olive groves and orange orchards. Olive farming has been the dominant industry in this area for centuries if not millennia.

The villa is luxury itself, sporting a gym and indoor swimming pool/Jacuzzi, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and several balconies. The generous external terrace overlooks the swimming pool and provides shade in the heat of the day. Take your morning coffee sitting on one of the balconies and splendour in the views of the swimming pool and gardens studded with scarlet hibiscus and crimson bougainvillea, the calm green hills and distant turquoise beaches.

Each bedroom is fully air-conditioned for the hottest times of year. The kitchen is extensively equipped with everything a group of up to 10/12 could need for ease and comfort: a dishwasher, oven, large fridge, washing machine, microwave, sandwich toaster and meat grill.

In addition, you can benefit from cable TV, a DVD player, an indoor gym, indoor heated pool/Jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool and toddler pool.

The traditional small grocer shop in Old Gerani is only a 5-minute stroll down the hill, providing basic provisions. The village also boasts two traditional Byzantine-style churches and one 'kafeneo' (a traditional cafe where mostly old men slowly sip their strong Greek coffee and play backgammon, seemingly without a care in the world).

Location: Gerani Village, Chania District, Crete Distance from Chania Town: 25 mins

Distance from Chania Airport: 38 mins Hire car, advised