The Laouto

Just twelve kilometres from the beautifully preserved medieval town of Rethymnon, this delightful villa offers a serene spot on the island of Crete. With both countryside and coastlines to discover, as well as trips like a private helicopter ride on offer from your host, your busy itinerary should also include time to relax.

Quintessentially Mediterranean, the white walls of this villa reflect the bright sun of the island – as does the shimmering water of your private pool. Start exploring the home via the outdoor area, where you'll pass by your aforementioned oasis and sun loungers. Then heading up the terracotta-tiled stairs, you’ll find a private dining terrace and barbecue. We imagine you’ll be back out here for a glass of wine and some juicy olives later on.

Take a second to gaze at the view from up here – tree-filled landscapes meet azure waters, stretching as far as the eye can see, while pink flowers frame this gorgeous scene from your vantage point. Stepping inside, where things are altogether more understated, pale wood, white walls, and a modern brick fireplace shy away from ornate tradition to allow nature to be the main event.

Home truths:
*At full capacity, one guest will be sleeping a on single sofa bed in the lounge
*There’s only one bathroom to share between up to five guests
*You can access a private family beach where you’ll have two sun loungers and a parasol
*The entrance is private to your home
*Parking is available in the driveway (and we do recommend bringing a car to get around)
*There is a dedicated workspace, plus plenty of laptop-friendly spots such as the dining table
*Twice a week, a change of linen and pool cleaning services are included in your stay