The story
The house is built to face one thing: the sea. All eight rooms carry sea views, balconies and their own bathrooms, with air-conditioning and a minibar as standard. Categories run from Studio and Double Room to Suite, and a separate Deluxe Villa with eight bedrooms. The design detail extends to the linens and beds, which guests single out repeatedly.
Downstairs, a private jacuzzi sits with a direct view of the water, part of a wellness offering that also takes in a sauna, spa lounge, massage rooms, a fitness centre and an outdoor pool. Yoga classes are available. Resto Meltem serves Greek dinners; Giannis, the Greek host and chef born in Heraklion, trained at the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon. Breakfast — continental, buffet, à la carte and more — is set under olive trees facing the Aegean.
Agia Pelagia's centre sits 2.1 km (1.3 mi) away, with Agia Pelagia Beach at 2.6 km (1.6 mi) and several other beaches within a few kilometres. Heraklion airport is 25 km (15.5 mi) out, and a shuttle is offered; free private parking with electric charging makes a hire car easy. This is a small house run with close personal attention.