Roll of the Dice

Roll of the Dice: Crete

Nestled among olive groves, fruit trees and organic vegetable gardens (that you're encouraged to make full use of), this villa wears its eco credentials on its sleeve. It sits on top of a hill, offering panoramic vistas over the Sea of Crete and jagged White Mountain peaks, with an exterior design that blends with the colours of the surrounding landscape.

The villa can accommodate eight guests in four stylish and spacious bedrooms, each with outdoor access and a sleek en-suite. Elsewhere, the light and bright living/dining area sits beneath a sky-high vaulted ceiling, with a cosy fireplace for cooler times of the year and comfortable sofas that look out over the luscious gardens and glistening sea beyond. Below ground, you'll find a wine cellar that your host can stock for you (additional costs apply), or you can make it your holiday mission to seek out the best wines on the island for those romantic sundowner sessions out by the pool.

Outside, the understated elegance continues, with an outdoor kitchen for cooking up alfresco feasts, covered patios and poolside loungers – perfect for relaxing days soaking up the sun. The green-fingered among you can even dig up your own organic veg from the garden for fresh and nutrient-filled meals.

Nearby, the town of Kolymvari is known for its peaceful, rocky beaches and crystal-clear waters. Those who prefer a little more sand need only travel a short distance east to beaches that line the route to Chania, a twenty-minute drive away. Slightly further afield, you're well placed to explore the picturesque and secluded spots in the island's west. The beautiful Falassarna beach is a little over half an hour away, while the unique pink sand of Elafonissi is just over an hour's drive.

Home truths:
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot and highchair are available on request
*This home boasts two pools – an infinity pool for adults and a shallow kids' pool
*An outdoor table tennis table is available on request
*A 24-hour concierge service is just a phone call away
*The villa is set over three storeys, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*We'd recommend a car to explore the area – there's ample on-site parking
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*A welcome basket with olive oil and wine produced by your host, a bottle of tsikoudia, homemade jams and honey is included
*Twice weekly cleaning and linen change included as standard