Traditional Hotel for Relaxation - ideal for activities like hiking

Elia Traditional Hotel & Spa, An eco friendly hotel, is located (in the middle of a big organic cultivated olive grove) in West Crete in Greece close to Chania city ideal for activities like hiking, exploring local cultures-festivals, Museums, or just relaxing in Elia’s peaceful natural environment. On the slopes of a hill with a view over the Mediterranean, situated in the middle of an olive grove and next to the oldest olive-tree in the world, is this two hundred year old historical building, carefully restored, now the Elia Traditional hotel & Spa. Located in west Crete, in a advantageous position west of Chania, it is a gateway for the most interesting sightseeing and most beautiful beaches of the west and south coasts like Elafonissi, Falasarna and Balos, considered by organizations like Trip Advisor or Cnn, to be amongst the ten most beautiful beaches in the world! A quick glance at our Visitors' book tells you that peace is the overriding feeling people take from Elia -that and the memory of an exquisitely restored farmhouse with its nine enchanting suites decorated with antique furniture and objects d’art. This place has offered a peaceful refuge to the members of the Cretan resistance during the stormy history of Crete since 1860. But today such conflicts are almost impossible to imagine, as you gaze out from the raised quests' veranda, where you can take breakfast, or swim in the pool, which both looks out over this fertile land and onwards to the spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. You can search and search for a word or phrase to describe Elia - but you won't find it. You'll have to go there to discover its innate powers of natural serenity. You may want to ponder on your description as you silently sway in one of the hammocks which hang beneath the huge oak trees in the grounds, fed by the underground streams which make the whole of Elia particularly verdant. A walk around Elia is itself an experience. Wander around the ruins of a Venetian house, sit on the stone benches with their panoramic views or simply wandering through the olive groves and orchards which encircle the main building. A short walk from Elia is also the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old. The sheer natural beauty of the environment of the traditional Hotel Elia enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The lush gardens are rich in tropical plants, vibrant bougainvillea’s, plum, lemon and fig trees; sweet smelling jasmine and all surrounded by a sea of olive trees; the source of all oil used at the hotel. Hidden throughout the gardens are little seating areas, footpaths ideal for walking, and little nooks where you can enjoy the tranquility and calmness, with just the sound of the cicada’s to disturb the incredible peace and quiet. If this is not enough for you to forget the modern world, our therapist can fortify your mental and physical balance with personalized programs and relaxing treatments. Sauna, Jacuzzi, and the mineral salt baths with natural essential oils stimulate your senses and in combination with freshly made cleansing drinks, aromatherapy and different treatments offer total relaxation and beauty. Start the day with our lush buffet breakfast rich with home made pies and cakes, variety of healthy breads and paximadia, delicious biscuits and cereals, fresh fruits (many from our gardens) and all washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice. Guest are free to take their breakfast anywhere they wish in the gorgeous grounds, and for those who like their sleep, we will serve you when you wake up - whatever the time! After your relaxing massage or a walk around the grounds, you can dine in the traditional little restaurant, or on the raised terrace with glorious views across to the Mediterranean sea and to the setting sun in the west. Our local Chef is renowned for his hearty dishes - many secrets recipes of his grandmother - and he uses only the finest local produced ingredients available to us - everything cooked fresh every day. Lunch is an informal affair of light salads and snacks served at any time you would like it, or a picnic is prepared if you would prefer to follow the shepherd trails around the hotel and have lunch on the go. Dinner is a home cooked three course meal (though you can actually eat any course you like). Vegetarian menu is also available. The guests of Elia are advised on a series of walks which can be taken from here, some guided, which can lead to waterfalls, hilltop Byzantine churches- or simply to enjoy rural Crete at its finest. Contact us for special offers and we look forward to seeing you soon! Parking lot/garage (free). 1: After you have collected your car, turn out of the car pick up area. Leave Chania Airport and continue along a straight road for about 500m until you reach a junction, where you turn left signposted to Chania (hania, Chania and Xania are different spellings of the same place).Continue along this road until you reach a T junction. Turn right here and follow the signpost to Chania (3km). Continue along the main road, and after you pass through the village of Pithari you will come to a mini-round-about (7km). Here, take the left exit towards Souda. Follow this road as it drops down to Souda Bay, passing Souda Bay Cemetery on your left (12km). 2: Continue on the flat for a few kilometers, through the outskirts of Souda until you reach a set of traffic lights and a large In.ka supermarket on the right. Turn right at the lights, after approximately 200 meters there is a signpost marked “Rethymnon 56, Iraklion 136”. Continue along a dual carriageway for 400m and before the bridge, turn right following the sign for “kissamos”. This turning is the slip road, which will take you on to the main highway. 3: Follow the highway, passing turns for Mournies, Omalos and Galatas. Continue straight and further on is a blue sign saying “Municipality of Platanias”. At the next junction “Kasteli 25, Platanias, Kolimbari, continue passed this turning and carry on along the main highway. Take the next exit, sign posted for “Paleochora and Tavronitis”. Follow the signs for Paleochora. 4: After about 4 km you will reach Neratzia (a tiny village) Look for the sign to turn Right to Gavalomouri - just before a Shell gas station (seek the 1st Elia sign) - turn right, and continue to a fork in the road.. (seek the 2nd Elia sign) keep right and follow the road up hill, skirting Gavalomouri and after 1 km turn left towards Ano Vouves (seek the 3rd Elia sign). 5: After approx. 300m on your right (seek the 4rth Elia sign), turn right to the small (cement) driveway to Elia parking area. Government tax 3 EUR Per day, to be paid upon check-in.