Cozy Seacoast Villa, Crete’s Western Olive Region

A NOTE REGARDING COVID 19: A NOTE REGARDING COVID-19: 2021 arrived with breakthroughs against the Corona virus, but now and throughout this new year, we at Villa Koukouvayia remain cautious and committed to guarding the safety of any visit with us. First, we will continue to apply cleaning and turnover protocols recommended by respected international health organizations. Secondly, our guest expectations will evolve to match vaccination, testing and other best practices to ensure that your lodgings will be as safe when you arrive as when you depart. Finally, in addition to our generous 60-day refund policy, at ANY time prior to your stay if your arrival is blocked by either your covid-health status or by force majeures such as border or flight prohibitions, we will work with you to reschedule your time or return funds at your preference. While Crete (and particularly our region of rural, western Crete) has proven one of the safer holiday destinations, it’s good to note that Villa Koukouvayia herself, with her isolation and inclusive recreational facilities, provides added assurance against a wide range of limits that the virus might throw our way between now and your arrival. Because at this point, we know we all need a relaxing and safe vacation 😊! For any further concerns or more questions, just contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and making sure your visit is planned in confidence; and in the meantime, we offer our best wishes for your good health in this new (and better!) year. Your hosts, Richard Harriman & Heidi Palola -------------------------------------- PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: Villa Koukouvayia’s Guest House is the smaller of two fully equipped and private rental homes on Villa Koukouvayia Farms, a beautiful estate set on the first foothills of olives above the Gulf of Kissamos and below several dramatic gorges and Crete’s White Mountains. The Guest House can accommodate 4 adults (or a family of 5 with 3 children) and is perfect for a traveling couple, a group of four friends, or a young family. And while the Guest House enjoys private entrances, parking, gardens, and is completely separate from the villa’s larger home (Villa Koukouvayia’s Main House, VRBO listing #1883709), the two homes can be easily rented together to accommodate multiple families and larger groups up to 11. (In fact, if you are looking for a perfect platform to host an even larger gathering later this year or in 2022, we are completing this fall the villa’s third and final lodging, a luxurious three-bedroom home that will allow the entire estate to comfortably accommodate 20+ people. The combination of separate, private homes that are easily shared will prove perfect for family reunions, large-group travels, and destination celebrations.) Villa Koukouvayia is located at the end of a quiet farm road and entirely surrounded by olive groves. The estate grounds are removed from heavily touristed areas yet five minutes to a variety of beaches, tavernas and the lovely town of Kissamos; 25 minutes from the historic Venetian city of Xania, and only 45 minutes from air transport—Villa Koukouvayia offers a rare combination of authenticity, convenience, privacy, and luxury. Built in 2012, the Koukouvayia Guest House’s master bedroom offers sweeping views of the Aegean, a large balcony with outdoor shower, and spiral stairs that lead up to a private roof terrace. The 2nd bedroom enjoys a private balcony overlooking the valley and mountains rising to the south, and has built-in bunk-beds (sized and engineered for adults if needed) with each bunk boasting its own 2-meter window that opens out over the sea. There is a large fully equipped bathroom upstairs, with washing machine and laundry balcony for easily drying clothes. The ground floor is an open-plan, with a living and dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a 2nd bathroom. Outside, 4-meter verandas (covered and open) surround the house and provide your choice of sun or shade at any time of day, with plentiful outdoor furniture to allow sitting, dining and entertaining on the balconies, terrazzo, verandas and pool terrace. The Guest House includes board and lawn games, a barbecue grill, bicycles, kayaks, beach-gear, a private yard and garden, and a small but deep adult plunging pool (shared with the Main House) that feeds a shallow toddlers pool with a waterfall. Lounge by the pool, play a game of croquet, or simply relax and listen to the sound of the breeze through the olive trees and the splashing of the waterfall. Villa Koukouvayia is only a short drive from Venetian cities, famous natural gorges, and the stunning beaches featured on many Greek calendars and in many a traveler’s fantasy. But if you want a vacation more removed from other tourists, simply take advantage of the villa’s extensive recreational equipment to explore the nearby coast with our kayaks or snorkeling gear, ride the villa’s bicycles to lesser known but nearby gorges, historical sites or secret beaches; or walk through the villa’s gates and you will step onto one of the most beautiful and unheralded hiking networks in Crete. And if you prefer the quieter more authentic off-season, then leave the colder northern latitudes behind and take advantage of the region’s winter hospitality and lower rates. From November through February the sun may shine less constantly, but it’s brighter, the air clearer, and the sun rarely tolerates rainclouds for more than a handful of hours before warming the valleys, splashing the sky with spectacular rainbows, and forcing one’s sweater off. On every beach the summer crowd of sunbeds disappear and make room for shoreline walks. The air fills with the bustle of the olive harvest, and traffic changes from rental cars filled with sun-glassed tourists to tractors laden with bursting burlap sacks. As if shy of summer’s tourist crush, wildflowers and clover reemerge and recarpet the groves, and the landscape turns as green as Ireland. The views of surf and snow-capped mountains in winter’s brilliant air make photographers gasp by day and astronomers gasp by night as stars dance sharp and clear above. The days are spent on mountain hikes, and bike rides, and the evenings spent in local tavernas reading or playing cards, with glasses of wine in hand and a warming fire nearby. It’s a less known but precious time on this amazing island, and the best museums, shops and restaurants remain open and share the most authentic of Cretan culture, gifts and food. But at whatever time you come, you will soon know what other guests have discovered to their pleasure: that we love sharing this special villa, special region, and special Island with our guests; and that you have secured an ideal place to explore, create and celebrate the both Cretan life and yours—together with those you love.