Tella Thera
Crete Island, Greece
Why it made our list: Sunk into a hillside and plainly a labour of love, this eco-hotel is a get-away-from-it-all that never strands you. Earthy, secluded, with sea views, and calming before you’ve found your room.
At a Glance
A boutique eco-hotel set in an olive-grove hillside above the Bay of Kissamos, partly sunk into the ground and roofed in planted gardens, with curving walls and arched windows in the clay and sand tones of the land. Inside, the palette stays earthy and low: limewashed walls, oak, local stone and linen, sculptural ceramic lamps, and wooden furniture made by a single carpenter a dozen kilometres away. The philosopy is simple and rooted in: slow-living, wellness, sustainability and human-centered service.
The rooms are generous, starting at 50 square metres, with a lounge, a desk and a terrace that doubles the space again, and most come with a plunge pool of their own. The hotel is family-run and opened in July 2025, and the whole place seems grown from where it stands.
The outdoor pool is wide and still, and Thaleria, the spa below ground, has a magnesium pool, chromotherapy showers, a steam room and a sauna. The team knows the hiking trails, the wineries and the local tavernas you can walk down to, and can arrange most things on the spot: an olive oil tasting, a private dinner, a winery visit, a night of stargazing with almost no light pollution to dilute the sky.
Our Take: Spacious, thoughtful and rooted in its setting, Tella Thera makes switching off feel natural.
Rooms We Love
Two Kings, two bathrooms, living area, large terrace with private plunge pool – can fit up to 5 people, best for 4. 165 sqm
The only one in the hotel. 3 King bedrooms with 3 bathrooms and 1 WC and fully equipped kitchen. Outdoor areas include private dining and a private pool and the best sea views the hotel offers. 380sqm
Dining
Anemoia All-day restaurant, plant-forward and zero-waste, serving seasonal Greek and Cretan cooking built around local producers and what grows on the property.
Anemoia Bar makes its drinks with foraged botanicals and house-made ferments.
Essentials
Check-in:
3:00 PM
Check-out:
12:00 PM
Rooms:
20 Rooms | 1 Villa
Open:
April 22 – October 31, 2027
Children:
All ages welcome
Parking:
On Site
Accessibility:
2 Superior Suites with roll-in showers
- Outdoor pool
- Private plunge pools (most rooms)
- Thaleria Spa: magnesium pool, chromotherapy showers, steam room, sauna
- 24-hour fitness centre
- Anemoia restaurant and bar
- Concierge
- 24-hour reception
- EV charging
- Free WiFi
- Green Key certified
Pets are not allowed at Tella Thera
Tella Thera is somewhat remote, with Chania about an hour away, and there is no nightlife or organised entertainment.
Children are welcome, but there is no kids club, so parents should plan their own days. It suits couples and families who are happy to slow down.e.
Chania International Airport:
62 km ≈ 65 min drive
Getting Here:
Fly direct into Chania Airport, accessible from Athens Airport and a selection of European and UK Airports
Drive from Airport via rental car or private transfer
Relax and unwind, we'll handle the rest.
