Lose yourself on Crete, Europe’s southernmost frontier and an island of stark contrasts. From the snow-capped mountains of the interior, looming imposingly over tiny, crumbling villages, to the elegant seafront resorts that fringe the changeable waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is sure to enrapture your soul. The island’s rugged landscape hosts a particularly bountiful crop of herbs, and the heady scents of rosemary, thyme, oregano, chamomile and fennel perfume the air throughout the year.
The largest of the Greek islands, measuring 160 miles in length, the Cretan landscape is a kaleidoscope of towns and villages all with their own unique aura. From Heraklion, the capital and fourth largest city in Greece, to tiny Loutro and its quiet pebble beach, there’s something for everyone on this eclectic island. Every summer, the international jet-set descend on the chic village of Elounda, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mirabello Bay and a favourite of international personalities from Leonardo diCaprio and Lady Gaga to the Saudi royal family. Dinner at the Calypso Elounda Peninsula is a unique experience and particular favourite with yacht-owners moored nearby, whilst the more laid-back Lotus Eaters serves fresh, local fare in a luxuriously peaceful location.
The island’s long coastline also offers a range of conditions suited to different water sports, from jet skiing and parasailing to kitesurfing and sailing. iKiTe provides premium, professional kiteboarding in Heraklion, whilst the best surfing is found during the winter at Phalasarna Beach in the Chania region.
Alma, a city oasis on the northern coastline of Crete, minutes from the bustling, historical city of Chania.
Looking out across the town and Venetian Harbour, Alma’s views are by day impressive and by night a spectacle of shimmering light and colour.
A private estate tucked away, hiding behind its gated entrance beautifully kept and manicured gardens. Its first impression is one of understated opulence, of a home whose occupants live their best life. Close to everything yet secluded from the world.
Everything is considered from the eco-purified vanishing edge heated pool to the perfectly designed pool bar and BBQ area making outdoor entertaining simple.
Alma is a contemporary villa with striking architecture and straightforward lines, with vast floor to ceiling windows flooding the interiors with warm sunshine. The mixture of plain white walls and warm stone used on the outside creates a distinctive appearance whilst inside a similar mix of tones and textures, also incorporating not just stone but wood, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Inside, on the ground floor, there are two equally spacious living rooms perfect for entertaining, a dining room and fully fitted kitchen with double fridge and built-in oven.
There are five spacious bedrooms on different levels. One on the ground floor, two on the lower ground and two on the upper ground. The master suite is on the upper ground which includes a private lounge, an office and en-suite bathroom with heated plunge pool. A private sanctuary to work in and relax.
Alma exudes comfort and luxury. It has a host of facilities including a fully equipped gym, a spa with Turkish steam bath, a Scandinavian sauna and a massage area.
Alma – the difference between feeling at home and being home.
