Notes from the host
Villa Chrisi
In Greek 'Chrisi' means 'golden' and when you stay at this gorgeous stone villa you will completely understand how the villa's name came about. The villa has been built using pretty honey-gold coloured stone taken from a small quarry on the outskirts of the nearby village of Gavalohori. The wonderful traditional features such as stone arches, and wood beamed ceilings, windows, shutters and pergolas all made from local cypress wood, blend seamlessly with every modern amenity to create a comfortable home that is welcoming in the extreme. In addition, Chrisi Villa has a hillside location with a stunning panorama that encompasses the famously picturesque Souda Bay, the surrounding countryside, and the scenic White Mountains, which at dusk are bathed with the vibrant gold and crimson hues of the setting sun that are usually only seen on a picture postcard. To complete this idyllic setting, you can often hear the gentle sound of sheep bells coming from the olive groves to north and west of the villa.
The laid-back rural location belies the fact that Chrisi Villa is only a few minutes by car to the well stocked mini-market and 3 very different tavernas in Kokkino Horio, or 10 minutes drive to the beach and many amenities in Almyrida. The attractive garden and lovely private pool terrace are a relaxing haven which you will find difficult to leave, however it would be a shame not to explore the area's countless wonderful sites, including the Ancient Roman Cisterns and Turkish Castle at Aptera, the Venetian Harbour town of Chania, and the sandy beaches and small rocky coves that are blessed with crystal clear turquoise water and are perfect for snorkelling.
All of the outdoor areas at Chrisi Villa benefit from the fabulous scenery that invites you to sit back and do nothing more strenuous than take in the far-reaching views. Mouth-watering meals with juicy locally grown salads and freshly caught fish that has been grilled on the barbecue can be savoured in the brilliant sunshine during the day, or under the breathtakingly clear star filled night sky. The pool terrace is flanked by 2 mature date palms and an ivy covered trellis that provides excellent screening, whilst the eye-catching pool takes centre stage with its sparkling waters that beckon invitingly. Guests who enjoy moments of solitude will appreciate the good sized, landscaped garden that incorporates areas with olive trees, natural stone outcrops, wild flowers in the Spring, and flowerbeds planted with colourful hibiscus, African daisies, Margarita daisies, oleanders, cacti, 'Hottentot Fig', and aromatic lavender.
The interiors of Villa Chrisi have many fine attributes and the relaxing atmosphere of a home away from home. Very comfortable and classically Cretan, the furnishings and decor are attractive and easy on the eye. The clever 'upside down' design maximizes the views from the upstairs living area and dining terrace, and helps to keep the 2 downstairs bedrooms naturally cool - although on the lovely long hot summer days and warm balmy nights that Crete is celebrated for there is air conditioning throughout the villa. A feature stone archway is situated between the bright living room and kitchen, both of which open out on to a large semi shaded balcony/terrace that has a teak dining table and chairs with green cushions, a barbecue, a potted bougainvillea, and overlooks the pool and surrounding countryside to the shimmering sea and majestic mountains.
The English owners spend quite a lot of time at Villa Chrisi and it is therefore not just your average holiday villa. Every modern comfort has been supplied including a DVD player, a stereo unit with a CD player, Free WIFI internet access, a fully fitted, very well equipped kitchen, fully tiled bathrooms. The air conditioning units also double up as heaters for the cooler nights at the start and end of the season, and there is a wood burning stove in the living room. For entertainment purposes a good selection of books and DVD's have been thoughtfully supplied.
In summation it can be said that anyone seeking a well-equipped stone villa at the end of a hill side track with breathtaking views and in close proximity to a charming, traditional village, will be completely enamoured by Chrisi Villa.
EOT (Greek Tourist Board) Rental License Number: MHTE 1042K 123K 0366100
*** As of January 01, 2024, the Greek government have replaced the old “bed tax” with a new tax that is applied to all stays in short-term rental accommodation in Greece. The Climate Resilience Levy is a response to the devastating forest fires and floods that Greece has experienced in recent years, with the government hoping to generate extra funding that will go towards financing reconstruction, supporting victims, and increasing the country’s defences against future natural disasters.
The owners of all short-term rental accommodation are legally obliged to collect the Climate Resilience Levy as a separate tax for all overnight stays (per villa) as follows:
In 2024: €10.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.
In 2025: €15.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.
The Vrbo system does not have a section for collecting the Climate Resilience Levy and we have, therefore, had to add it to the billing section as an extra fee which will show on the booking as a Host Fee or an Administrative Fee.
Whilst we understand the potential budget concerns of our guests, this tax/levy is beyond our control and we encourage our guests to see this as a way of contributing to the protection of the planet and the beautiful area where they are holidaying.
Hosted byVillas Crete Holidays
