Olives And Thyme Retreat

Welcome to Olives and Thyme Retreat, a unique totally private space being accessed only from the one road, with no one overlooking it. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Souda Bay and across to the majestic White Mountains and above the Souda to Akrotiri road gives Olives and Thyme its unique location. Its mix of stone, wood, glass and metal creates a New York-Swedish style while sitting in a Cretan olive grove.
Designed by Aristomenis Varoudakis, the natural environment has been used to create some unique features for our guests. ‘The Reading Tree’, a shady quiet spot where you can just relax and read your book, and ‘Carob Circle’, a circular sitting area under a large carob tree, lit up in the evenings, with ‘The Overlook’, a private viewing seat set amongst the shrubs provide quiet spots for two. The olive trees offer a harmonious existence with nature enhanced by the mix of indigenous planted herbs, especially thyme, and colourful shrubs close to the villa. As with most olive groves you will find not just the large carob tree, “harupya” (in Greek), but others, since carob is considered as a necessary tree to have on one’s land. A private drive leads you to shady parking spaces for two vehicles.

The complex consists of the main tower like building, ‘The Keep’, with a separate stone cottage to the left. The Keep has four luxury en-suite bedrooms located on the ground and first floor with The Cottage being able to accommodate up to a further two people, giving a total of up to 10 bed spaces.
The interior spaces are luxurious with architecturally designed furniture and best quality materials giving a sense of pampering. Big windows provide a feeling of lightness and connection to the outside.
The four large bedrooms in the Keep have comfortable king size beds, two of which can be separated to make single beds. Walk-in showers and double sinks give personal space to each guest. Open wardrobes provide plenty of hanging and shelf spaces, with a few drawers providing plenty of room for all your clothes and personal items. Large wood shelves can be used as writing space or simply a space to put your books on. All the windows, internal and external, have blinds for privacy and to shut out light. The two ground floor bedrooms have walk out access the lap pool and the two first floor bedrooms have a walk-way access to the endless pool and leisure area.
Ground floor bedrooms.These two bedrooms are accessed by a ramp leading from the parking area. There is a metal staircase leading to the outdoor living space and endless pool.

Bedroom 1This bedroom has the man-made stream around three sides with water plants and goldfish. This room has been designated as a possible twin as it is possible to separate the beds. A truly relaxing room with a door out to the lap-pool. There is a dressing area with a very large sink and separate walk-in shower and toilet. A large wooden work surface on the south side provides space for working or being creative should you wish to draw or paint the amazing rock or just watch the goldfish.Bedroom 2This room is next to the atrium with the Ficus Alii tree, and its eastern window looks out onto a large rock with shrubs growing in its crevasses. E=here you will find a wooden work surface. The large private bathroom with dressing area includes two sinks and a separate toilet. Its south facing French widows give stunning views across the bay and allow for immediate access to the lap-pool. First floor bedrooms. These two bedrooms are accessed from inside up the metal and wood staircase or from the car parking up via ramps. A platform leads directly to the outside living area and endless pool.Bedroom 3Located immediately above bedroom 1 this room also has the possibility of being a double or twin bedroom. With its stunning views of the bay and mountains across the rocks to the pool.Bedroom 4Located immediately above bedroom 2 this bedroom has the top of the Ficus Alii tree as its backdrop. The large private bathroom with dressing area includes two sinks and a separate toilet. A private balcony overlooking the lap-pool gives views across the bay.
The living areaThe top floor is the living area. At the top of the stairs, one finds a large table with sufficient dining chairs for all the guests. The table when fully extended can sit all the guests. Against the east facing window is a wooden counter with stools underneath should you need more space. The sitting area is a large corner sofa, designed by the architect, with a 70 inch television, in case of rainy days. Some poofs are tucked under the counter for additional seating. Behind the sofa is a second counter with a socket underneath so you can charge your electrical items.
The KitchenA well fitted kitchen has all the equipment one will need to allow you not just to have breakfast but stay in and dine should you feel like it. The coffee area allows you to make whichever style of coffee you need to start the day.

The cottageThis cosy space, accessed by a concrete step path, is ideal for a couple wanting to be with, yet separate, from the main group. The ground floor has a large double bed with views across the natural flora to the Bay. Between the bedroom and bathroom is a kitchenette, to make yourselves drinks. The bathroom has a walk-in shower. Up a spiral staircase is a mezzanine with a sofa and desk space.
The Rock ApartmentThis ultra-modern metal and glass apartment is set within excavated rock and beneath the outside living area. Having a large bedroom with ensuite bathroom, a living room and small kitchen it is large enough to accommodate up to four people if we set up the sofa bed. The floor to ceiling glass walls ensures plenty of light giving an open and airy feeling.)

Unusually there are two swimming pools, both of which can be heated. The lower one being a lap pool of 3 by 14 meters and the higher an endless pool of 6 by 8 meters. A set of concrete steps connect the two pools with the water feature being located between the two. From this water feature a manmade stream runs under glass on a step, through the rocks and feeds two water features. To the right a self-contained pond with water plants and goldfish and to the left a small stream around two sides of one of the ground floor bedrooms with plants and goldfish.
The Terrace is the main outdoor space, giving you views across Souda Bay, large enough to have three defined area. The covered outdoor kitchen with a large gas BBQ, sink and refrigerated unit for all your supplies. Next to this is the large dining table, also in the shade. Next to the endless pool is a shaded area for sun loungers and a sitting area to enjoy your coffee, after dinner drinks or simply sit and enjoy having the time for conversations. There is also a large, uncovered, area for sun-lovers and evenings.
Underneath the Terrace is where you will find a cool and quiet area set up for massages. The fully qualified masseuse or masseur can be booked prior to your arrival or during your stay. A shower room and toilet are also located here. Outside spaces. Being located on a large plot of land with olives trees and of course carob inspired the owner to create different spaces to enhance your stay. Solar lights are used to light up the olive trees and other places of interest around the land.
The Carob Circle, a favourite location of the owner, this large shady carob tree has had a stone and wood semi-circle constructed around the base to create a quiet space to enjoy a place to sit and converse. The Reading Tree With its path starting at the Carob Circle a short walk leads you to a shady olive tree set up so you can relax and enjoy a good book. We have only provided room for two, so you don’t get tempted away from your reading.
Between the Cottage and the lap pool you will find a path leading to a two seater bench set up for you to enjoy the view of all of Souda Bay and across to the White Mountains.
The exercise pergola a large, covered area at the side of the Keep is shaded so that you can comfortably take your yoga class. We have mats and a variety of resistance fitness bands for your use.
Heated pool per week at extra charge (upon request)