Exi Estate

The villa

Set directly on Crete’s beautiful eastern coastline, Exi Estate is an exceptional private waterfront retreat where space, character and warm hospitality come together. With magnificent gardens, an infinity pool, private tennis court and direct access to the sea, the estate feels wonderfully secluded, yet is just a short drive from sophisticated Elounda.

What makes Exi Estate particularly special is its atmosphere. This is a much - loved home rather than simply a luxury holiday property, filled with original artwork, antique furnishings and thoughtfully collected pieces. Equally memorable is the estate’s attentive team, whose warm, intuitive service helps make every stay feel effortless and personal.

The main living spaces are elegant yet inviting. At the heart of the house, comfortable sofas gather around an extraordinary 600 - year - old working fireplace, while doors open onto the surrounding terraces and gardens. An impressive library houses an extensive collection of books alongside a Steinway grand piano, creating another characterful space in which to relax.

The generous kitchen enjoys views towards both the sea and mountains and is superbly equipped for guests who enjoy cooking. Alternatively, a private chef can be arranged to prepare memorable meals to enjoy in the elegant dining room or outside on one of the estate’s beautiful terraces.

Eight bedrooms are spread across the main house and a separate two - bedroom guest cottage, giving larger families and groups the rare luxury of both shared spaces and privacy. The principal suite occupies a privileged position on the upper floor, with a king - size bed, private sea - view balcony, en - suite shower room and separate bathroom with Jacuzzi. A further double and twin bedroom on this floor each have their own en - suite bathroom and balcony, with views stretching across the sea, olive groves and mountains.

On the lower ground floor, two twin bedrooms form a private suite with a shared living area, bathroom and terrace, while another double bedroom has its own living space, en - suite bathroom and generous terrace. The independent guest cottage provides a further double and twin bedroom, both en - suite, and is particularly well suited to grandparents, a second family or guests seeking additional privacy.

Life at Exi Estate naturally gravitates outdoors. Terraces extend from almost every level of the house, creating places for quiet morning coffees, long lunches and relaxed evenings overlooking the Mediterranean. At the centre is the striking 12m x 6m infinity pool, surrounded by sun loungers and mature gardens, with ancient olive trees reinforcing the estate’s unmistakably Cretan character.

Guests can dine alfresco beside the pool or on the elevated terrace, play on the private tennis court or enjoy a leisurely game of boules. For 2027, the estate is also planning to introduce table tennis, padel, pool volleyball and pool basketball, adding even more choice for families and groups.

One of Exi Estate’s most distinctive features is its picturesque Greek Orthodox chapel, tucked away within the grounds and enjoying panoramic views across the sea. Full of character and sense of place, it also provides an enchanting setting for an intimate Greek wedding.

Continue through the gardens and you eventually reach the water itself. Here, a private sunbathing platform sits immediately above the sea, with steps leading directly into the clear Mediterranean waters - a wonderfully secluded spot for an early morning swim or an afternoon by the water.

Despite this sense of privacy, Exi Estate is exceptionally well placed. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort is around a kilometre away, while the restaurants, boutiques and waterfront atmosphere of Elounda are approximately ten minutes by car. Private tennis and swimming lessons can also be arranged at the estate.

Grand without being formal and luxurious without losing its warmth, Exi Estate offers something increasingly rare: the privacy and facilities of an exceptional Cretan estate combined with the feeling of being welcomed into a beautiful home.

Tucked on the eastern coast of the superb island of Crete, Exi Estate promises a perfect location to enjoy a little of the local flavour, not to mention breath - taking sea views!

Just a 10 - minute drive away is Elounda, once a small fishing town and now a picturesque area that attracts a range of celebrities - and it’s not hard to see why! 4 and 5 - star resorts and villas aplenty create a thriving social scene and an excellent array of tourist infrastructure - yet its relatively recent rise to fame ensures a greater sense of peace. The locals, like across much of Greece, are tremendously friendly and welcoming and will ensure you can enjoy this spectacular spot on the coastline with joy.

Just a 15 - minute drive away is Spinalonga island, a fascinating place with a rich history. A Venetian fortress that was later occupied by the Turkish, it became the last Turkish outpost of the Ottoman Empire, before, in 1903, it was turned into a leper colony! A visit here shows an interesting architectural history, as well as an insight into the lives of the exiled lepers.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands, and is abounding with beautiful crystal - clear waters, soft sand beaches, picturesque coloured pebbles, monasteries, caves and rich, verdant nature! Across the island, you will find a vast array of beaches, including larger, more developed, traditional beaches, and much more secluded ones, ranging all the way to thousands of deserted coves and isolated bays! Small seaside villages punctuate the coast, with the occasional larger town. 

Crete, like most of Greece, is well - known for its warmth, hospitality and strong culture and with a long - established history of tourism, the infrastructure across the island is excellent! Vast skies, sparkling white - sand beaches and huge stretches of brilliant blue seas define this country and its many islands, where the thriving nature complements elegant architecture throughout. For a little adrenaline, try your hand at kitesurfing, wreck diving, and rock - climbing, or simply set up on a beautiful beach and soak up the long days of sunshine.

The food of Greece is famous for its rich flavours and delicate recipes of Mediterranean delights. Feta and olive oil are universal, while all kinds of fresh fish, fragrant herbs, in - season fruits and crunchy greens, all found in the back garden of the average Greek, await your enjoyment. Be sure to tuck into some of the classic Greek cuisine while you’re here, including the local specialities! As well as this, if you like the occasional tipple you ought to try Ouzo and Raki, two grape - based alcoholic drinks, in your time on the island, both firm favourites of the locals. There is also a lot of wine produced across the island!

A warm, passionate people and such a beautifully sociable country, both young and old will welcome you with open arms in Greece. Whether in pavement cafes, cosy restaurants or the thriving town squares, the people love nothing more than to enjoy a coffee or an ouzo in the company of the local community.