Villa Ying

The villa

Channel your inner zen at four - bedroomed Villa Ying. The stylish villa taps into the tranquil Buddhist practice with its simple, yet sophisticated layout and natural use of materials, helping you to be the most relaxed you. Think sleek whitewashed walls and bamboo features. The hillside surroundings are just as peaceful, in the picturesque and authentic Cretan village of Koutouloufari. The pretty village boasts stunning views of the coast, and a handful of tavernas and shops.

The villa itself is truly unique, with an elegant combination of classic and contemporary décor. The exterior has the feel of a traditional Mediterranean cottage, with its rustic walls draped in pretty bougainvillaea, while the interior radiates modern style. The four bedrooms each have their own balcony with views of the sparkling blue Aegean to the north or the breathtaking salt - water pool to the south. The bathroom, kitted out with a Jacuzzi, directly overlooks Hersonissos port. 

The ground floor provides the perfect place to unwind, dine or cook. There’s a spacious fully - equipped kitchen (with a dishwasher, tea and coffee making facilities) and a comfortable living, dining area with a beautiful fireplace, and a large bathroom with two showers. The living room also has a TV and beamed ceilings. The kitchen leads directly out to patio, where you will find the zero entry pool with a slide and hammock, dotted with cushioned sun loungers, deck chairs and chic hanging daybed. There’s a sheltered terrace with an alfresco dining table, seating 10. Lemon trees, potted plants and a bamboo fence all set the serene setting.

Culture fiend or foodie? With its local tavernas serving traditional cuisine, and old cobblestone streets, Koutouloufari is an excellent choice for summer evenings; however, a little further are the tavernas of old Hersonnissos. Some of Crete’s stunning beaches are also within a short drive of the villa, as well as the cosmopolitan town of Hersonissos with its lively nightlife, shops and Knossos Palace Minoan Ruins.

As mentioned in...

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The Independent

Villa Ying is just a short walk from the tavernas and small shops of the village of  Koutouloufari, a characteristic Cretan village which overlooks the vibrant port town of Hersonissos on the east side of Crete. It’s nestled in the tree - lined hillside and is renowned for its excellent traditional tavernas and stone architecture. Look out for Souvlaki and Moussaka dishes, as well as after - dinner cocktails and crepes. Choose an outdoor seat and watch the world go by. The setting provides a quiet and romantic atmosphere with the mountain - side view of Hersonissos town and coastline.

To quench your culture thirst, you can explore the narrow cobbled streets and old Cretan houses, stop for an iced coffee in one of the many cafes or browse the quaint gift and souvenir shops. The old church of Agios Vassilios (St Basil) is also worth a visit or you could go for a walk around the sleepy neighbouring villages of Piskopiano and Ano Hersonissos. Remember every evening finishes with raki.

Hersonissos, the livelier cosmopolitan town is a short drive away. There you’ll find a vibrant nightlife and a multitude of shops. It is also within a short drive of some of the loveliest beaches in Crete. There are three popular family - friendly beaches to choose from, plus a handful of smaller, sandy coves that hug the rockier parts of the coastline. Nearby beaches include Kokkini Hani, Malia, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. You could also jump on a boat trip to Dia or Dragon island, so called because it’s shaped like a sleeping dragon. Some boat tours stop for swimming and snorkelling and provide a barbecue - style lunch.