Tella Thera
Earthy, slow-living minimalism. Think raw wood, local stone, curved arched windows, and COCO-MAT beds — nothing fussy, nothing gratuitous. The architecture follows the slope of the land, rooftops are planted with olive trees, and the palette barely strays from sand and ochre. It feels more like a considered farmstead than a hotel.
Book direct via Synxis (the hotel's own booking engine) rather than through OTAs — you'll get the same rate without commission layers
Why It Matters
One of the most architecturally serious new openings on Crete in years. Selected by both the Michelin Guide and Design Hotels in its debut season. The founders' sustainability credentials are real — over 200 olive trees replanted on the estate, 80% local staff, zero single-use plastic, and a restaurant built entirely around a zero-waste ethos. The name itself comes from Tellus (Roman goddess of the Earth) and therós (Greek for summer), which tells you everything about the intent.
Tella Thera is a 5-star boutique eco-hotel built into a hillside above the Bay of Kissamos in western Crete, opened in July 2025. Founded by Loukas Tourkomanis and Chevon Low — an entrepreneurial couple with roots in Airbnb and forest conservation NGOs — and designed by Pieris.Architects, it trades resort sprawl for 21 suites and a private villa spread across olive-grove terraces. The whole operation runs on solar power, skips single-use plastics, and plates food grown on-property or sourced from local Cretan farms.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe Suite
Partial Aegean Sea views, private plunge pool, and 90sqm garden terrace. Oak wood accents, rock coffee tables, curved windows flood the room with natural light. Similar in layout to the Nature Suite but with that partial sea glimpse. Sleeps 3.
1 King + sofa bed · 140 sqm
Grand Suite
The most spacious single-bedroom option at 60sqm of interior and 90sqm of garden terrace. Uninterrupted sea views, private plunge pool, and a design that deliberately blurs inside and out. Sea, mountain, and garden views all at once. Sleeps 3.
1 King + sofa bed · 150 sqmNature Suite
Same footprint as the Superior but adds a private plunge pool. Garden or mountain views. Handcrafted ceramic lamps, bespoke wooden desks, natural coconut mattress with organic pillow menu. The smart in-room systems stay unobtrusive. Sleeps 3.
King + sofa bed · 140 sqmSignature Villa
Three bedrooms each with en-suite, a large living room, kitchen, outdoor dining area, and a 70sqm private infinity pool — the largest private pool on the property. 220sqm of private garden terrace with unobstructed Aegean Sea views. Two private parking spots included, one with a dedicated EV charger. Sleeps 7.
3 Kings · 140 sqm
Superior Suite
Fifty sqm of interior space plus a 90sqm private garden terrace. Faces the mountains rather than the sea — if a sea view matters to you, step up. Monochrome earthy tones, oak wood details, wide curved window frames, and a COCO-MAT mattress. Disability-accessible versions available with roll-in showers. Sleeps 3.
1 King + sofa bed · 140 sqmTwo Bedroom Suite
75sqm of interior living with two king bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate living room, and a 90sqm private garden terrace with plunge pool. Best option for families or two couples travelling together. Panoramic sea, mountain, and garden views. Sleeps 5.
2 Kings + sofa bed · 165 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The famous Balos Lagoon is close to the property. Hotel can advise on getting there.
Staff can point out or arrange local hiking trails around the gorges, valleys, and mountains of the Kissamos area.
More than 200 olive trees surround the estate — leisurely strolls through the grove are part of the property experience.
Outdoor yoga sessions on a rooftop circular platform with mountain and sea views. Led by a guide, typically at dawn.
The team can point you toward or arrange scuba diving in the Kissamos area.
The hotel can arrange private yachting excursions from Kissamos Port (5-minute drive).
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary in-room and public area WiFi at 25+ Mbps.
Breakfast included in room rate — half small buffet, half artful à la carte. Local flavors, fresh-baked bread.
Babysitting can be arranged on request. Cots free for under-2s.
On-site gym. Yoga classes also offered here.
On-site library for quiet reading.
EV charging stations available on property (subject to availability). The Signature Villa has a dedicated EV charger at its private parking spots.
Free self-parking on site, available around the clock.
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payments accepted — unusual for a 5-star property.
Lagoon-like communal infinity pool with sea views, cabana-dotted terrace, free sun loungers and umbrellas. Saltwater.
Adults-only indoor magnesium pool in the Thaleria Spa, separate from the main outdoor pool.
The entire property runs on solar energy.
Staff can arrange private transfers from Chania or Heraklion airports at extra cost. No complimentary shuttle.
Outdoor circular yoga platform on the rooftop, used for guided dawn sessions.
BUILD YOUR TELLA THERA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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