Self Catering
Affordable
For Nature and outdoor lovers
During one of my last days in Crete I was told about a possible Local Hideaway in the south-east, near Koutsouras. I could only come to one conclusion: Kalyvitis is so different and authentic at the same time. A location where everything falls into place!
Heidi and Manu have travelled a lot and at a certain moment they decided to say goodbye to their lives in the Netherlands. They ended up in Crete and fell for a piece of land in the middle of beautiful nature and old olive groves. This is where we are going to built our house, they agreed. I totally understand why, the road that leads to this property alone is impressive: you leave the coast and the road winds about 2 kilometres along old knotty olive trees and pine-trees, it is surprisingly green here. You see mountains appear in front of you and you turn right to arrive after a short drive on a gravel road at Kalyvitis.
But what to do after finishing their house? By that time Heidi and Manu were so attached to the surroundings, the pure way of living of the Cretan people, life close to nature… something we have lost a bit in our modern Western world. The concept of this Hideaway was born. I mention on purpose concept instead of accommodation because that’s what it is: an experience. They choose to built two houses, Cabanes*, on the property, both with it’s own character and in total harmony with nature.
In touch with nature!
But no compromises in luxury, in contrary, the houses have a beautiful modern and fully equipped open kitchen, a spacious bedroom with perfect beds and a bathroom with a good shower. For the ultimate outdoor living you have your own big private veranda with hammock, dining table and a plancha (a Spanish hotplate to cook your own fish, veggies and/or meet) and a refreshing wooden plunge tub with cold water… what a great idea! They have decorated the Cabanas with lot of taste and originality.
Well equipped houses!
To keep this place small is well considered. In this way people can enjoy in tranquillity the grounds and Heidi and Manu can give their guest the personal attention they deserve without making it too much of a routine. The first morning you get spoiled with a real Kalyvitis breakfast consisting of their homemade products: bread, jam, honey from their own bees, eggs from their own chickens and cheese from their residential goats Latika and Aïcha… living in a goat shed deluxe!
They grow their own veggies and fruits and produce the most delicious olive oil. If you are in the mood, you can participate at the outdoor life and watch for instance how the honey is made by the bees in the beehives. Heidi and Manu can give you great tips about the area, the best (deserted) beaches, the best hikes, the waterfall (!), the most beautiful gorges, bicycle tours.. etc. but the Cabanes and it’s surroundings are also a good place to just relax and read a book in your own hammock.
Unfortunately, for me it was too late to spend a night in one of the Cabanes, I had to return to the Dutch reality. A good reason to come back some day! This is definitely a special place, one you don’t want to share too much… even Heidi and Manu wanted to keep the place as much as they could to themselves. I am so glad they decided to share a bit of their little paradise…psst!
* In the meantime they have added a 3rd house for 4 guests.
Crete, Greece
