What is the name of your accommodation?

Calma Villas Crete 

Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your life, such as your interests, hobbies, or background?

I am Manolis, and together with my wife Angeliki, we are the proud parents of two wonderful children, Nikos and Malamatenia. For the past 20 years, we have been working in the service business, out of which the last 6 years we have also focused on delivering quality tourism services.   

How did your property become part of your life? When did it happen, and what inspired or motivated you to take it on?

We love traveling, so we always strive to find the perfect balance between comfort and luxury when vacationing with family or friends, with a special focus on offering authentic Cretan hospitality.

What was the process of creating your property like? Tell us about renovating, furnishing, or styling it.

We collaborated with local professionals who embraced the importance of integrating locally sourced materials and creating spaces that capture the island’s spirit while maintaining a sustainable approach.

What makes your property truly special to you? Do you have any favorite spots, cherished memories, or personal touches that make it dear to your heart?

The villas were designed with a sense of community in mind, where large families or groups of friends can socialize and enjoy the Cretan sun and local culture together. Our favorite spot in each villa is the outdoor patio, where you can barbecue and share loud, joyful meals year-round, thanks to our heated pools (28–30 °C). Our second favorite feature is the steam sauna, for obvious reasons.

The newest addition to the collection, Calma Hills, is exceptionally spacious and one of the few properties that can host up to 16 guests. It also offers a range of new features, including a fire pit, indoor elevator, gym, sauna, elevated pool with a waterfall feature, jacuzzi, and gas grill.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?

Calm, serene, affordable luxury, sustainable, quiet, and private. Fully equipped to accommodate large families or groups of friends. Another important aspect of our properties is that they are thoughtfully designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. All three villas are equipped with ramps and elevators and feature spacious rooms and bathrooms specifically created for accessibility. These elements are seamlessly and aesthetically integrated into the overall design of the villas—not as afterthoughts, but as complementary features that enhance the experience for all our guests.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?

This year, we received our Travelife sustainability certification, making us the first property of this kind in Greece to achieve it. Until now, only hotels had applied for and received this certification.
We have installed solar panels, an electric vehicle charging station, and water filters to help reduce consumption. We also plant local trees and plants and use timed watering systems to conserve resources. The houses are built using natural materials with thermal insulation, helping to conserve energy, especially during the off-season months.

What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?

In Crete, family and community are deeply connected to the local cultures and values. We often gather to celebrate life’s events or simply relax during vacations. With this spirit in mind, we created these villas as spaces for sharing and togetherness.

What can guests expect when staying at your accommodation? Share the experience, the highlights, and perhaps the best compliment you’ve received from past guests.

One of our mottos is, “Every wish, thoughtfully anticipated. Every request, graciously fulfilled.”
The best compliment we have received came from a guest we surprised with birthday decorations and a cake. They told us it was the best birthday surprise they had ever had.

What do you hope guests will take away from their stay, and do you have any special tips or recommendations to make their holiday unforgettable?

We hope our guests find their oasis here at Calma Villas. We want them to return and feel as though they are visiting their favorite vacation spot, where beautiful memories have been created over the years. Crete is a wonderful island that makes it easy to create unforgettable holidays, and our concierge service is here to make that happen.