What is the name of your accommodation? 

Villa Maquis

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

We, Rudi and Nancy, two Flemish people from the region around Leuven, are the parents of two adult children and proud grandparents of two little grandsons. We try to enjoy life as much as possible. Rudi does a lot of sports and enjoys taking trips on his motorcycle, while Nancy loves gardening and painting. Together we often seek out peace and quiet.

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

In preparing for our retirement, we decided not to wait but to already invest in a holiday home. We already had an emotional connection to Greece, as Rudi had worked and lived there. We built our first villa in Crete in 2016. Villa Maquis is our second villa in Crete, just a stone’s throw from the first one, because we lost our hearts to the region.

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

When a few years ago we had the opportunity to buy a beautifully located piece of land, we didn’t hesitate. With the knowledge and experience from our first building project here, we decided to take on this adventure once again. We are proud of the realization of Villa Maquis because the villa is perfectly integrated into the surroundings and offers every comfort to truly relax.

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?

Villa Maquis is located just 10 minutes by car from the nearest beach. The villa offers breathtaking views: on the one hand of the Lefka Ori mountain range (2450 m), snow-covered in winter, and on the other hand of Souda Bay near Chania and the Aegean Sea. On one of the 11 terraces you can alternate between sun and shade, and at any time of the day you’ll find a spot to enjoy the view or simply withdraw and unwind.

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

In addition to the perfect integration into nature, we succeeded in continuing this line inside. Natural stone walls flow seamlessly from outside to inside. Calming colors, high-quality furniture, carefully chosen decorations, and paintings made to measure by the “lady of the house” all contribute to a harmonious whole.

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

Villa Maquis has unusually high insulation, full air conditioning, and underfloor heating powered by solar panels. Solar energy also provides hot water. The plants in the garden were carefully selected for low water consumption, and we also ensured that the natural flora merges into the landscaped garden.

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

We are especially proud of our achievement and realize that it is quite unique. We live in Crete for 6 months of the year, but in the summer and winter months we return to our family in Belgium. We would find it a shame to keep this only for ourselves, so we decided to share what we have here with a few other families. Their reactions make sure that we never take it for granted.

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.

At Villa Maquis you can enjoy the sound of the cicadas, the aroma of wild thyme, and above all the tranquility. Every evening brings a beautiful sunset, mornings begin with the pink glow on the mountains, and you can watch ships passing through Souda Bay. During the day you can enjoy the saltwater pool and relax in the pool lounge. Stream your favorite music through the high-quality wireless speakers placed in various locations and create your own atmosphere. On arrival, you’ll find a welcome basket with local products to make your stay even more pleasant.

The most recent review we received in July 2025:
From the moment we arrived we felt welcome, thanks in part to the lovely gift that was waiting for us. The holiday home is in a beautiful location: the breathtaking mountains on one side and the sea on the other. A phenomenal view that we admired every day. We stayed here with family and the house offered more than enough space so everyone could enjoy time together as well as moments apart. All facilities were present, so we lacked nothing. The sound of the cicadas gave us a wonderful holiday feeling. The owner was very attentive and always available for any information. In short: a top location, a fantastic house, and a stay we will never forget. Absolutely recommended.

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 that our guests, with friends or family, will experience unforgettable moments here and fully enjoy the peace and each other. Explore the surrounding traditional villages such as Vamos and Gavalochori and enjoy Cretan hospitality. Villa Maquis is located in the northwest of Crete. Be sure to visit Chania and Rethymnon (both 30 minutes away), where Ottoman and Greek culture once coexisted. Elafonissi, Kedrodasos, and Balos are among the five most beautiful beaches in Greece and are definitely worth a day trip.