At the beating heart of Rethymno’s vibrant Old Town, our new Partner Hotel is an exquisite blend of avant-garde charm and old-school sophistication. Spread across a number of beautifully renovated Venetian buildings, its beguiling atmosphere is at once both flamboyant and refined, elegant yet informal.

The proud owner Katerina Xekalou has reinvented the term boho-chic and made it her own, as if it originated under the seductive vines that adorn the pale pink and ochre buildings of Rethymno’s narrow streets. The vision for this delightful boutique hotel was born out of her love for the sort of congenial gatherings she experienced as a child – centred around great food, terrific company and the warm spirit of Cretan hospitality that defines the island. And she has kept this spirit alive to captivating effect.

The spacious hotel suites are artistically styled, merging classic décor and contemporary design, each with a unique identity and colour palette. One-of-a-kind antiques sit comfortably alongside more contemporary pieces, creating a relaxed sense of grandeur without a note of fustiness thanks to Katerina’s impeccable taste and creative flair. The beds are sumptuous, bathrooms are decadent and there are plenty of endearing little touches to make you feel perfectly at home.

Outside, it’s a privilege to be amongst such a vital community. The tables of the hotel’s excellent meze restaurant line the street and the jovial soundscape of animated chatter is underscored by the sensual rhythms of salsa and Latin jazz playing in the background. The hotel is also home to a well-stocked bar with a tempting selection of Cretan and international wines (tasting sessions are available) and Avli’s fine-dining restaurant is world renowned. The enchanting courtyard setting, brimming with bougainvillea, jasmine and roses, is almost as fragrant and delicious as the dishes that appear before you. Immaculately presented and beautifully served, the tasting and pairing menus are not to be missed, with waiting staff and the hotel sommelier on hand to add insight and guidance to the exquisite flavour combinations.

For those with culinary ambitions of their own, cookery classes are available and nothing is too much trouble for the hotel concierge team who are happy to offer guidance and arrange boat trips, massage, picnics and more. And after a long and wonderful day out exploring, the rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot to relax and gaze out across the Old Town as the setting sun casts its golden glow across the skyline.

Rethymno itself has everything you could wish for; culture, beaches and a superb selection of shops, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Stay for a week, or add three nights or more to your villa or hotel holiday for a truly magical Cretan adventure. A stay at Avli is a joyous, life-affirming event; once you’ve experienced the warm embrace of such sparkling hospitality and attractive surroundings, we know you’ll want to return again and again.

Good to know... All Simpson Travel stays of 3-nights or more at Avli, include a complimentary wine tasting with finger food meze. Why not add a 3-night stay at Avli to your villa holiday? For prices, visit: 10-night holidays in Greece.

Explore our pre-bookable experiences in Crete

Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.