The inspiration for our delightful Partner Hotel in the verdant hills of central Crete comes from the Greek word kerasma, meaning 'to treat someone', and there’s certainly a treat in store here for anyone seeking a flavour of rural island life at its tranquil best. Yet rural tranquillity doesn’t preclude more mainstream adventures and the hotel’s proximity to Knossos and Heraklion (about 30mins by car) is a real attraction too.

Set in the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, Crete’s highest mountain, Kerasia offers mesmerising views across the rich agricultural landscape that defines the region. Overlooking a valley of olive and citrus groves interwoven with well-tended vineyards, the origins of this characterful building date back to 1770. The sympathetic 21^st century restoration promises simple pleasures, tasteful décor and a wonderfully relaxing sense of harmony thanks to a restful colour palette and the careful use of natural materials. The graceful results are both beautiful and timeless, a salute to the sleepy simplicity of the rural surroundings.

Just seven suites make up this charming boutique hotel and were it not for the unobtrusive yet professional service of the owner Babis, it would be easy to imagine you’d been invited to while away the days in a private home. All bedrooms offer views of the unspoilt rolling hills and the mellow beauty of this traditional house speaks of calm and relaxation at every turn.

Days start with a traditional Cretan breakfast bursting with flavour and the freshest local ingredients, served around a large dining table in the spacious entrance hallway, or outside on the terrace if you prefer.

The pretty garden is a fragrant oasis of rosemary, jasmine and lavender with olive and pomegranate trees offering dappled pockets of shade, and a large wooden table under a canopy of vines provides a picturesque spot to enjoy a refreshing drink away from the glare of the sun.

The inviting L-shaped pool is large enough for serious swimming but there’s a glorious vantage point at one end too, for those who prefer a refreshing dip with a view. Hydromassage jets are on hand to ease away any unwanted tension and it’s hard to imagine anywhere better suited to enjoying a restful pause from the day-to-day.

Kerasia is an appealing base for walkers, with some lovely ancient trails on the doorstep, leading to magical Byzantine churches and the ancient archaeological site of Rizinia which prospered for almost 600 years from the late Minoan period to the Hellenic era. It’s excellent for cyclists too and Babis can arrange bicycle hire but whether you choose to explore on foot, by bike or in the car, you can simply take your time and discover the cultural, historical and architectural highlights of this intriguing area. The magnificent south coast beaches of Matala and Kommos, lapped by the warm Libyan Sea, are within 45-minutes' drive of the property and Kerasia's central location on Greece's largest island affords an opportunity to explore the rich diversity it has to offer.

Good to know... All Simpson Travel stays of 3 nights or more at Kerasia include a welcome dinner with wine and a private half-day guided tour of Knossos with a visit to Heraklion Archaeological Museum and lunch. Why not add a 3-night stay at Kerasia 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.