Villa Europa

Seeing is believing when you vacation in the simply stunning Villa Europa, overlooking the bay of Lygaria, on the north coast of the Greek Dodecanese island of Crete, set in the azure Aegean Sea. This jaw-droppingly beautiful villa has six spacious bedrooms, and can comfortably accommodate up to twelve guests in some style. The villa would be ideal for a large family holiday, a group of friends get-together, or simply a celebration. This architect-designed, double-fronted, three-storey, villa is constructed out of glittering whitewashed walls, reflecting the rays of the Grecian sun.

The property is set in five thousand square metres of mature grounds and gardens, with the most expansive sea view terrace, and a centrepiece private swimming pool. Villa Europa comes complete with parking for three cars, complimentary air conditioning, and Wi-Fi throughout. The interiors are exquisite, expertly designed with the most meticulous attention to detail, with sweeping marble staircases, commissioned contemporary furnishings, and original art adorning the walls. The colour scheme is classic Mediterranean cool, crisp whites contrast with hues of sea blues, tempered by soft pastel shades, to create an ambience of calm, luxurious living.

Take the white marble steps up to the entrance to the villa, and enter the breathtaking hallway, with its hand-crafted marble staircase, that is encased in glass, and plaster fretwork, through which you can peek at the adjacent rooms. The elegant seating area has Majorelle blue walls, a wrap-around dove grey sofa runs the length of the room, there is a formal armchair, designer wood coffee tables, a sideboard with a flat-screen satellite television, and vibrant paintings that create a talking point. The blue and white kitchen is fully equipped with the latest professional appliances, designed especially for both chefs and home cooks. The kitchen is home to a preparation island with a breakfast bar, and a sea view, wood and white dining set, the perfect spot for a morning coffee meet-up. A guest cloakroom completes the ground floor.

As you make your way to the first floor, pass the evocative classic artwork, and look up to the interior dome that sits atop Villa Europa. The first floor has three spacious beautifully-appointed double bedrooms. The Master Bedroom has a double bed, an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a furnished sea-view balcony. The second bedroom has a double bed, and the third has convertible twin beds and a sea-view balcony. There is a shared bathroom, with a walk-in shower, double-hand basins, and a WC. On the lower ground floor, there are a further three double bedrooms, each with its own flat-screen television. Two bedrooms are ensuite twin rooms, and one is a double room. A storage, laundry room, and kitchenette complete the accommodation.

Access the grounds and gardens through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of the living space, where you will be greeted by the most incredible sea views, and a delicate mosaic, white tiled terrace. A superb swimming pool takes centre stage, reflecting the silhouette of the villa, and fitted with twinkling lights that mirror the night sky. The pool has two sets of steps, and a central seating area, where you can soak up the sun’s rays. White cushioned, rattan-style sun loungers surround the pool, and two double-shaded day beds are strategically positioned to maximise those magnificent views.

In the cool of the evening take a walk around the manicured gardens, designed to feel like an oasis in the desert, festooned with fragrant flowers and tall trees to line the paths and lead the way. As dusk falls make your way to the iconic stone arch, and watch the sunset as it dips over the horizon. Feast alfresco at the pergola-covered dining set, with dishes specially prepared on the built-in barbeque, and raise a glass of Champagne to the most magical holiday memories.