Set directly on Crete’s beautiful eastern coastline, Exi Estate is an exceptional private waterfront retreat where space, character and warm hospitality come together. With magnificent gardens, an infinity pool, private tennis court and direct access to the sea, the estate feels wonderfully secluded, yet is just a short drive from sophisticated Elounda.

What makes Exi Estate particularly special is its atmosphere. This is a much-loved home rather than simply a luxury holiday property, filled with original artwork, antique furnishings and thoughtfully collected pieces. Equally memorable is the estate’s attentive team, whose warm, intuitive service helps make every stay feel effortless and personal.

The main living spaces are elegant yet inviting. At the heart of the house, comfortable sofas gather around an extraordinary 600-year-old working fireplace, while doors open onto the surrounding terraces and gardens. An impressive library houses an extensive collection of books alongside a Steinway grand piano, creating another characterful space in which to relax.

The generous kitchen enjoys views towards both the sea and mountains and is superbly equipped for guests who enjoy cooking. Alternatively, a private chef can be arranged to prepare memorable meals to enjoy in the elegant dining room or outside on one of the estate’s beautiful terraces.

Eight bedrooms are spread across the main house and a separate two-bedroom guest cottage, giving larger families and groups the rare luxury of both shared spaces and privacy. The principal suite occupies a privileged position on the upper floor, with a king-size bed, private sea-view balcony, en-suite shower room and separate bathroom with Jacuzzi. A further double and twin bedroom on this floor each have their own en-suite bathroom and balcony, with views stretching across the sea, olive groves and mountains.

On the lower ground floor, two twin bedrooms form a private suite with a shared living area, bathroom and terrace, while another double bedroom has its own living space, en-suite bathroom and generous terrace. The independent guest cottage provides a further double and twin bedroom, both en-suite, and is particularly well suited to grandparents, a second family or guests seeking additional privacy.

Life at Exi Estate naturally gravitates outdoors. Terraces extend from almost every level of the house, creating places for quiet morning coffees, long lunches and relaxed evenings overlooking the Mediterranean. At the centre is the striking 12m x 6m infinity pool, surrounded by sun loungers and mature gardens, with ancient olive trees reinforcing the estate’s unmistakably Cretan character.

Guests can dine alfresco beside the pool or on the elevated terrace, play on the private tennis court or enjoy a leisurely game of boules. For 2027, the estate is also planning to introduce table tennis, padel, pool volleyball and pool basketball, adding even more choice for families and groups.

One of Exi Estate’s most distinctive features is its picturesque Greek Orthodox chapel, tucked away within the grounds and enjoying panoramic views across the sea. Full of character and sense of place, it also provides an enchanting setting for an intimate Greek wedding.

Continue through the gardens and you eventually reach the water itself. Here, a private sunbathing platform sits immediately above the sea, with steps leading directly into the clear Mediterranean waters – a wonderfully secluded spot for an early morning swim or an afternoon by the water.

Despite this sense of privacy, Exi Estate is exceptionally well placed. Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort is around a kilometre away, while the restaurants, boutiques and waterfront atmosphere of Elounda are approximately ten minutes by car. Private tennis and swimming lessons can also be arranged at the estate.

Grand without being formal and luxurious without losing its warmth, Exi Estate offers something increasingly rare: the privacy and facilities of an exceptional Cretan estate combined with the feeling of being welcomed into a beautiful home.

• There are several areas with significant drops, so young children should not be left unsupervised
• Please note that the gaps in the balcony balustrades exceed 10 cm in width; kindly review the photos carefully before booking.
• While you can swim in the sea from this sunbathing platform, please note that the sea here is immediately deep and suited to strong swimmers on calm days only
• The Main House has six bedrooms and sleeps up to 12 people.  The Cottage has two bedrooms and can thus accommodate an additional 4 people for 16 guests in total.   Infants are not included in these number, and cots can be provided on request.