When you plan an escape to the coast of Crete, you’ll be thinking of clear blue skies, turquoise water, and a fabulous pool to cool off in when the sun gets too hot. You’ll instantly fall in love with this holiday home – it’s the perfect base. The villa has been built in traditional stone, so it’s in keeping with authentic Cretan architecture. Inside, natural materials have been used to great effect – it’s a luxurious home that feels welcoming and warm above all else. The view of Mades Beach below will catch your eye from almost every angle, adding the incredible blue shades of the sea to the cool, neutral colour palette. Whether you spend your time soaking up the sun or reading in the shade, everything you might need has been considered here. The outside space is the jewel in the crown. When you wake up each morning you’ll want to head straight outside to sip your morning coffee on the balcony and drink in those views. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a yoga session to revel in the peace and quiet of the early morning, before making your way to the infinity pool for a dip. If you’re anything like us, you’ll want to enjoy every meal outside on the terrace, beginning with fresh fruit and pastries in the morning, and rounding things off with freshly caught seafood as the sun begins to set. The beach is less than a minute away on foot, so you can plunge into the refreshing waves whenever you want. There are plenty of restaurants within easy reach, and if you find yourself longing for a day trip, the historic archaeological site of Heraklion is only fifteen minutes away by car. This is the ultimate holiday destination. Home truths: *This home is spread over three floors with no internal lift – it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility *We think the kitchen is better suited to lighter bites than large meals *There’s a garage for you to park your car in *Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace