*The Private Luxury Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla.
Introducing the Apolonia Villa, in Venerato
External Living | Infinity Pool & Balcony Hot Tub
In the timeless embrace of Venerato Village, this sublime villa unfolds as a bespoke retreat, where contemporary refinement meets the poetry of Cretan authenticity. Outdoors, 350m² of curated living space unfolds like a countryside retreat, designed for languid days and luminous evenings under the Cretan...
DESIGN
COUNTRYSIDE
NATURE
HIGHLIGHTS
UNIQUE FEATURES
Indoor Area: 130 m²
Outdoor Area: 400 m²
Maximum Occupancy: 11 guest/s
Views: Swimming pool
Views: Mountain
THINGS TO KNOW
CHECK IN & CHECK OUT
Check-in time should be strictly after 16:00 and check-out time should be strictly before 11:00, as sufficient time is required, to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection at the Villa between stays.
Perched gracefully amidst the fertile hills of the Heraklion region, Venerato is a timeless village where Venetian charm and Cretan tradition converge. Its narrow lanes reveal historic stone houses and Byzantine churches, while the lush Venerato Gorge, carved by the perennial waters of the Apollonas River, unfolds as a natural sanctuary full of verdant vegetation and scenic paths. Just above the village stands the historic Paliani Monastery, one of Crete’s oldest spiritual sites, inviting serene exploration and offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
INDEPENDENT MINDS
Mr. Pavlos and Mr. Stefanos, two devoted brothers and local entrepreneurs, have created two distinctive homes designed to offer every comfort a guest may desire. Inspired by their beloved village of Venerato—where Venetian charm meets Cretan tradition—they have infused their accommodations with the character and authenticity of the area. Surrounded by historic stone houses, Byzantine churches, and the natural beauty of the nearby gorge, their properties reflect a true sense of place. Together with their wonderful family, and through their local village shop, they remain always available to assist guests, ensuring a stay marked by convenience, warmth, and genuine hospitality.
*The Private Luxury Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla.
Introducing the Apolonia Villa, in Venerato
External Living | Infinity Pool & Balcony Hot Tub
In the timeless embrace of Venerato Village, this sublime villa unfolds as a bespoke retreat, where contemporary refinement meets the poetry of Cretan authenticity. Outdoors, 350m² of curated living space unfolds like a countryside retreat, designed for languid days and luminous evenings under the Cretan sky. At its heart lies a 35m² infinity pool (1.50m depth, non-heated), its horizon merging effortlessly with panoramic landmark views. A dedicated 5m² children’s pool ensures younger guests are equally considered, while a sunken lounge area within the pool, complemented by a fire pit, sets the stage for golden-hour cocktails and intimate twilight conversations. Beneath a shaded dining pavilion, long alfresco feasts become ritual. The fully equipped outdoor grill station, complete with Gas BBQ, mini-fridge, sink, and generous preparation space, invites unhurried private dining experiences in the open air. On the first floor, the master balcony elevates relaxation, featuring a heated two-seated spa whirlpool with accompanying loungers. Upon arrival, the villa offers private parking for up to two cars, ensuring both convenience and discretion from the very first moment. This is a refined countryside retreat where elegance, comfort, and authentic Cretan charm converge in perfect harmony. The villa is part of the Venerato Villas complex, which consists of two separate villas with independent facilities and entrances; please note that certain areas may be overlooked.
Internal Living | Beds & Baths
Across 180m² of exquisitely designed interiors, arranged over two graceful levels, the residence captures the art of seamless indoor–outdoor living while offering both convivial gathering spaces and moments of serene retreat. On the ground floor, an elegant open-plan living salon flows harmoniously into a fully appointed kitchen and refined dining area, an inviting setting for shared breakfasts, celebratory dinners, and everything in between. This level also hosts three beautifully appointed bedrooms, one featuring a private en-suite bathroom, while two additional sophisticated bathrooms serve the remaining rooms, each designed with care and meticulous attention to detail. Ascending to the first floor, the master suite reveals itself as a tranquil haven. Generously proportioned, it features a spacious en-suite bathroom and opens onto a private balcony, where gentle breezes and sweeping countryside views create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. The villa welcomes up to eight guests in four sumptuous bedrooms with real beds. Additional accommodation is thoughtfully provided with a folding sofa in the ground-floor living area (converting into a double bed) and an extra folding chair within the master suite, allowing the residence to host up to eleven guests in total, ideal for extended families or cherished gatherings of friends.
Ground Floor : Open-plan Living Room & Dining Area, a fully equipped Kitchen with direct access to the pool terrace and countryside views. A 65’ Smart TV, along with a sofa that converts into a double bed, allows accommodation for two additional guests. • Twin Bedroom with two single beds (0.90 x 2.00), 32’ Smart TV, and window • Twin Bedroom with two single beds (0.90 x 2.00), en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and window • Double Bedroom with Queen Size bed (1.60 x 2.00), 32’ Smart TV, and access to the backyard terrace. • Two shared bathrooms with walk-in showers are also available, one of which features a washing and drying machine.
First Floor : Master Bedroom with Queen Size Bed (1.60 x 2.00), en-suite bathroom featuring a double sink and walk-in shower, access to a private balcony, and an additional folding chair to accommodate one extra guest • Private balcony with a heated two-seater spa whirlpool and sun loungers
Your Home Stay Includes
Welcome basket, courtesy of the owner • Housekeeping service with fresh towels and linen changes every four days (included for stays of 6 nights and above) • Pool and garden maintenance twice per week • Baby cot, high chair, and children’s plastic (non-breakable) plates and cups, baby bath, baby monitor are available upon request.
Practicalities
There is secured parking space at the Villa’s premises for up to two cars • The property is well-equipped with: Fridge with freezer, Electric stove with oven, Nespresso Machine (original capsules), Filter coffee machine, Microwave, Kettle, Sandwich Maker, Toaster, Juice Maker, Food Processor (Multi), Washing & Drying Machine, Iron & Board, Hair dryer, First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detector.
Mod Cons
High quality bath towels, pool towels are available • Premium Bathroom Amenities are available • Air-conditioning in all areas is included & serves for heating purposes also • Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the villa (Starling) • Bluetooth Dock • Outdoor BBQ (Gas), sink & mini-fridge • Outdoor shaded dining area • Two Seater Heated Spa Whirlpool • Indoor area of 180m² • Outdoor area of 350m² • Pets are not allowed • Smoking is allowed only outdoors • Events/Parties are only allowed if both villas are booked (additional fee applies) • Pre stock service available upon request (additional service fee applies) • Pool & Children’s Pool operates seasonally (end of March - middle of November) • 24h/7days ThinkVilla concierge service included.
Guest access
Guests enjoy exclusive use of the Villa with full access to all indoor and outdoor spaces, including the pool and terraces, no shared areas. *Please note the villa is part of Venerato Villas, a discreet complex of two separate villas, and some outdoor areas may be partially overlooked.
Other things to note
ThinkVilla Tailored Experiences - Curated only for You
We have hand-picked bespoke Experiences with exceptional beauty & unique cultural charm. Relax in your unforgettable villa & allow ThinkVilla dedicated regional associates to cater to your every need with heartfelt service.
- Car Rental or Private Transfer
- Boat Trips
- Delivery of Personal Shopping / Pre- stock service
- Culinary Journey : Book a Private Executive Chef for a Celebrated Dinning
- Epic Adventures : Hiking, Horse riding, Water Sports and more
- Holistic Wellness : Private Massage and Personal Trainer at your villa.
- Wine & Cocktails Journey : Book a Private Mixologist or a Private Wine Tasting
- Your Special Event : Honeymoon/Birthdays
- The Extras : Babysitting, Doctor on Call, Private Tour Guide
*Our “Trusted Associates” are the best in the destination, always with a sense to sustainable responsibility to the local community & ethos for a “green & fair” offering both to our guests & our partners.
Registration Details
1039Κ91000376100
*Climate Resilience Fee
15,00euros/night/villa tax (subject to change) isn’t included in booking prices. It must be paid in euros at check-in to your Host.
BED & BATHS
NUMBER OF BEDROOMS: 4
4 Single Beds
1 Double Sofa bed
2 Queen sized bed
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms with shower: 4
Change Bed Clothes
Towels: Provided
AMENITIES
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Fridge
Freezer
Washing Machine
Dishwasher
Dryer
Coffee Filter Machine
Toaster
TableWare / Cutlery
Kitchen Utensils
Microwave
Oven with Stove
Smart TV
Satellite TV
Swimming Pool
Garden
Garden Furniture
Iron
BBQ
Terrace
Fenced Plot
Security Box
Balcony
Juice Squeazer
Electric Kettle
Hair Dryer
Mosquito Nets
No Smoking Allowed
WiFi
Linen Changes
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Garden View
Pool View
Private Entrance
Spa Whirlpool
Sun loungers
Outdoor Dining Area
Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor Shower
Outdoor Firepit
Blender
Espresso Machine
Bluetooth Dock
Books and reading material
Board Games
Air conditioning
Hangers
Baby Cot
High Chair
Children’s books and toys
Smoke Alarm
First Aid Kit
Fire extinguisher
ALL STAYS INCLUDES
ThinkVilla’s 24/7 Dedicated Concierge Service
Complimentary Welcome Basket
Fully Equipped Kitchen Essentials
Bathroom Starter Kit
Family-Friendly Amenities
Premium Towels for Every Occasion
Premium Quality Linens
Complimentary Housekeeping Service
Towel & Linen Refresh
SERVICES
Private Chef
Wine & Dine
Private Mixologist
Best Restaurants & Bars
Wineries Visit
Culinary Academy
Holistic Wellness
The Art of Tennis
Swimming Courses
Sports Instructor
Special Events
Floral Design
Entertainment
Events Catering
Boat Trip Adventures
Snorkeling
Water Sports
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Horse Riding
Mountain Climbing
Gorge Exploring
Car Rental
Private Transfer
Delivery of Personal Shopping
Pre-Stock Service
Baby Sitting
Doctor on Call
Private Tour Guide
OUT & ABOUT
DISTANCE TO Karteros Beach & surrounding northern coast beaches
29 KM
DISTANCE TO Heraklion
25 KM
DISTANCE TO Venerato Village
0.1 KM
DISTANCE TO Venerato Village
0.1 KM
TO SEE
Venerato’s countryside beckons with hiking trails through olive groves, ancient grape presses, and pastoral vistas. Deeper inland excursions reveal more historic monasteries, traditional villages and scenic gorges that paint a portrait of Crete’s rich heritage. For cultural immersion, dedicate time to the vibrant markets and museums of Heraklion city before returning to the tranquil embrace of village life. A short drive northward leads to the sun‑kissed shores of Crete’s northern coast. Beaches such as Karteros offer soft sands and inviting waters, ideal for relaxed sunbathing and refreshing swims. Further along the coastline, lively seaside towns feature beachfront bars, water sports and café culture, making them perfect for day trips or sunset dinners by the sea. Heraklion vibrant city is only 20 minutes driving distance.
TO DO
Surrounding Venerato, the fertile plains and gentle slopes form part of Crete’s ancient wine heritage, with vineyards that feed into celebrated wine routes near Siva and Dafnes. Visitors can immerse themselves in the island’s vinicultural traditions, visiting local wineries and rustic cellars to sample varietals such as Vidiano, and Kotsifali, and learn about Cretan viticulture that traces back millennia. Seasonal cultural festivals in the village include guided tastings, local winemakers, and opportunities to savour traditional raki and wine amid authentic Cretan fare.
CHECK IN & CHECK OUT
Check-in time should be strictly after 16:00 and check-out time should be strictly before 11:00, as sufficient time is required, to conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection at the Villa between stays.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to arrival get a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to arrival, no show or departure prior to the scheduled date, result to a cancellation fee of the 100% of the total accommodation cost.
BOOKING POLICIES
While booking with us, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons named on the booking that they:
a. have read these terms and agreed;
b.consent to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and are authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
c. are over 18 years of age and where placing an order for services with age restrictions declare that they and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services; and
d. accept financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons named on the booking.