I last visited Greece a very long time ago, so long ago that I could not even tell you what month or year it was, or what the weather was like. Saying this sentence out loud, I feel it is time to change that, and I admit that every new season presents a potential opportunity: we could go to Greece! Then life happens, summer arrives in a flash, and Istria, as always, remains my destination of choice.
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What draws me to Greece even more is that, with every new hotel opening, it moves further away from the classic image of sprawling resorts and towards more intimate properties that emphasise architecture, privacy and a sense of place. Tierras Villas belongs precisely to this new generation. The design retreat opened in July 2026 on the northern coast of Crete, in the peaceful bay of Mononaftis near Agia Pelagia, about a 20-minute drive from Heraklion.
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Getting there is easy. It takes less than half an hour by car from Heraklion International Airport, but the final few kilometres follow a road that descends towards the rocky coastline and the Aegean Sea. The arrival itself is part of the experience. Rather than having a monumental entrance, the hotel blends almost imperceptibly into the landscape, as though it had grown out of Cretan stone.
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Tierras is not a hotel in the traditional sense, but a collection of just five private villas, which makes the entire place feel like a hidden residence for those seeking complete tranquillity. Perched above the sea, the villas face the horizon and are surrounded by olive groves, rocks and Mediterranean vegetation. The small Mononaftis beach, known for its crystal-clear water and excellent diving conditions, is nearby, while the picturesque coves of Psaromoura and Ligaria, as well as the main beach in Agia Pelagia, are only a few minutes away by car.
What sets Tierras apart from the many new luxury properties is not spectacle, but minimalism. Yes, you heard that right! Founded by twin brothers Yannis (Ioannis) and Nikos (Nikolaos) Orfanakis, sisters Danae and Konstantina Orfanaki developed the creative concept, while Manos Kipritidis designed the architecture around the idea that the building should not dominate the landscape, but engage in a dialogue with it. Horizontal lines follow the natural slope of the terrain, while the material palette remains entirely faithful to the island. Stone, wood, marble and earthy tones create the impression that the interiors are an extension of the natural surroundings.
As the project’s creators explained, the aim was not to create yet another luxury resort, but a place where architecture and nature function as a whole. This is precisely why there are almost no clear boundaries between the interior and exterior. Large glass walls open onto terraces, private pools and sea views, allowing life to move naturally outdoors during the summer.
The entire complex draws inspiration from the five elements. Each villa bears the name and character of one of them: Roē symbolises the continuous flow of life, Phōs is dedicated to light, Ryāki draws on the motif of water, Terra celebrates the earth, while Anēmi interprets the freedom of the wind. These are not simply names. Each space has been designed to evoke its own element through its materials, layout and relationship with the surrounding environment. The design reveals an intriguing blend of several aesthetic languages. Scandinavian functionality brings clean lines and understated elegance, Japanese minimalism emphasises calm and balance, while Cretan tradition remains present through natural textures, local stone and artisanal details. The result is a series of interiors that feel luxurious precisely because nothing is superfluous.
But the true value of Tierras lies in the experience of staying there. Guests can arrange private dinners with a chef, join foraging tours that introduce them to the local cuisine, or enjoy wellness treatments in their own villa. They also have access to the Bath House Spa at the nearby Acro Suites resort. The slower pace, the silence and the feeling that you have discovered a unique place that most travellers have yet to find remain the ultimate measure of a holiday here. Tierras Villas thus represents a new generation of Mediterranean luxury. Greece is just around the corner, after all, and it would be well worth visiting soon. Next summer, I promise!
