Bioclimatic hillside sanctuary
Earthy concrete curves and stone walls cascade through olive groves above Kissamos Bay, centered on an open-air saltwater infinity pool.
“A mind-soothing, bioclimatic design includes subterranean suites topped with green roofs planted with native herbs to promote natural cooling.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Bioclimatic subterranean suites cascade down the hillside beneath herb-planted green roofs and curved sandstone walls.
Notable
Thaleria Spa offers an indoor magnesium pool, wooden sauna, and botanical treatments rooted in Greek philosophy.
Notable
Anemoia serves zero-waste Cretan cuisine using island produce, paired with woodwork crafted by local carpenters.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Hot List
Condé Nast Traveler
2026
Also in AFAR.
Tella Terra takes a pared-back approach to design with neutral, muted shades, clean lines, minimalist interiors, and raw, unfinished textures.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set amid rural olive groves outside Kissamos, the hotel sits a short drive from coastal tavernas and the turquoise waters of Balos.
The rooms
Earth-toned suites feature curved micro-cement finishes and garden terraces, most with fossil-shaped plunge pools framing wide views across the Aegean.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Wooden cabanas with twin daybeds line the saltwater infinity pool, gazing out across Kissamos Bay.
The spa
Treatments draw on indigenous Cretan botanicals, with massage tables set outdoors beneath mature olive trees.
The gym
The mirrored fitness room is equipped with a free weights rack, an air rower, and a squat cage.
Anemoia Restaurant
Cretan dishes center on local ingredients and open charcoal grilling, served on a pergola terrace over the bay.
Buildings — a contemporary, fluid interpretation of the Cretan idiom by Pieris.Architects — centred around a serene, oval-shaped pool, unfurl across the landscape.
At the table
The bar curves around a central olive tree beneath a circular skylight, pouring cocktails infused with Cretan herbs.
How it began
Founders Loukas Tourkomanis and Chevon Low preserved hundreds of mature olive trees across the hillside while developing their solar-powered sanctuary.
Good to know
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Tella Thera
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Crete
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.