Now Open: Tella Thera Immerses Guests in Crete’s Local Landscape

For the brand-new all-suite resort Tella Thera in northwestern Crete, the surrounding landscape is more than just a setting. It is an essential and respected part of every guest experience. From partially subterranean suites with private pools to biomorphically shaped architecture and décor, planted rooftop terraces, a holistic spa, and a zero-waste restaurant, the family-owned property brings a new kind of conscious hospitality to the Greek island.

With a name stemming from Tellus, the ancient Roman goddess of the Earth, and the Greek words therós (summer) and therismós (harvest), Tella Thera is a new, nature-inspired boutique resort rooted in consciousness, connection, and conservation. Opened in mid-July and located in Kissamos Bay along Crete's northwestern coast, the property was crafted to promote relaxation and wellbeing after days spent exploring some of the island's most remote and beautiful beaches, gorges, mountains, and cliffsides. From the initial conception to finishing touches, everything is centered on respecting the natural world.

The couple oversaw every aspect of the hotel's creation following the guiding principle of creating a sanctuary where sustainability, serenity, and luxury coexist. To help realize their vision, Tourkomanis and Low enlisted the award-winning Athens-based studio Pieris.Architects and landscape architect Karolos Chanikian who took a "future primitivism" approach. This architectural and cultural style blends ideas of the past with futuristic elements, focusing on a return to simpler, more primal ways of living while imagining new, sustainable, and technologically enhanced methods of life. As a result, the resort's design follows the natural curves of the land and buildings seemingly disappear into the surroundings. Suites with biophilic designs are partially subterranean with planted rooftop terraces, optimizing energy efficiency and absorbing carbon. Arched, floor-to-ceiling north-facing windows and wide, biomorphic openings in rooms and corridors let in an abundance of natural light and air flow, reducing the need for artificial lighting and artificial ventilation. And after consultations with Agis Papadopoulos, a professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the most suitable and sustainable materials were chosen, including wood, stone, and earth. Such materials are harmoniously paired with soft, earthy tones—including warm beige, olive green, and soft grays—to create a serene and soothing, cave-like interior atmosphere.

While common areas provide the opportunity for interaction, the 20 spacious suites—17 of which feature private plunge pools—and Signature Villa provide ultimate private getaways inspired by the region's colors and mythology. Each suite boasts at least 50 square meters of indoor space and 90 square meters of outdoor space with unobstructed, panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The standout Signature Villa, which is powered entirely by onsite solar panels, features three bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, a large living room, a kitchen, two dedicated parking spots with an EV charger, and a 220-square-meter private garden terrace featuring a stunning infinity pool. Regardless of the suite, all furniture and lighting have been custom-designed or curated to align with the resort's biophilic, minimalist ethos, emphasizing organic textures, handcrafted details, and natural materials. Photographs taken by Georgios Anyfantakis, a well-known Cretan photographer, complement locally crafted sculptural coffee tables and wooden wardrobes. Everything, including 100% biodegradable bath amenities by Oceanis Cosmetics, has been chosen for its ability to support calmness, presence, and a deep sense of place.

Spread across a 15,000-square-meter plot, every amenity has its own building. Guests are welcomed into a reception lounge with an outdoor rooftop yoga and meditation space as well as an underground spa, salon de beauté, and indoor/outdoor gym. The spa focuses on providing a holistic wellness journey through an indoor magnesium pool, chromotherapy showers, steam room, sauna, and curated selection of treatments, as well as outdoor nature-based healing experiences and yoga and Pilates sessions designed for relaxation and mindfulness.

Also situated within its own building, Anemoia Restaurant serves seasonal, locally inspired cuisine with a focus on sustainability. Here, the lunch and dinner experiences enable sharing and connection in true Greek fashion, with family-style platters served alongside à la carte options. The kitchen embraces a plant-forward approach, offering dishes that honor the seasonality of ingredients and the principles of zero waste. Lemon peels, for example, are fermented to use in syrups and desserts, and herb and vegetable stalks are pulverized to use as garnishes and spices. All suppliers are found within a 20-kilometer radius of the property, and the hotel also produces its own olive oil.

At the heart of the resort's built spaces is a relaxing pool with daybeds and loungers, but beyond the constructed environment is the true soul of the property: The Grove, an outdoor area with olive trees and various spaces where nature and elegance converge. The thoughtfully considered grounds include meandering paths through olive groves, meditative clearings, and rooftop terraces ideal for yoga or quiet gatherings. At Tella Thera, the landscape is not just a backdrop—it is an integral part of the restorative experience. Here, luxury is not embodied as opulence but as a meaningful connection to self, place, and the natural world.

LOCATION

Tella Thera is located in Kissamos Bay in northwestern Crete. It is an 8-minute drive from the center of Kissamos and 9 kilometers from Kolymbari. Kissamos is known for world-renowned beaches like Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi, each offering crystal-clear turquoise waters and untouched beauty. Rich in history, it was once a Roman city, with archaeological sites, a local museum, and hidden tavernas. The region is celebrated for its olive oil, wine, and authentic Cretan cuisine. Surrounded by gorges, valleys, and mountains, it offers serene landscapes and scenic hiking as well as artisanal traditions, including pottery, woven textiles, and soulful music. Tella Thera is a one-hour drive from Chania International Airport and a two-hour drive from Heraklion International Airport.

SUSTAINABILITY

Tella Thera was conceptualized and constructed according to robust sustainability principles. The property uses passive cooling systems, renewable energy, and eco-conscious materials like stone, timber, and natural plasters. Buildings follow the land's topography, avoiding large-scale excavation. Green roofs planted with native flora provide thermal insulation and support biodiversity. Moreover, the olive trees originally on the property were repurposed and replanted on-site or returned to nearby farmlands. The restaurant's kitchen also follows zero-waste principles and partnerships with local artisans, farmers, and creatives not only reduce the property's carbon footprint but also celebrate Cretan craftsmanship and traditions.

Hotel website