Tella Thera: Hotel in Crete

Tella Thera: A Contemporary Sanctuary in Crete’s Wild Heart

Tella Thera is tucked away on a quiet hillside surrounded by olive groves, near the town of Kissamos in western Crete. About an hour’s drive from Chania International Airport, the property enjoys sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding rolling hills, creating an atmosphere of natural tranquility and refined simplicity.

Founded by Loukas Tourkomanis and Chevon Low—an entrepreneurial couple with past experience at Airbnb and in forest conservation NGOs—Tella Thera is the result of a shared vision rooted in sustainability and well-being. The name “Tella Thera” draws from “Tellus,” the Roman goddess of the Earth, and “thera,” evoking summer or harvest in ancient Greek, symbolising a deep connection to the natural world.

Designed by Stella Pieri and her team at Pieris.Architects, Tella Thera’s architecture reimagines traditional Cretan building forms through a contemporary and conscious lens. Inspired by the island’s stone farmhouses, the structures follow the natural slope of the terrain, leaving minimal environmental and visual impact. The green roofs, planted with olive trees and native Mediterranean flora, help regulate interior temperatures while enhancing biodiversity. Raw concrete, natural stone, and careful placement turn each structure into a near-invisible extension of the landscape, in perfect harmony with its surroundings.

Tella Thera features 21 exclusive suites, each designed to offer a fully immersive experience that combines modern comfort with an organic connection to nature. Accessed via open-air walkways, the rooms all come with private terraces boasting unobstructed views of the Aegean and the surrounding olive-clad hills. Interiors range from 50 to 140 sqm, and are decorated in a minimalist, nature-inspired style. Natural materials such as raw wood, local stone, and linen textiles create a serene and understated elegance. Each suite is fitted with a COCO-MAT king-size bed, a lounge area, a work space, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower. Some suites also include a private pool or hot tub, offering an extra layer of relaxation. Designed to capture natural light and offer seamless indoor-outdoor flow, every space invites guests to fully embrace the wild beauty of Crete.

The on-site restaurant champions plant-based, low-waste cuisine, with ingredients either grown on the property or sourced from nearby farms. The menu is seasonal, local, and deeply rooted in the land—inviting diners to reconnect with nature through food in a sustainable and flavourful way.

Tella Thera’s wellness area offers a curated selection of regenerative treatments and nature-inspired therapies. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop yoga terrace, as well as the hotel’s tranquil pools. Activities such as wild herb foraging, meditative walks, and olive oil tastings round out a deeply holistic experience, designed to nourish both body and spirit.

Tella Thera is more than just a boutique hotel—it’s a sensorial journey through sustainable architecture, refined comfort, and soulful connection with the Cretan landscape.

We love Tella Thera – A Nature-Inspired Boutique Retreat for:

Opening in 2025
21 spacious suites with panoramic views
Natural materials and meticulous finishes
Sustainable, locally rooted dining
Holistic wellness in harmony with nature
Remote, unspoiled location in the heart of Crete

Budget

Suite from 326 € per night during low season.