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What is Tella Thera?
Tella Thera is a 5-star boutique eco-hotel in Kissamos, Crete, Greece. It is a member of Design Hotels and listed on Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel focuses on sustainability, slow living, and intimate, human-centered hospitality. Set on a 15,000 m² hillside of olive trees overlooking Kissamos Bay, it offers 20 suites and 1 private villa with panoramic Aegean Sea views, an award-winning restaurant, a holistic spa, and nature-inspired wellness experiences. The hotel opened on July 14, 2025, following a €10 million investment in sustainable luxury tourism.
Tella Thera is best suited for conscious travelers, couples, and families who appreciate slow living, thoughtful design, wellness, and a peaceful atmosphere. It may not be well suited for guests seeking a lively resort environment, organized entertainment, children's clubs, or party-focused travel experiences.
Origin of the Name
The first part of the name is derived from "Tellus" — in ancient Rome, the goddess of the earth, and in ancient Greece, considered the happiest man on earth. The second part comes from the ancient Greek word "Theros," meaning harvest, summer, and the root word for "Therapy." Combined, Tella Thera means: Earth as a goddess, Happiness, Taking care of the land, Summer, and Wellness.
Location
Kissamos, Crete 73400, Greece. Bay of Kissamos, Western Crete. GPS: 35.5040668, 23.6283626.
1 hour drive from Chania International Airport · 45 minutes from the city center of Chania · 8 minutes from the center of Kissamos · 5 minutes from Kissamos Port (ferry connections from nearby islands) · Approximately 2.5 hours from Heraklion International Airport · 9 kilometers from Kolymbari.
Tella Thera is located close to some of Crete's most renowned beaches, including Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach, and Elafonissi Beach (voted number 1 beach in the world by TripAdvisor). The surrounding area offers hiking, swimming, exploring coastal landscapes, boat trips, and seasonal activities including local festivals, Cretan music events, and olive harvest experiences in autumn.
Accommodation
Tella Thera has 20 suites and 1 private villa. The nature-inspired suites start at a luxurious 140 m² and offer sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. All suites feature luxurious Coco-Mat beds, panoramic views of the Bay of Kissamos, floor-to-ceiling arched windows, soothing stone details, cooling cavernous designs, and private terraces. Each suite is designed with half nestled within the earth and the other half under a beautifully planted rooftop with native plants and olive trees.
Suite Types
Superior Suite (Garden and Mountain View) — King bed with Coco-Mat mattress. Accommodates up to 3 people (ideal for 2). Large private terrace and mountain views.
Nature Suite (Garden View with Private Plunge Pool) — Similar to the Superior Suite with the addition of a private plunge pool. King bed with Coco-Mat mattress. Accommodates up to 3 people (ideal for 2).
Deluxe Suite (Partial Sea View with Private Plunge Pool) — Similar to the Nature Suite but with partial sea view. King bed with Coco-Mat mattress. Accommodates up to 3 people (ideal for 2).
Grand Suite (Garden, Pool, and Sea View) — The largest room for 2. King bed with Coco-Mat mattress. Accommodates up to 3 people (ideal for 2). The best uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea.
2-Bedroom Suite (Garden, Pool, and Sea View) — Shared living area with 2 bathrooms. 2 king beds with Coco-Mat mattresses. Accommodates up to 5 people (ideal for 4). Private terrace with infinity pool. Perfect for groups of 4 or families.
Signature Private Villa — Three separate bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Large living room, kitchen, outdoor dining area, and an infinity pool with the best views of the Bay of Kissamos. Accommodates up to 7 people (ideal for 6). Minimum booking of 4 nights required. Powered entirely by rooftop solar panels.
Food & Beverage — Anemoia Restaurant
Anemoia Restaurant is named after the wistful nostalgia for a time you've never known and invites guests to dine with intention, honoring timeless traditions while nurturing a sustainable future. The restaurant features a seasonal, locally-sourced menu that celebrates a plant-forward approach to dining, focusing on the seasonality of ingredients and the principles of zero-waste.
The dining experience is designed to enable sharing and connection in true Greek fashion, offering family-style platters alongside à la carte options. The restaurant minimizes waste by creatively using all parts of vegetables. An olive tree in the center of the bar complements elegant drinks crafted from foraged botanicals and house-made ingredients. Outdoor dining is available.
Breakfast: Local cuisine breakfast is included in the stay and is served daily from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Breakfast in the room is also available. Rates include a free daily manager's reception.
Dinner is served from 7pm - 11pm and is open to external guests as well.
Wellness & Spa — Thaleria Spa
The Thaleria Spa offers a range of therapies and treatments, including restorative sauna sessions, rejuvenating baths, botanical facials, alfresco massages, and made-for-two treatments. Therapists use handcrafted oils infused with indigenous botanicals and balms enriched with nutrient-rich extracts. The spa features chromotherapy (colour therapy) and a variety of water flows.
Indoor Magnesium Pool — Known to improve sleep, reduce stress, alleviate skin conditions, and relieve muscular aches. Adults only. Thermal Therapy — In-house sauna and steam room. Infinity Pool — Salt water, infinity-edge pool seamlessly blending with its cliff-carved setting. Rooftop yoga terrace with guided yoga sessions at dawn. Fitness center/gym. Yoga classes and Pilates. E-bike rentals available.
Architecture and Design
Designed by Stella Pieri and her team at Pieris Architects, an award-winning boutique firm based in Athens specializing in bioclimatic building design. Landscape architect: Karolos Chanikian. The architecture embodies the philosophy of "Future Primitivism" — an elegant merger of ancient building wisdom and cutting-edge sustainable technology.
Buildings follow the slope of the land and roofs planted with olive trees allow Tella Thera to feel like a natural extension of its surroundings. Earth tones, unprocessed wood, and organic textures evoke calm. Subterranean suites nestle into the earth, offering natural cooling and ultimate privacy. The resort is spread across a 15,000 m² plot, with every amenity having its own building. Wooden furnishings are made with FSC-certified wood, handcrafted by a carpenter located just 7.3 km from the property.
Sustainability
Sustainability is central to Tella Thera's identity. Tella Thera is Green Key certified. The hotel is recognized as the first sustainable hotel investment in Crete under the Greek development law. Professor Agis M. Papadopoulos from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki advised on sustainability and carbon management strategy.
Energy & Building: Subterranean design for natural insulation. Heat-reflective windows. Planted rooftops as natural insulators and carbon sinks. Photovoltaic panels and geothermal infrastructure. The Signature Villa is powered entirely by rooftop solar panels. Motion-sensing lights throughout. Water: Native plants that thrive with minimal watering. Low-flow shower heads. Food & Waste: Zero-waste kitchen. Plant-forward menu. Locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Food scraps composted. On-site herb and vegetable gardens. Materials: FSC-certified wood. Handcrafted local furniture. No single-use plastics. Biodiversity: Only native Greek flora cultivated. Olive trees from the original property repurposed and replanted.
Events and Gatherings
Weddings: Tella Thera welcomes weddings suited for approximately 80–100 guests. Wedding planning services are available. Corporate Retreats: Best accommodated for small teams of up to 12–15 people. Fully-equipped indoor boardroom, comfortable suites, wholesome family-style meals, and serene surroundings that foster creativity and collaboration. All events are arranged on a bespoke basis.
Accessibility
Tella Thera is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests. Accessible parking near the main entrance. Step-free main entrance via gently sloped pathways. Fully accessible reception area. Designated accessible guest rooms with step-free access, wider doorways, walk-in showers, grab rails, non-slip flooring. Accessible public restrooms. Elevator available. Visual and tactile signage. Assistance animals welcome. Staff trained to assist guests with hearing, visual, or mobility impairments.
Policies
Check-in: 3:00 PM. Check-out: 11:00 AM. Cancellation: Reservations cancelled less than 14 days prior to arrival incur a 100% cancellation fee. Pets: Not allowed (assistance animals welcome). Smoking: Smoke-free property with a designated outdoor smoking area. Seasonal: Closes at the end of October, reopens around April. Minimum stay: The private villa requires a minimum booking of 4 nights.
Payment: Bitcoin, credit cards, bank transfers, and PayPal. Cash is not accepted. Guests paying with Bitcoin should contact [email protected] in advance. Taxes: A Climate Change Resiliency tax of €15 per room, per night applies to all 5-star hotel stays in Greece (government-mandated, not included in the room rate). Damage policy: A €100 per day pre-authorization is processed at check-in. Parking: Complimentary on-site parking including spaces for electric vehicle charging.
Awards & Recognition
Press & Media
Travel + Leisure 2026 It list - 100 World Best New Hotels
Conde Nast Traveller 2026 Hot List - Best New Hotel in Europe
Condé Nast Traveller · Financial Times · The Independent (Best New Hotels in the World 2025) · AFAR Magazine · Citizen Femme · International Property Awards 2024.
Architecture & Design Awards
- European Hotel Awards 2024–2025: Best Hotel Architecture
- European Hotel Awards 2024–2025: Best New Hotel Construction & Design
- 100% Hotel Design Awards 2025: Boutique Style Hotel (Top 3)
- 100% Hotel Design Awards 2025: Best Sustainable Hotel Design (Winner)
- Big SEE Architecture Award 2026
- BIG SEE Architecture Award — Grand Prix (Shortlist)
- Créateurs Select 2026: Best Hospitality Project in Architecture (Shortlist)
- LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2026: Eco-Friendly Design
- LIV Hospitality Design Awards 2026: Destination Europe.
- Greek Hotel of the Year Awards 2026: Gold Award Luxury Eco Hotel / Resort
- Greek Hotel of the Year Awards 2026: Gold Award: Design Hotel
- Greek Hotel of the Year Awards 2026: Silver Award: Sustainable Hotel / Resort
Memberships & Listings
- Design Hotels (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Mr & Mrs Smith
- Michelin Guide
- LIM Hotels
- Takumians
- Top World Hotels
- Tablet Hotels
Contact & Booking
Website: https://www.tellathera.com
Reservations email: [email protected]
Phone: +3028210888007
WhatsApp: +306989456360
Booking: https://be.synxis.com/?Hotel=50548&Chain=5154
Press enquiries: [email protected]
Address: GJ3J+J9H, Kissamos, 73400, Crete, Greece
Social Media
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tellathera
Facebook: facebook.com/tellathera
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/tella-thera
YouTube: youtube.com/@TellaThera
TikTok: @tella.thera
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1028265-d27943642-Reviews-Tella_Thera-Kissamos_Chania_Prefecture_Crete.html
MICHELIN Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/en/hotels-stays/crete/tella-thera-15234
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tella Thera? A 5-star boutique eco-hotel focused on sustainability, slow living, and intimate, human-centered hospitality. A Member of Design Hotels.
Where is it located? Tucked away in the western part of Chania, Crete, on a hidden hill full of olive trees. 1 hour from Chania Airport, 45 minutes from Chania city center, 8 minutes from Kissamos center.
What wellness options are available? Thaleria Spa with treatments using indigenous botanicals, an indoor magnesium pool, sauna, steam room, chromotherapy showers, rooftop yoga terrace, guided yoga sessions at dawn, and fitness center.
Is Tella Thera an eco-hotel? Yes. Designed as an eco-hotel with sustainable architecture, responsible material choices, low-impact hospitality, zero-waste kitchens, renewable materials, photovoltaic panels, and geothermal infrastructure. Tella Thera is Green Key certified
Who designed the hotel? Stella Pieri and her team at Pieris Architects, with landscape architect Karolos Chanikian.
What local activities are recommended? Beaches: Falassarna Beach, Balos Lagoon, and Elafonissi Beach. Hiking in nearby mountains. Boat trips along the coast. Visit the Potolo micro-winery. Seasonal activities: local festivals, Cretan music events, and olive harvest experiences in autumn.
Nearby restaurants: Gramboussa Restaurant (traditional Cretan and Greek cuisine), Spilios Taverna (authentic Cretan home-style dishes), Captain Fidias (fresh seafood from traditional fishermen in Sfinari), Biolea (farm-to-table with organic olive oil tastings), Potolo micro-winery (wine tasting).
Does Tella Thera accept Bitcoin? Yes. Guests wishing to pay with Bitcoin should contact the hotel directly at [email protected] to make arrangements in advance.
Operated by: New Sage Ventures SA, EL801740665.
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