Tella Thera
Tella Thera is a nature-inspired sanctuary where subterranean suites with planted rooftops disappear into an olive grove above Kissamos Bay.
Tella Thera perches on a sun-drenched hillside above Kissamos Bay in western Crete, designed by Stella Pieri of Pieris Architects in a style the studio calls 'future primitivism'. The 21 suites follow the natural slope of the terrain, half-buried in the earth with green roofs planted with olive trees and native Mediterranean flora.
Floor-to-ceiling arched windows frame Aegean views while providing natural cooling and cross-ventilation. Each suite starts at 140 square metres, featuring COCO-MAT beds, earth-toned interiors of raw wood, local stone and linen textiles. Some include private pools or hot tubs, while all connect indoors and outdoors through terraces overlooking the olive grove. FSC-certified wood furniture is handcrafted by a carpenter seven kilometres from the property - part of the hotel's commitment to sourcing within 80 nautical miles.
The zero-waste restaurant serves plant-forward cuisine from the on-site edible garden and local farms. The spa offers regenerative treatments, while a rooftop yoga terrace and magnesium pool complete the wellness programme. Solar energy powers the property; rainwater is captured for irrigation; single-use plastic is absent.
Founded by Loukas Tourkomanis and Chevon Low (former Airbnb team members with forest conservation backgrounds), Tella Thera takes its name from Tellus, the Roman earth goddess. Balos Lagoon, Falassarna, and Elafonisi Beach lie within day-trip distance. An hour from Chania airport, the hotel delivers conscious hospitality on Crete's wild northwest coast.