Tella Thera

Tella Thera, a Michelin Key Selected property in Kissamos, Crete, Greece, is widely celebrated as a luxurious and tranquil retreat that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Guests consistently highlight its exceptional design, dedicated staff, and commitment to sustainability.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Tella Thera is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional," "memorable," and an "antidote to, well, everything". It is praised as a 5-star resort offering a peaceful and relaxing experience. Booking.com reviews show high scores for location (9.2), cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.5), and staff (9.4), with a slightly lower value for money at 8.5. While the Michelin Guide itself currently shows "No verified stays yet" for its guest score, the hotel's inclusion signifies its quality and unique appeal.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Tella Thera:

• Design & Architecture: The hotel's design is described as stunning, unique, and aesthetically blessed, featuring sketched-into-the-hillside suites, a lagoon-like communal pool, and Aegean Sea views. It embodies "Future Primitivism" with subterranean suites, green roofs, and a focus on natural materials, creating a serene and quiet atmosphere.
• Sustainability: Sustainability is integral to the hotel's ethos, with efforts including solar power, planted rooftops for natural cooling, a zero-waste restaurant approach, and the replanting of over 200 olive trees. Furnishings are crafted by local Cretan artisans.
• Service & Staff: The staff receives effusive praise for being "truly remarkable," "exceptionally friendly," "attentive," and going "out of their way to make your experience a good one". Their passion and attention to detail are frequently mentioned as making stays feel warm and personal.
• Amenities: Highlights include two swimming pools (an infinity-edge outdoor pool and an indoor magnesium pool at the spa), a comprehensive spa with treatments, steam room, sauna, and chromotherapy showers, a gym, and free WiFi. Yoga classes and other outdoor pursuits are also available.
• Views: The hotel offers breathtaking Aegean Sea views from its suites and common areas.

3. Room Quality

The rooms, primarily suites and one villa, are designed to be nature-inspired sanctuaries. They feature floor-to-ceiling arched windows, soothing stone details, and cooling, cavernous designs. Each suite boasts Aegean Sea views and often includes a private terrace, with some deluxe suites offering garden-swathed private pools. In-room amenities typically include a TV, air-conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, minibar, free bottled water, bathrobes, slippers, and organic bath products. The design emphasizes quiet elegance, with earthy tones and organic textures. Some rooms are accessible for guests with reduced mobility, with roll-in showers and adapted features.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Tella Thera, primarily at its restaurant Anemoia, is highly rated. It focuses on Greek and Cretan cuisine with a plant-forward, zero-waste approach, utilizing seasonal, local, and ethically sourced ingredients. Guests describe the food as "outstanding" and "delicious," with "exciting new dishes to try".

Breakfast, included in the rates, is particularly celebrated, offering buffet and à la carte options, with in-room dining also available. Guests mention a "very tasty and diverse breakfast" with "unique flavors and different dishes every morning". The bar extends the zero-waste philosophy, crafting elegant drinks from foraged botanicals and house-made ingredients.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are consistently lauded as one of Tella Thera's strongest assets. Reviewers frequently describe them as "exceptional," "truly remarkable," "helpful," "friendly," "accommodating," and possessing "high attention to detail". They are noted for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, making guests feel valued and comfortable. The owners'/hotel managers' passion is said to shine through in every detail, making the stay personal and unforgettable.

6. Location & Accessibility

Tella Thera is nestled in the coastal countryside of northwestern Crete, overlooking Kissamos Bay. It is set amid ancient olive groves, providing a sense of peace and quietness. The location is considered ideal for exploring the western part of the island. Kissamos is renowned for stunning beaches like Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi, which are easily accessible.

Chania's international airport is about an hour's drive away, while Heraklion is approximately two and a half hours by car; staff can arrange transfers for an additional charge. A car is recommended for touring the area, with free round-the-clock parking available at the hotel. Ferries from nearby islands dock at Kissamos Port, a five-minute drive from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific pricing varies, rates at Tella Thera include a buffet and à la carte breakfast. One source indicated a converted price of approximately EUR 373.15. Guests generally rate the value for money as high (8.5 on Booking.com), suggesting that despite the premium pricing, the exceptional experience justifies the cost. The thoughtful design, outstanding service, and unique offerings contribute to its perceived value.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Room "Teething Problems": Some early guests reported "teething problems" with their rooms, specifically mentioning bathrooms that were "quite impractical" or "took a very long time to dry after use". There were also instances of "wet room flooding as the drains had been set up too high for the floor".
• Gym Limitations: The gym was described as "small, located underground, and lacked both mirrors and windows" by one guest.
• Restaurant Menu Complexity: The restaurant menu, while praised for its quality, was noted by one reviewer as potentially "a little complex and scary" for those accustomed to more common dishes like club sandwiches or burgers.

Sources

1. mrandmrssmith.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. michelin.com
7. tablethotels.com
8. designhotels.com
9. hotels.com
10. designhotels.com
11. marriott.com