Entire home

Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach

Photo gallery for Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach

Outdoor pool
Property grounds
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, travel cot
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Fridge, oven, stovetop, dishwasher
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Rethimno, Crete
  • Popular LocationRethimno Kart7 min drive
  • Popular LocationPlatanes Beach15 min drive
  • Popular LocationRethymnon Venetian Port15 min drive
  • AirportHeraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)68 min drive

Space details

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 8
1787 sq ft
Bedroom 1
    2 single beds
Bedroom 2
    1 double bed
Bedroom 3
    1 double bed
Bedroom 4
    1 double bed
Bathroom 1
    Combined bath/shower
Bathroom 2
    Combined shower/bath

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach

The Private Authentic Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla.

We welcome you to Crete and the picturesque village of Mesi, built on a lovely position, on a small hill of 300 meters above sea level! Dotira home, is a two-storey stone mansion of the 18th century, which has a surface area of 166 square meters and the surrounding plot one of 350 square meters.

Thanks to the careful restoration the house adheres to the traditional architecture and offers our visitors the experience of a special sojourn. Natural materials, such as wood, stone, were used, respecting the house’s history and its traditional elements were preserved and highlighted: the bathroom, the fire place and the water trough at the terrace.

Layout
Outside Area
Externally, the villa is built in a classic, yet modern way, where stone and rustic feeling prevail! At the outside area there is an inner courtyard, with a lovely siting area and a traditional wood oven, making it ideal for al fresco dining! Also, there is an amazing garden with local herbs and flowers, right next to the wonderful 20 m2 and 1,40 m deep private pool, where our guests can relax, enjoy the fresh country air of Mesi and the soothing environment of the house! The pool is chemical free as it operates with active oxygen! The court yard and pool terrace create a rustic, romantic atmosphere, where you will love spending your morning and evenings!


Ground Floor
The yard offers access to the former stable of the house, which has been converted to an attic, featuring a working area, with a desk and an extra double bed on a special construction, on the upper level. This room provides total privacy and internet access, if you need to work on something!

Entering the property you will see the spacious living room with a great open fireplace, a rustically decorated, fully equipped kitchen, with a dining area, perfect for indoor dining with your family or friends and one bathroom.

First Floor
Beautiful wooden stairs lead the guests to the upper floor, where guests can find three lovely bedrooms (two double and one twin) and a WC. Balconies from the first floor enjoy a stunning view of the whole area, olive groves and an open view on the Cretan Sea!

Supplementary alternative activities – agritourism
Stone is a source of energy and helps getting close to nature and the earth! Dotira home gives you the chance to choose from a plethora of alternative activities, individually or in a group, which offer bodily and spiritual wellbeing and therapy, such as walking, herb picking, soap making, hiking and visiting archaeological sites, monasteries and local monuments, both in Mesi and the nearby villages.

Also, during your stay you may have the opportunity to participate in the cultivation and care of our garden, harvest its fruits and enjoy its products!

Property Notes:
- Welcome basket included, courtesy of the owner. Dotira home offers the rich goods of the Cretan land, to all guests. The house is stocked with cretan rusks, home made jams, goat’s milk, cheese, fresh eggs and fruit from Mesi trees, herbal teas (sage, thyme, marjoram, rock roses) and more…depending on the season!
- Quality towels, bed linen, covers provided.
- Housekeeping, towels and linen changes every four days.
- Sun beds and umbrellas available. Pool towels provided.
- Baby cot and high chair available if needed.
- Air conditioning in all bedrooms and living room area is included.
- Air conditioning units serve heating purposes.
- Complimentary free Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the house.
- All in-house electronics are available, including a washing machine, dishwasher, TV with satellite reception, CD and DVD players, large fridge with freezer, electric kitchen, kettle, toaster, espresso coffee machine, iron and iron board.
- Pool and garden cleaning twice a week. The pool operates from April to October.
- 24h/7days ThinkVilla concierge service included.

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Location overview :

Mesi, a small traditional village of the 16th century built on a lovely position, on a small hill of 300 meters above sea level, with an open view on the Cretan Sea. Mesi has two traditional coffee places and a tavern in the village square, just 100 meters from the villa. It preserves its traditional character and offers hospitality, a peaceful holiday and also the challenge to explore the beautiful landscape of the Arcadi region as the perfect point of departure.

Shopping facilities for everyday's necessities can be found at the neighbouring village of Pigi within a distance of 8 minutes by car, providing tavernas and cafes, a mini market, bakery, a grocery shop, two butcher’s, a hairdressers as well as a pharmacy. A gas station can be found in the nearby village of Adele which is also 9 minutes away by car.

Pigianos Kampos beach, which is the closest to the villas, 10 minutes driving, is a vast, sandy and well organised beach, with shallow waters making it ideal for families. It’s a perfectly organised coastal tourist resort, with many sun beds, umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, lifeguards, beach bars, restaurants and water sports. Next to Pigianos Kampos, in Adelianos Kmapos there is also an Atm machine

Also Rethymno town, offers a great selection of choices in shops, restaurants and anything else you might need and can be easily reached by car within 20 minutes.

Distances to Important Locations :
Traditional taverna in 100 metres.
Pigianos Kampos Beach: 6 Kms
Super Market & Restaurants: 2.5 Kms
Rethymno Port & Town: 13 Kms
Heraklion International Airport: 78 Kms
Chania International Airport: 81 Kms

Car rental is essential to explore the nearby villages and unique sandy beach locations!

Property manager

Valia Kokkinou

Languages

Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Massage
  • Outdoor pool
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Paper towels
  • Blender
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 1 total (up to 22 lb per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking only allowed outdoors

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Local meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Cave exploring nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1787 sq ft (166 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 23

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 22 lb per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Pets allowed upon request & Pet Agreement required

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Supervision of children is your responsibility.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 8
Note from host: Prior notice, extra fees, event contract required.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Rethymno

Located in Rethymno, this villa is in a rural area and near the beach. Paleontological Museum and Museum of Wooden Sculptures are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Horse Park Rethymno and Rethymnon Venetian Port. Travelling with kids? Consider Rethimno Kart and Reptisland. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and cave exploring.

What's nearby

  • Rethimno Kart - 7 min drive
  • Arkadi Monastery - 11 min drive
  • Platanes Beach - 15 min drive
  • Rethymnon Venetian Port - 15 min drive
  • Fortezza Castle - 16 min drive

Getting around

  • Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cafe Greco - 9 min drive
  • The Coffee Stop - 7 min drive
  • The Leaky Couldron - 4 min drive
  • Taverna Poppy - 8 min drive
  • Paraplous - 8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 22 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dotira, chemical-free pool, walking distance to taverna, 5' from a sandy beach located?

Located by the sea, this family-friendly villa is within 6 mi (10 km) of Rethimno Kart, Platanes Beach, and Blue Beach. Mili Gorge and Horse Park Rethymno are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Melissa N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stay at the Dotira House!
The villa is simply magnificent and beyond our expectations. The highlight is definitely the outside space including a pool, rest area, table, etc. Ms. Maria is an amazing & lovely host. We felt at home and we appreciated the attention to details. Do not hesitate to stay in this house! Thank you for everything.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Full of charm and character
Our 2 families had a lovely stay at this beautiful property. We were met by the host,Maria,who was exceptionally helpful and welcoming and always on hand should we need anything. The cold drinks and snacks were very appreciated when we arrived. The house was beautifully quirky and full of character. It was very clean and there was all you would need in the kitchen. Beds were comfy and the air conditioned bedrooms were great sizes. The pool was beautiful and very well maintained. Location is fairy remote, this is part of its charm, but was peaceful and made a good base for exploring this area of Crete. The supermarket was 10mins and was a €20 taxi journey from rethymno. The local taverna, maybe a 2 minute walk was lovey with stunning views. We loved our stay here.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joyce C.

Liked: Cleanliness
MESI
The property is fabulous in every way. The villa is well maintained and Maria and her husband are attentive. We had a fabulous stay. There is little in the immediate neighborhood except one very nice Taverna with great food at an extremely reasonable price.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for a relaxing break
We loved Dotira it met all our needs for a relaxing holiday. We particularly liked the fact there were so many places to sit and chill out including the lovely cool courtyard and the upstairs balcony for evening card games. We spent most the days in the beautiful pool area and cooling off in the pool.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alison Reeby

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful villa with fantastic pool terrace
A lovely villa in a small village with a nice taverna just round the corner. Very well equipped kitchen if you want to eat in. Short drive to long beach but worth going a bit further to other smaller ones, spillies was our favourite. We had a wonderful week in this absolutely charming villa. Maria is lovely and couldn’t have been more helpful. Only drawback is that pool is smaller than it looks in the photo but still great for cooling off. The pool terrace area is really lovely. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anne R., Ireland

Liked: Cleanliness
Dotira Villa
We had a wonderful holiday at the villa. It is a beautiful house & pool exactly as described. You are in a peaceful area but very near beaches, Pigi Adele & Rethymno. A very central location. Maria is a lovely owner & had a very thoughtful welcome of food & raki. We would highly recommend this villa for a perfect holiday in Crete
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Roger S., New York, New York

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful relaxing villa
The house is amazing. Perfect for a relaxing break. Maria and her husband were very responsive and helpful. Delightful time and would love to come back again.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica P.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little piece of paradise
We have just returned from a wonderful week at Dotira house, and what a fantastic time we had! From the amazing communication from the moment we booked, to the stunning villa everything was perfection. The villa itself is stunning, with high end traditional finishing and attention to detail. It was perfectly equipped with everything we needed for our stay, we particularly loved our experience of cooking on the outdoor oven which made for a very memorable night. The view from the terraces looking out to the sea was priceless, and we loved how it was tucked away from the busier town of Rethymno (though being close enough to drive 10 mins for shopping/beaches etc) Synka was our favourite supermarket with everything you need. The local Taverna Kastro is a few steps away and was a treat. We loved it, and the maitre’d Helen was delightful and so welcoming to us. We couldn’t get over how cheap it was to eat out! We will definitely be back to our little piece of heaven. Thanks Maria & Nikos for your help and hospitality xx
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow
What an amazing holiday. The Vila, location and people were just so helpful and friendly. We couldn't ask for more. You will not be disappointed if you choose Dorita as your holiday Vila.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Heidi K., London, UK

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful, welcoming and restorative!
Staying at Dotira House was absolute bliss! The house is exactly as pictured, clean, peaceful and in a beautiful quiet town. It was very comfortable and spacious enough to have six adults in separate spaces. The kitchen is fully functional, there are numerous places to eat. We loved having breakfast in the inner courtyard, and dinner on the back patio. The pool kept us cool on hot days, and the lounge chairs are extremely comfortable. The beaches of Crete are extraordinary, and the nearby old town of Rethymno is lovely. The community of Mesi, where the house is located, is exceptionally warm and welcoming. We were invited to a lovely village dinner. It was a very special evening. The local Taverna is a friendly place to drop in with stellar views and don’t miss the bakers who zip through the village every morning in their trucks with fresh baked goods! Maria is an extraordinary human being. She welcomed us with open arms, provided us with beautiful food upon our arrival and treated us to a lovely traditional Cretan meal baked in Dotira’s wood oven. She was also there to answer any questions, as was her excellent management company. You will definitely enjoy Dotira House if you visit, we plan to return!! With gratitude Heidi, Erica, Rhiannon, Scott, Di, and Fiona.