On the slopes of a hill with a view over the Mediterranean, in the middle of an olive grove and next to the oldest olive-tree in the world, there is a two hundred year old historical building, which they have converted into the traditional hotel "Elia".
You can search and search for a word or phrase to describe Elia - but you won't find it. You'll have to go there to discover its innate powers of natural serenity. You may want to ponder on your description as you silently sway in one of the hammocks which hang beneath the huge oak trees in the grounds, fed by the underground streams which make the whole of Elia particularly verdant
Traditional wholesome food is served, using only local produce, and the entire operation is run by the gently people of Elia, who meets quests and explains how to benefit to the full from your stay at this unique heaven
A walk around Elia is itself an experience. Wander around the ruins of a Venetian house, sit on the stone benches with their panoramic views or simply wandering through the olive groves and orchards which encircle the main building.
A short walk from Elia is also the oldest living olive tree in the world, some 2,500 years old. The guests of Elia are advised on a series of walks which can be taken from there, some guided, which can lead to waterfalls, hilltop Byzantine churches- or simply to enjoy rural Crete at its finest. Near to "Elia", are the beaches of Kolimbari, Falasarna and Balos or a drive through the mountains will take you to the south-coast, famed for its beaches and where you can also take a whale and dolphin-spotting cruise.
History
The memory of an exquisitely-restored farmhouse with its nine enchanting suites This place has offered a peaceful refuge to the members of the Cretan resistance during the stormy history of Crete since 1860.
From Chania to Kisamos - take the New National Road (or continuing from Rethymno, continue past all Chania exits) for about 18 km until the exit for Paleochora and Tavronitis. Follow signs for Paleochora. After about 4 km you will reach Neratzia (a tiny village) .Look for the sign to turn Right to Gavalomouri - Turn right, drive through Gavalomouri and after 1 km turn left towards Ano Vouves. After 150-200 meters on your right is the small driveway to ELIA. There is parking. The distance from the city of Chania is 25 km and from the airport is 40 km.
In a natural environment, rich in beautiful sounds and colors, the traditional Hotel Elia enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The surroundings are full of olive and fruit-bearing trees, green gardens and many paths ideal for walking in the tranquility and calmness that nature offers unsparingly. If this is not enough for you to relax, the therapists can fortify your mental and physical balance with specialized programs. The Turkish bath, the sauna, the Jacuzzi, the sea therapy and the baths with beneficial essential-oils as well as the healing qualities of the seaweed and the mud stimulate your senses and in combination with stimulating drinks, aromatherapy and different types of massage offer total relaxation and beauty. The face and body therapies, the peelings and the vegetable masks aim to beauty and anti-ageing, offer detoxification to the skin and confront with photo-ageing. The shiatsu, Sotai, Yoga, Reiki and the other energy therapies achieve the body and mind balancing, confront with stress as well as with various problems like pains to the muscles.
SPA
Relaxation - Rejuvenation - Health The relative programs may consist of combinations of the following amenities and are planned by special collaborators according to each persons needs:
- Therapeutic massage
- Total aromatherapy massage with essential oils
- Total aromatherapy massage combined with stretching or shiatsu
- Shiatsu
- Sotai
- Head and limps massage
- On site massage
- Anti-wrinkle face massage
- Total massage with mud
- Rejuvance
- Techniques for breathing exercises
- Reiki
- Yoga in combination with stretching or ma-co-ho exercises
- Inhalation of essential oils
- Turkish bath - Sauna
- Sea-therapy
- Enzyme mud - therapy in the Turkish bath
- Body mask with argil
- Body mask with seaweed
- Body mask with mud
- Deep face cleansing-dermoanalysis-cell hydration
- Face oxygen therapy
- Face peeling
- Body peeling
- Tonic body lotion
- Hydrative face mask
- Hydrative body mask with essential oils
- Bath or Jakuzzi with one or more from the following: Dead sea salts - essential oils - seaweed aloe juice - minerals- herbs - milk, honey, avocado oil - mud - crystal tincture - infusion from olive leaves - ylang ylang - nutmeg - ivy oil and jojoba.
Individualized programs are formed after an interview.
The sheer natural beauty of the environment of the traditional Hotel Elia enables you to relax, unwind and rejuvenate. The lush gardens are rich in tropical plants, vibrant bouganvilleas, plum, lemon and fig trees; sweet smelling jasmine and all surrounded by a sea of olive trees; the source of all oil used at the hotel. Hidden throughout the gardens are little seating areas, footpaths ideal for walking, and little nooks where you can enjoy the tranquillity and calmness, with just the sound of the cicades to disturb the incredible peace and quiet. If this is not enough for you to forget the modern world, our therapists can fortify your mental and physical balance with specialized programs and relaxing massages.
Start the day with the lush buffet breakfast rich with home made pies and cakes, variety of healty breads and paximadia, delicious biscuits and cereals, fresh fruits (many from the gardens) and all washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice. Guest are free to take their breakfast anywhere they wish in the gorgeous grounds, and for those who like their sleep, we will serve you when you wake up - whatever the time!
The Turkish bath, the sauna, the Jacuzzi, the sea therapy and the baths with beneficial essential-oils as well as the healing qualities of the seaweed and the mud stimulate your senses and in combination with stimulating drinks, aromatherapy and different types of massage offer total relaxation and beauty.
After your relaxing massage, swim in the pool (ready for spring 2011) or walk around the grounds, you can dine in the traditional little restaurant, or on the raised terrace looking out to the bay of Kolimbari. The local Chef is renowned for his hearty dishes - many secrets recipies of his grandmother - and he uses only the finest ingredients available to us - everything cooked fresh every day.
The nine rooms, suites and maisonettes are beautifully furnished using traditional wood, four-poster beds or iron beds draped with soft, light fabrics, and various antiques. All rooms have modern comforts such as en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, TV and mini bar; and the independent Villa Elanthi with its wonderful sea views is perfect for large families or groups of friends with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and self catering facilities.
