Thalassa Boutique Hotel

A spectacular seafront setting just over a mile from Rethymnon's town centre, striking interiors and a popular seafood restaurant set right on the water's edge are the key attributes that make a stay at this small boutique hotel so special. Thalassa stands on a rocky terrace on the western edge of the town, next to the small sandy beach of Koumbes. This setting was much appreciated by the area's Turkish governor, for whom this handsome stone mansion was originally built in 1862, and who is said to have enjoyed daily swims from here during the summer months. Abandoned from the 1920s until the second world war, the building was then turned into a sardine cannery by local fishermen, and later into a wool factory, before being converted into a simple seaside hotel in the early 1990s.

Following an ambitious top-to-bottom renovation in 2017, it has now been restored to a status worthy of its privileged setting and turned into an intimate and rather stylish bolthole, perfect for couples seeking character accommodation on the beach yet within easy walking distance of one of the island's most interesting and atmospheric towns. Whilst the building's traditional features and elegant proportions have been maintained, the interiors are wonderfully light and airy, and well-chosen artworks and designer furnishings lend the rooms a generous dose of contemporary style and quirky charm.

In spite of the hotel's position right next to the beach, the owners also decided to add a small but enticing swimming pool, which can be heated in early and late season, set in a walled courtyard garden at the back of the hotel. There is also a small spa area with a hot tub, steam room and treatment room where a range of beauty and massage treatments can be booked (additional charges apply).

In order to make use of the building's wonderfully tall rooms, the vast majority of the dozen suites (with the exception of the Superior Sea View Suite) are split-level, with the sleeping area on an open gallery and a sitting area below. All have double-beds with comfortable Coco-Mat mattresses and quality bed linen, and some have a free-standing bathtub placed in the sleeping area (a walk-in shower and WC are in a separate en-suite bathroom). Other facilities include air-conditioning, small fridges, tea/coffee-making facilities, safety-deposit boxes, hairdryers, satellite TV and free WiFi. Sea View Suites have balconies with glass walls to make the most of the views (which can be partially obstructed by the restaurant terrace); Pool View Suites face south across the pool towards the road that runs past the rear of the hotel.

For guests who have hired a car, the hotel has a small car park across the road, whilst for those who prefer to explore using public transport, the nearest bus stops are around 400 metres in either direction, and the town's main bus station is just over 1 km away.

When it comes to dinner options, guests are spoilt for choice, for not only is there an excellent selection of traditional tavernas and restaurants for all tastes in Rethymnon's old town and along the harbour, but there are also several appealing seafront eateries within a couple of minutes' walk of the hotel. For lovers of fresh fish and seafood, one of the most tempting options will be the hotel's own restaurant, "7 Thalasses" (Seven Seas), which attracts a loyal following amidst the local population, no only for its creative cuisine but also for its setting, with wonderful views across the bay to the old fortezza. Of course, hotel guests can also enjoy the same outlook in the mornings, whilst tucking into the delicious range of sweet and savoury options offered for breakfast.