Checking in to Villa Hislop in Crete feels utterly surreal. Its wide staircase spills down into the open-plan kitchen and as I watch our private chefs busy at work, I can’t quite believe I’m here. In the living space, empty sofas stretch long and overlook the view (which, by the way, is knockout). Downstairs, there’s a gym, a sauna and not one but two jacuzzis, as well as a hidden cinema room. This is not just a place to stay but an adults’ wonderland on the biggest and most popular Greek island.
There are 10 en-suite bedrooms in total, most of which have sea views, balconies or doors that open onto the terrace, but it’s the shared spaces that make this Oliver’s Travels home so special. They’re big – big enough to host a wedding as well as a family holiday – and decorated in warm neutral colours that contradict so many glossy, all-white modern properties. On the coffee table in the main room sits a marble chess board, dominoes and an assortment of globes that remind me how much of the world there is to see. For now, however, I’m staying put. The combination of natural light, tranquil surroundings and considered decorative touches result in a place that’s both comfortable and inviting. Already, I don’t want to leave, and I find myself booking a yoga class via the concierge service that’s included in my stay.
