Cristelia seafront & pool villa

Hotel Description

You know what really struck me about Cristelia when I first pulled up? It’s actually tucked away on this quiet stretch of the Lardos-Kattavia road in Lachania – and I mean properly tucked away, not just some marketing speak about being “secluded.” The villa sits right on the seafront, which honestly caught me off guard because most places claim waterfront access but you end up walking through three other properties to reach a rocky outcrop.

But here’s the thing – Cristelia delivers on that promise. The pool area flows naturally toward the coastline, and you can literally hear the waves while you’re floating around. I spent most of my mornings there with coffee, watching the light change on the water. The villa itself feels more like staying at a friend’s really nice place than a hotel, which makes sense given it’s designed as a pool villa rather than your typical tourist accommodation. The rooms have that lived-in comfort without being shabby – good linens, proper water pressure (always a gamble in Greece, let’s be honest), and windows that actually open wide enough to let the sea breeze through.

What I really appreciated was how the staff seemed to genuinely know the area. When I asked about dinner spots, they didn’t just rattle off the usual tourist traps – they pointed me toward this little taverna about ten minutes up the coastal road where the fish is actually caught that morning. Lachania itself is one of those villages that hasn’t been completely overtaken by tourism yet, though you can see it’s heading that way. The medieval architecture is still intact, and if you walk up from the villa toward the village center, you’ll find yourself on these narrow stone paths that have been there for centuries.

Parking was a non-issue, which – trust me – is worth mentioning when you’re staying anywhere along the Rhodes coast. The villa has its own space, and you’re not circling around looking for a spot or paying extra fees. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too, none of that waiting around while they “prepare your room” even though you’ve arrived exactly when they said to arrive.

I will say, if you’re looking for that bustling resort atmosphere with activities coordinators and poolside service, this isn’t your place. Cristelia is more about having your own space to unwind, with the option to explore Lachania and the surrounding coastline when you feel like it. The four-star rating feels accurate – it’s comfortable and well-maintained without being flashy. During my stay in late September, the place was quiet enough that I often had the pool to myself in the evenings, though I imagine July and August would be different.

The real selling point, honestly, is waking up to that unobstructed sea view and knowing you can step outside to either the pool or the water whenever you want. It’s the kind of place where you actually slow down instead of rushing around trying to see everything. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a Greek island getaway.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $392. Three-Bedroom Villa with 2 × 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 7

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities