Manili Boutique Suites & Villas
Minimalist boho-luxe with a Cretan cave aesthetic. Earthy tones, exposed stone, rounded wood, and a genuinely local village setting — far from the beach-resort Crete most visitors see.
Skip the Double Room — it's the smallest category and reviewers consistently call it cramped. Step up to at least a Signature Junior Suite.
Why It Matters
Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and listed in the Michelin Guide. Architect-designed and locally owned, built within a protected traditional settlement following strict historical and archaeological guidelines. One of the few luxury properties in inland Crete, giving direct access to Archanes village life, Minoan sites, and the island's wine country.
Manili Boutique Suites & Villas sits on a side street in Archanes, a quiet inland Cretan village about 20–25 minutes south of Heraklion. The property is the work of owner Petros, an architect whose family roots are in the area — he rebuilt and reimagined a cluster of traditional stone houses into a small, design-forward hotel while keeping original stone walls and the character of the old Manili neighborhood intact. Think exposed rock, curved wood furniture, textured whitewashed walls, and an earthy palette that feels more 'luxurious cave' than typical Greek-island white. Across the street, the Manili Bistro serves Cretan-inflected Mediterranean food from breakfast through dinner, with two outdoor heated pools (one shared by suites, one reserved for villa guests) rounding out what you need to stay put for a few days.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe Suite
A step up from the Signature Junior Suite with a distinctive rock-inspired, earth-toned design. Includes a master bedroom with queen-size bed, a refined sitting area with a sofa bed, kitchenette, and a modern bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower. Sofa bed allows for a third guest if needed. Sleeps 2 comfortably.
Queen
Double Room
The entry-level option features a clean, earth-inspired design with a queen-size bed, walk-in shower, and fully stocked kitchenette (fridge, stove, kettle, cookware). Includes a 43-inch LG 4K TV, Nespresso machine, minibar, in-room safe, bathrobes, and slippers. Sleeps 2. Reviewers note it is the smallest room type — consider upgrading for more space.
QueenJunior Suite with Hot Tub Access
Rock-inspired suite with a queen-size bed, open closet, sofa, and kitchenette. The key upgrade here is access to a shared rooftop hot tub terrace with mountain views and additional seating — ideal for a couple's retreat. Hot tub heating available on request with 48 hours' notice (temperatures 30–33°C; extra charge may apply). Sleeps 2.
QueenSignature Junior Suite
Individually designed suites inspired by rock-formed and earth-toned architecture, each with a unique character. Includes a queen-size bed, cozy sitting area, fully equipped kitchenette, dedicated workspace (desk and chair), modern bathroom with walk-in shower, and premium amenities. Every suite in this category is different — same tier, distinct feel. Sleeps 2.
QueenSplit-Level Suite with Hot Tub
The most dramatic suite configuration. Lower level has a queen-size bed, kitchenette, and walk-in shower. Upper level offers a second sleeping area with a queen-size bed and a freestanding bathtub. A private terrace hot tub completes the picture. Hot tub heating available on request, 48 hours' notice required (30–33°C). Sleeps up to 4 guests across two levels.
QueenVilla
Three-storey traditional mountain chalet-style villas located across the street from the suites. Each has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a full kitchen, spacious living room with dining area, private jacuzzi, private balcony terrace, direct BBQ area access, and basic gym equipment in the second living room. Full hotel services including room service are available. Villas share a smaller plunge pool. Sleeps up to 5.
Multiple Queen BedsThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Shared BBQ area accessible directly from the villa side of the property. Also available to suite guests.
Two heated outdoor pools. A medium-sized shared pool with aquamarine tiles and lounge chairs serves all suite guests; a separate smaller plunge pool is exclusively for villa guests.
The trail starts near the Anemospilia archaeological site just west of Archanes and ascends to panoramic views of Heraklion, the Cretan Sea, and Mount Ida. Well-marked trail, manageable for most fitness levels.
The Minoan Palace of Knossos is 10 km from Manili. One of Europe's oldest settlements, connected to the myths of the Minotaur, Labyrinth, Daedalus, and Icarus. Front desk can advise on transport and ticketing.
From November onwards, guests can visit a local restored olive oil factory to see traditional olive oil extraction methods. Archanes olive oil is produced from some of the oldest groves on the island.
From late October to early January, guests can watch (or participate in) the traditional distillation of Cretan raki at local facilities in Archanes. The hotel can advise on access.
Archanes is one of Crete's wine regions — the village is surrounded by vineyards producing notable local varietals. Wine tasting tours can be arranged, and from August through September guests can participate in the grape harvest and wine-making process.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary WiFi throughout property and in all rooms, with speeds of 25+ Mbps reported.
All suites include a kitchenette with fridge, stove, kettle, and cookware. Villas have a full kitchen. Nespresso machines in all rooms.
Individually controlled A/C in all room types.
One aquamarine-tiled shared pool for suite guests; one smaller plunge pool exclusive to villa guests. Both heated.
Property holds ISO 9001:2015 certification from TUV Austria, indicating formal quality management standards.
Front desk concierge available for local recommendations, taxi bookings, wine tour arrangements, and area guidance.
Room service available; limited hours. Takeaway from Manili Bistro also available.
Complimentary on-site outdoor parking. A genuine perk given the village location.
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