Esse Villa, a Linear Sea-View Wellness Retreat | Villa in Maroulas

*The Private Luxury Retreat forms part of ThinkVilla’s elite collection of bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional residences, attentive 24/7 service, tailored experiences, and authentic cultural charm come together to inspire every moment. The villa has been honoured with the ThinkVilla Seal of Approval, a 300-point criteria rating, recognising its distinctive design, innovation, individual quality, and inspiring offerings, available exclusively with ThinkVilla.
Introducing Esse Villa
Esse, meaning “to be” in Latin and closely connected to the Ancient Greek ousía, meaning essence or true nature, reflects the villa’s philosophy of conscious living. Here, clean-lined architecture, natural light, and serene proportions come together to create a retreat shaped around balance, wellbeing, and quiet sophistication. Poised to embrace sea views and the gentle rhythm of island life, Esse Villa is conceived for guests who appreciate both privacy and connection. Its minimalist character, curated leisure spaces, and restorative atmosphere create an elegant setting for unhurried Cretan days, meaningful gatherings, and moments of pure ease.
External Living : The exterior spaces unfold as a private sea-view sanctuary, where conscious architecture meets the natural beauty of the Cretan landscape. Across approximately 4000 m² of outdoor grounds, including a 260 m² green nature area, sunlit terraces, generous lounge corners, and open-air gathering spaces invite effortless island living. Days flow from swims in the 100 m² design-led pool to tranquil moments in the 6-seater spa whirlpool connected to the pool. A spacious BBQ area with outdoor kitchenette sets the scene for refined al fresco dining beneath the evening sky. Younger guests are thoughtfully considered with a children’s pool and a fully fenced open-air, featuring a swing, playhouse, and slide. Beside it, a mini basketball/tennis court invites active moments and friendly games. Fully standalone and private, the villa is ideal for secluded group stays and intimate events. Complimentary parking is available within the grounds for up to 7 cars, with an EV charger provided.
Pool Area
- 100 m² private infinity swimming pool, with a graceful depth range from 0.20 m to 1.40 m
- 5 m² integrated children’s pool compartment, set within the main pool, with a depth of 0.55 m
- In-pool six-seater whirlpool with hydromassage features, designed for moments of pure relaxation
- 13 premium sun loungers, 1 gazebo, 2 pouf lounges, a swim-up built-in lounge bed, and premium umbrellas, thoughtfully arranged for refined poolside leisure
- Fire Pit (gas) with a dedicated lounge area, creating an atmospheric setting for evening gatherings
- Multiple sofa lounge areas positioned around the pool, offering elegant corners for connection and repose
- Signature outdoor shower for added comfort and ease after sunlit swims
- Dedicated outdoor yoga platform, inviting mindful movement in the open air
- Expansive 1,300 m² pool area, ideal for sun-filled relaxation, serene lounging, and elevated outdoor living
Outdoor Dining & Social Living
- Shaded terraces and open-air lounge areas overlooking the pool and sea, composed for effortless outdoor living
- Elegant al fresco dining areas designed for relaxed entertaining and shared meals of up to 14 guests
- Fully equipped outdoor kitchen area with gas BBQ, sink, oven, and fridge, ideal for graceful summer dining
- Maximum Event Capacity: 40 guests
- Events are permitted only with prior notice, and additional fees may apply
- A nearby church adds a beautiful sense of occasion, making the villa especially well suited for intimate weddings and refined celebrations
Children’s Outdoor Games & Sports Play Area
- A dedicated 260 m² children’s outdoor play area is set within the villa grounds, offering a safe and inviting setting for carefree outdoor fun.
- The open-air play space features a Swing, Playhouse, Slide, and Climbing elements, creating joyful moments beneath the Cretan sky.
Outdoor Fitness & Wellness Area
- A stand-alone Yoga Platform overlooking the sea offers a serene setting for meditation, stretching, and quiet relaxation.
- The Basketball / Tennis court invites active play and relaxed sports time with loved ones.
- A TeqBall Table is also available for plenty of Fun-Play time with loved ones
Internal Living : Conceived as an elegant private residence, Esse Villa unfolds gracefully across three levels, revealing 450 m² of refined interior space and 6 beautifully appointed bedrooms, alongside an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym, massage room and cinema lounge area. Its conscious architecture is complemented by a serene island sensibility, where expansive glass walls invite natural light in and frame beautiful sea views from within. The villa’s thoughtful layout balances privacy and connection, with generous spaces designed for relaxed gatherings, quiet moments, and effortless shared living.
Accommodation Capacity
- 6 bedrooms in total
- 12 guests accommodated in real beds
- 3 Extra Single Beds are located in three of the bedrooms
- Maximum capacity: 15 guests
Ground Floor Living Space
- Open-plan living room with a 75’’ Smart TV and Bluetooth dock, designed for relaxed gatherings and effortless entertainment
- Fully equipped kitchen and elegant indoor dining area, creating a seamless setting for shared meals and everyday comfort
- Direct access to the pool area, allowing indoor and outdoor living to flow beautifully together
Ground Floor | Three Bedrooms
- Double Bedroom with King-Size bed (1.80 x 2.00 m), an additional Single Bed (0.90x2.00), 40’’ Smart TV, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, fan and access to the pool
- 2 Twin Bedrooms featuring each : two single beds (0.90 x 2.00 m), 49’’ Smart TV, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, fan and access to the pool (a baby cot can fit in those rooms)
First Floor | Three Bedrooms & Kitchenette
- Double Bedroom featuring king-size bed (1.80 x 2.00 m), 40’’ Smart TV, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, and access to a sea-view balcony
- Double Bedroom with king-size bed (1.80 x 2.00 m), an additional Single Bed (0.90x2.00), 40’’ Smart TV, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, and access to a sea-view balcony
- Double Bedroom with queen-size bed (1.70 x 2.00 m), an additional Single Bed (0.90x2.00), 40’’ Smart TV, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower, and access to a sea-view balcony
- Kitchenette with Nespresso Machine and mini fridge
*Lower Floor Indoor Pool, Wellness & Entertainment Area
Indoor Heated Pool
- A heated 10 m² indoor saltwater pool creates a serene wellness setting, complete with a water cataract and hydromassage features. Reaching temperatures of up to 28°C, it offers a comfortable retreat for year-round relaxation.
- Premium relax loungers and a bespoke lounge sofa area complete the space, inviting guests to unwind in effortless comfort.
Massage Room
- A dedicated massage room, complete with a professional massage bed and sink, further enhances the experience, offering an intimate space for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Wellness & Fitness Area
- A bespoke fitness area is available for guests wishing to maintain their wellness routine during their stay, featuring a treadmill, elliptical machine, multifunctional station machine, free weights, workout bench, and yoga mats.
- A sauna located next to the gym adds a further sense of restoration, creating a complete setting for movement, balance, and relaxation.
- A shared bathroom with walk-in shower is also available for extra comfort.
Cinema Lounge & Billiard Room
- A stylish internal recreation area is dedicated to relaxation, play, and shared downtime, featuring an 100’’ Smart TV, PS5 PlayStation, and a comfortable lounge sofa.
- A Kitchenette with sink, mini-fridge, and Nespresso machine adds extra convenience for leisurely moments indoors.
- A Signature Billiard table sets the tone for relaxed evenings with family and friends.
- A dedicated workspace with desk, chair, two monitors, mouse, and keyboard offers a practical corner for remote work or quiet focus.
Lower Floor | Living Spaces
- Indoor Heated Pool with Sun Loungers
- Massage Room
- Lounge area with Kitchenette and comfortable seating
- Cinema lounge with 100’’ Smart TV, PS5, and Bluetooth dock
- Billiard (Pool table)
- Gym Area with Fitness Equipment
- Sauna
- Shared Bathroom with walk-in shower
- Laundry and storage with iron, washing machine, dryer, cleaning equipment and first aid kit
Your Home Stay Includes
Welcome basket courtesy of the owner • Soft daily housekeeping • Fresh towels and linen change every four days (for stays of 6+ nights) • Pool maintenance twice weekly
Baby Friendly Villa (Available Upon Request)
Baby cot and high chair • Non-breakable children’s dining set • Stair Gates • Baby monitor
Practicalities
Free parking inside the villa garage for up to 7 cars with EV Charger • Ground floor fully equipped kitchen • Two kitchenette (Nespresso & mini-fridge)located in the first and lower floor • Refrigerator with freezer • Electric stove with oven • Nespresso machine and filter coffee machine • Microwave • Multi food processor • Juicer • Kettle • Toaster and sandwich maker • Dishwasher • Washing machine and tumble dryer • Iron and ironing boards • Hair dryers • Safety box • First aid kit • Alarm system • Fire extinguisher • Smoke detector • Emergency exit
Mod Cons & Signature Amenities
High-quality bath and pool towels • Premium mattresses • Premium bathroom amenities & Bathrobes • Starling Wi-Fi coverage throughout the villa • 8 Smart Satellite TVs: 75’’ 4K Smart TV in the living room, 40’’ Smart TVs in all seven bedrooms, and 100’ Smart TV in the cinema area • Bluetooth dock • PlayStation 5 • Outdoor shaded dining, sitting, and lounge areas • Mosquito nets in all areas • Pre-stock grocery service available • Smoking permitted outdoors only • 24/7 ThinkVilla Concierge Service included

Esse Villa, a Linear Sea-View Wellness Retreat is located in Rethymno. Esse Villa, a Linear Sea-View Wellness Retreat provides accommodation, featuring Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Internet, among other amenities. This Villa features Sports/Activities, Bedding/Linens, Internet, to make your stay a comfortable one.

Esse Villa, a Linear Sea-View Wellness Retreat has 6 Bedrooms , 7 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 15 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Villa because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Villa, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Villa has a friendly neighborhood, and the Rethymno has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Villa in Rethymno, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.