A boutique hotel in a Venetian mansion

AVLI Lounge is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of Crete, 80 kilometers away from Heraklion. Situated in the historical part of Réthymnon, an old Cretan city, its 7 spacious and enchanting suites are housed in two 15th century Cretan mansions with Venetian architectural influences.
AVLI is open all year round for an escape that mixes seaside pleasures and cultural. The boutique hotel is part of a world of its own, featuring an organic store, a renowned Cretan restaurant and an impressive enoteca.
AVLI radiates freshness and a laidback intimacy, perfect for couples who like to appreciate both their suite and surroundings.

Seven unique suites with Jacuzzis

Each suite in AVLI's Venetian mansions has a unique and stylish interior design. Colors and styles depict the local architectural tradition enhanced with modern comfort.
Stone walls, wooden ceilings and comfortable sofas are all warm elements that intensify the sophistication of the disposed antiques. The suites have an original, extravagant detail: a Jacuzzi located in the bedroom or in the bathroom. Water is a richness in Crete and the Jacuzzi is great for enjoying energizing baths.

The Suites are classified in 3 categories:

• The Champagne Junior suite has a 17th century wooden bench and a hand painted trunk. The Jacuzzi is within the white marble bathroom.

• The wide Exclusive Blue Suite has a balcony and a collection of crystal vases.

• The Brown Penthouse Suite, 37m2, is ideal for honeymooners. Its Jacuzzi is in the bedroom, right next to the bed. You may have a rest in the flowery pergola or have a "tete-à-tete" dinner in the livingroom with a view of Rethymnon, the Venetian fortress, and the mountains.

Tempting Experience : a unique enoteca

More than 460 wines, from Greek producers, quietly lay in AVLI's cave, one of the biggest in Greece. Cretan lords used to stock their grapes 500 years ago in this same cave.
The cave's interior design is magnificent and eclectic in style: wooden walls, Venetian arches, contemporary metal candelabras, a fountain... Candles and a soft lamp top it off for a very cozy dinner. You may enjoy a wine tasting for 2, 25 or 100 people in the AVLI's cave.

Services and activities

Crete is best known for its typical villages, its beaches and its cuisine. This makes AVLI ideal for a total Cretan immersion. Counting on its charming 15th century architecture, its cooking classes, its wine tastings, its engagement to organic and locally-sourced products. AVLI's philosophy is to immerse you into authentic Crete in the heart of a charming Cretan city and only a ten minute walk away from the sea!

Situated in an adjacent street, the AVLI gourmet restaurant serves creative Cretan cuisine, certified by CONCRED (the Greek Academy of Taste). Chefs Nicos Patsioras and Aristea Daphnomili also like to welcome you in their kitchen for a private cooking class. Make sure to enjoy your cooking creations after the class! The restaurant is situated in a private 15th century house with a patio and planted with trees. A meal here is a rare and special moment.

Breakfast is 100% Cretan and delicious of course!

A few steps away from the hotel is the AVLI Raw Materials, an organic store offering local products made by the local women associations and supported by AVLI. At the store you will find jams, wine, canned food, olive oil, sweets, cosmetics...and a few presents for friends back home.

The AVLI can organize excursions on demand. You can also, more originally, ask for a visit to the organic farm or the vinyard.

Relax in the Jacuzzi on the roof-terrace overhanging the city,  a promise of absolute bliss. A stunning place, charming and quiet!

Réthymnon: a charming Cretan city with interlaced alleys

It is so easy to get lost in Réthymnon, but also so nice! Alleys unpredictably criss-cross each others, so much so that you will enjoy wandering along the ancient walls and the city's shops. The city centre is at the top of the peninsula where a soft breeze of fresh air blows. Everything blends to perfection for you to appreciate this antique city, undoubtedly the best preserved of Crete.

Awards and Press comments

• AVLI is a member of Historic Hotels of Europe & Yades Heritage & Hospitality

• AVLI is recommended by the The Michelin guide and the Conde Nast Traveller
• One of the 36 best Greek restaurants - Le Monde

• AVLI restaurant is certified by the Greek Academy of taste (CONCRED) for its engagement in preserving Cretan cuisine

Guest comments

AVLI suites are really wide but what strikes me is AVLI's world: warming ambiance, delicious Cretan food on the patio, organic Cretan products in the boutique...and all this from one Venetian house to another passing through charming Rethymnon alleys.
Jean-Marie Pebrel - Toulouse