Apartment Meraki Studios

The Meraki Studios rise out of the Mediterranean landscape in Southern Crete like an abstract rock. The Greek word Meraki stands for passion, care and dedication. The holiday flats are just a short walk from the small village of Kissos, surrounded by rocky hills, terraced fields and ancient olive groves. With the mountains behind them and an open view of the wide valley.

Danish architect and designer Sigurd Larsen has planned a terraced building made of concrete, natural stone, wood and steel that blends into the rugged landscape. The architectural concept is based on a three-dimensional, grid-like concrete skeleton that is orientated towards the sloping topography and materiality of the surrounding rocks. Filled with open square spaces and living areas made of local stone, which regulates the temperature on hot days. Covered with green roofs and adorned with naturally climbing lichens and mosses.

Each of the six differently sized flats (for four people) and studios (for two people) is an airy ‘cave’ facing the valley, which enters into a dialogue with the unspoilt natural surroundings through panoramic windows. Like life in the central Cretan mountains, the accommodation is kept simple and yet offers everything you could wish for in terms of comfort and functionality: from a double bed in the studios or two double bedrooms in the flats to a small kitchen with a seating and dining area and a spacious bathroom. Always in a combination of rough concrete and light-coloured wood, which gives the rooms a calm and pleasant atmosphere. The furniture was designed by Sigurd Larsen himself and made in the region – mostly from local cedar wood. Each flat has a small terrace, whose pergola not only protects from the sun but also provides a subtle play of light.

Outside, visitors are greeted by a paradise of wild meadows, gnarled olive, oak, fig and walnut trees as well as their own fruit and vegetable garden. If you follow the existing stone walls, you will find various terraces with further sheltered corners, fantastic viewpoints and a hidden pool integrated into the stone walls. If you want to explore the area, you can set off directly from the door, hop on a bike or drive half an hour to the sea.

Photos: Tobias König and Michael Romstöck

What to do

Hiking (e.g. in the Psiloritis National Park or the Kourtaliotiko Gorge), swimming in the pool or in the sea (e.g. at the beaches of Ligres and Triopetra approx. 25 minutes away by car), diving, horse riding, cycling, visiting traditional Greek tavernas, excursions to Kissos (there are three churches here, some with old frescoes), Spili (with its famous fountain), Rethymnos (with its vibrant gastronomy and culture) and to one of the many other towns on the island

Why we like this house

Exciting architecture in an archaic landscape, rough materials, warm atmosphere, simple luxury

This house is great for

Couples, families, friends, nature and architecture lovers and those seeking peace and quiet, also suitable for groups of up to 16 people

Sustainability

Public transport: Bus stop 500 metres away but a car is recommended

Details

Availability calendar

The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.

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