Monastery Estate Guesthouse

This is a stylish guesthouse set in the quiet hills 10 minutes drive from Souja in southern Crete. It’s a quiet area with lots of great hikes that are well signed. The complimentary sauna at the guesthouse is a great way to wind down at the end of the day and views from the accommodations are gorgeous . Staff at the guesthouse are very friendly and really can’t do enough to ensure you enjoy your stay there. Georgia and Hara on reception were very knowledgeable about the local area and a delight to chat to. I hope we will see them again next year.

One of most authentic and unique places I've ever seen! The real life is even better than the pictures and the staff and atmosphere are just amazing. So much thought and detail went into converting this place, it's absolutely worth staying there!

We are always looking at trying hotels that are a special and offer that something extra. The luxury lies not necessarily in the amount of stars but in the details, the quality that runs through everything - the interior, the style, the craftsmanship of the furniture, the amenities, the food and overall atmosphere. such a luxurious place is Monastery Estate. The concept is clear - a mountain retreat where you come for deep relaxation, enjoy the serenity of the mountains but still close to the beach, which in itself is laidback with almost transcendental atmosphere. Everything is kept in natural earth colours - beige, brown, grey and black. All furniture is made of good quality wood ( olive wood?) and beautifully crafted. The rooms are minimalistic yet luxurious with a little private pool / patio overlooking the mountains. The bed is dreamy ( medium / soft), the coffee is nespresso and even the small cups are true to the concept - heavy earthtoned ceramic. The retreat offers use of a private sauna, there is an outdoor restaurant serving homemade and locally produced food. The hospitality of the staff is nothing short of the overall quality and is very personal. Thank you Georgia and Georgia. Monastery Estate is a true gem for travellers who seek something away from the main tourist areas, who appreciate tranquility and minimalistic luxury in a beautiful setting.

Monastery estate retreat is such a treat! A hidden gem in the mountains, near marvellous gorges and just 4km from the village of Sougia. The hotel is surrounded by nature in a traditional corner of Crete. The team is incredibly nice, helpful, professional. The rooms are beautiful and confortable and breakfasts are delicious. The team gives fabulous tips. We spent a wonderful time at Monastery Estate.

A wonderful place to spend a relaxing vacation in an idyllic setting in the middle of the Kretan countryside. This stay was accompanied by lovely staff and especially Georgia, who made this vacation just perfect. All the staff were very caring and very friendly. The breakfast brought to the room every morning was perfectly prepared. The hotel is a real haven of peace among the olive trees. A real back to the source feeling. It is true that the road to get there is long and winding but it is just worth the detour. The village of Sougia which is 4km away is simple but so easy and authentic with friendly people. In the area, there are many beautiful hikes in several gorges.

We originally booked to stay in a mix of the Monastery Guesthouse and also the Retreat sections of the estate as we wanted to experience both for possible future bookings. However our flights were cancelled on 2 occasions due to the pandemic. We decided to maintain all elements of our holiday rather than claim from our insurance as we wanted to assist the local economy and also experience our chosen destinations. We rebooked the Monastery immediately after our 2001 flights were cancelled with the voucher they agreed to provide. We were very surprised when without any prior notice that they increased our price by 51% from 2001 to 2002 when they e-mailed the booking details. We had expected an increase in line with inflation as the other elements informed us would be the case. However after several contacts in which I discussed our disappointment at not being informed of this huge increase when I could still have cancelled and claimed from my insurance. Indeed I was informed that we had benefitted from a discount which I explained that if this was so the increase would have totalled 57% from 2021 to 2022. I was informed that my only options if I did not agree were to change the dates of my booking to a cheaper date. After much disappointment and as this was the only element of the complicated plans that had increased over a reasonable amount we downgraded to spending all our holiday in the Guesthouse hence my review is of the Guesthouse only. This is as follows - Staff absolutely amazing, always helpful and friendly. Location also amazing peaceful and beautiful scenery. Apartments lacked dining/cooking equipment. We did not cook so although it was disappointing it did not affect us personally. Staff stated that we could request anything we needed and we did access salt, pepper etc. but these basics are usually available without the need to request. Bathroom facilities - the shower area was tiny and the temperature very unpredictable (need to be very careful) hence it was a am/pm dread of ours. The accommodation would benefit from an update in general maintenance. I actually adore ‘rustic style’ but this was a lack of general care. We moved to the next accommodation on our travels yesterday and found far better facilities for a less expensive cost. It is unfortunate that I felt compelled to write this somewhat negative review but if it had not been for the amazing staff I would have scored lower due to the above and the lack of trust in the pricing information.

If you’re visiting this beautiful boutique hotel then prepare yourself to be truly stunned by location and hospitality. Aside from the obvious incredible architecture, exceptional food and idyllic surroundings, Monastery offers some of the very best customer service We’ve ever experienced. From Evie’s early morning (welcome following a late night drive through the mountains), offering a warm smile and Cold beer to welcome us to Crete. To the wonderful way in which Meg greeted us every breakfast and dinner, spoke passionately about the menu, and always took the time to chat with us about our our day and plans ahead! Filippa was exceptional on reception, helping us arrange the most Incredible day out exploring the breathtaking Cretan shores and beaches by boat. All of these being led by Georgias incredible management, warm and engaging; helping me and my partner not only make the most out of Sougia, but even plan the rest of our trip. It was a real treat to find this place, and a real honour to get to know the wonderful staff that they employ! Can’t wait to go back next year!