Arosmari Village Hotel is a unique property offering just ten cottages a 10 minute stroll to Vamos village with a small cluster of tavernas and shops – an ideal location to simply relax and enjoy “the real Greece.”
Arosmari Village Hotel is a haven; a cluster of stone and cypress wood cottages with a beautiful garden at its heart, set in the timeless village of Vamos. Here, among roses, jasmine and lavender are many secret corners to read, meditate or sleep the afternoon away. Touches of the rural past: a shepherd’s hut, a threshing circle and even a small chapel are spread among the olive trees and lawn. A leisurely day begins with breakfast served in the gardens, using local produce and later, light lunches can be served by the pool.
There is a delightful reading room with an honesty bar with open views over the pool and garden plus a cosy sitting room with old photographs and memorabilia. An extra dimension is a small spa for guests including a Turkish hamam and treatment room for a combination of traditional massages and therapies with scented oils.
Arosmari is a small country hotel for adults and couples only. Our Simpson concierge service will advise on local walks, driving routes and cultural activities including cookery and wine-tasting. In addition, host and pianist Nikos arranges classic Greek music evenings throughout the summer in the small amphitheatre in the gardens of Arosmari, complete with local wines and a delicious traditional supper.
The village of Vamos is set against the spectacular backdrop of the White Mountains. Shepherds still herd their sheep along the flag-stoned lanes and russet-haired goats amble between the olives. Vamos is a small slice of old Crete infused with the values of traditional hospitality. The village is famous for its local crafts and organic produce: including thyme honey, pickles, jams, cheeses and olive oil soap. It also has a local bakery, a 19th-century kafenion and traditional tavernas where mouth-watering Cretan specialities, such as chicken in red wine, cuttlefish and fennel, artichokes or chickpea purée are cooked in stone ovens and served with some of the island’s best wine.
n low season, log fires create a wonderful evening atmosphere and in summer, large plane trees provide welcome shade. For those who want to explore authentic Cretan food a little further, local cookery courses are available. The village is also the starting point for walking tours of the surrounding countryside and historic Chania town is just a 30-minute drive.
Arosmari Village Hotel is a lovely peaceful place to stay. The staff are very friendly, and the buffet breakfast is superb. Situated in the lovely old village of Vamos with views of the White Mountains, it is an idyllic spot to rest and enjoy Crete.
A very special place, excellent accommodation in a village setting. The gardens are lovely and well cared for. The pool and the surrounding area always spotless. Joanna was a very effective manager. Friendly and knowledgeable and always approachable. Breakfast, a buffet service, was amazing with incredible staff and choice and variety of excellent quality food. I think the leadership by Joanna was relevant in all aspects of the ‘hotel’ and Nikos the owner and developer of the site, also on hand. The highlight evening concert was unexpected and magical evening of Greek music and food. The local tavernas within a very short walk were good, friendly and with an excellent quality of food.
A wonderfully relaxing holiday in beautiful surroundings.