The footprints of the retreats are tailored to frame the most picturesque views of their surroundings. With an open spaceplan that captures the breezes and sunlight, the rooms of each villa wrap around a private pool overlooking the sparkling cerulean waters of the Mediterranean Sea as well as the medieval fortress on Spinalonga isle that was established by the locale’s ancient Venetian and Turkish conquerors. The residences, set apart in the foothills of the Blue Palace hotel, overlook the main property yet remain an intimate haven.

The design is a tasteful reflection of the island’s natural beauty and cultural influences, a story told through sensual textures and muted colours. Sculpture becomes an inherent element of the bedroom’s architecture through the focal wall inlaid with a wave-patterned mosaic of blue pebbles. Natural rattan furniture, immaculate ivory linen textiles and warm timber tones blend harmoniously with the palette of Crete’s landscape allowing the setting’s true spotlight, the scenic panorama, to shine.

The bathrooms provide the quintessential relaxation experience. A deep tub invites guests to unwind while soaking up the zen view of the glittering shoreline, or alternatively, linger in the tub while enjoying a film on the inset wall television. The oversized walk-in shower accommodates two people and features a hand-cut blue glass accent mosaic. An extended vanity counter and twin basins of striking Carrara marble contribute the sense of pure indulgence and escape.

The Mansion is the exclusive reception area and lounge for the villas’ residents to relax in privacy. Intimate groups may gather over cocktails on the seaside veranda, while in the mezzanine of the double-height library, a guest can become lost in a book or connect via wifi with the outside world. The mix of materials and hues is inspired by Crete’s regional resources; a bespoke fretwork design in the metal screens is inspired by traditional Mediterranean patterns, iron chandeliers incorporate the glass jewel tones favoured in local handicrafts, overhead rafters are milled from local timber, and floors are clad in tiles formed from local sandstone.

The Mansion’s restaurant, Asia Blue, offers a relaxed fine dining ambiance. The eye is drawn to the feature wall’s saturated azure offset by the cool white sculptures of a school of fish and the solid timber dining table hewn from ancient trees by regional craftsmen.

An iconic emblem in The Mansion design is the Phaistos disk, an antiquity dating from 1700 B.C. Discovered in southern Crete in 1908, the round clay tablet is stamped in a spiral pattern with pictograms that have yet to be deciphered. MKV Design’s integration of this utterly unique and regional symbol into the interior design is a perfect reflection of the unparalleled luxury and heritage offered at the Blue Palace Resort and Spa.