The singular architecture of the Aspros Potamos Apartments looks like something out of a movie set - perhaps a Hobbit village in one of the Lord of the Rings trilogies?
Actually, that’s not necessarily an inappropriate comparison. Constructed in the natural local stone and reflecting the natural colour of the earth, the Aspros Potamos is clustered on the side of a hillside within the hamlet of the same name.
Views seem to go on for ever. You don’t get Middle Earth but you do get the Pefki gorge and the Lybian Sea. And just like our Hobbit village, the Aspros Potamos emanates tranquillity, spirituality and simplicity.
And simplicity really is the operative word here. The only thing you’ll hear is the sound of silence. There are no cars, lights and the mobile phone network isn't that strong either. So if you want to get away from it all, Crete style, the Apros Potamos is the place for you.
The place itself is made up of 10 accommodations, catering from two up to five persons. They are constructed on different levels to further highlight the sense of privacy and all come with their own courtyard, open fireplace, kitchen and bathroom.
Traditional sleeping platforms, flagged floors, authentic furniture, linen and lace window coverings put the finishing touches to what is, in our opinion, a marvellous back to basics property allowing you a genuine experience of the unpretentious down to earth Cretan life. And as each cottage is built into the hillside rock, they are cool in summer and warm in winter.
A word of note. In order to retain the traditional atmosphere of the dwellings there is no electricity. Candles and oil lambs provide lighting. There is also a photovoltaic solar system installed which provides enough electricity for each cottage to have their own fridge 2 lights over the double beds and light in the bathroom. Hot water is provided in each cottage by solar water heater
So, don’t expect luxury or hotel service, it’s not that sort of place. Do expect, however, a place that fits in perfectly with its environment and basic tranquilly.
Finally, we'll end with the Aspros Potamos's own words: "We feel that in todays's world of sameness we have created a retreat from the modern world which can be enjoyed by all for a short time.
Our accommodation is built with great respect for traditional architecture, and with love for the earth or at least a small part of it. Our commitment to the environment with our low energy establishment allows the visitor not only to enjoy their stay but also recognise that tourism can help the planet not just destroy it. In today's plastic world we offer something really different." Well put indeed.