Avli Lounge Apartments, in Old Rethymno’s city, is an all-suites boutique hotel, which distinguishes for its ultimate Avli experience.
The traditional Cretan architecture along with its sophisticated luxury and modern aesthetics masterfully showcase the elegance of the past and the modern amenities of the present.
Avli Lounge Apartments is an all-suites boutique hotel, member of the Historic Hotels of Europe.
It all begun in 1987 when Mrs. Katerina Xekalou and her husband, architect Kostas Iliakis embarked on a development project.
To transform 3 Cretan mansions of 16th century into an emblem of cultus.
With the new age rakadiko “1600 Raki Ba Raki“, the well-known Enoteca, a finest collection of greek wines, the deli shop, with the most sophisticated traditional products AVLI raw materials and “Avli” restaurant, succeeded in introducing a whole new experience.
The promotion of the island’s local cuisine lead on to the revival of Rethymno’s historic centre.
It paved the way for the rise of Crete’s gastronomy identity.
The 11 impressive suites of Avli Lounge Apartments adopt a special style and character.
Pieces of art, antique furniture, pebble floors, marble bathrooms and Venetian arches are well-suited with modern facilities.
Key strengths are the open air jacuzzi on the top floor with breathtaking views on Rethymno’s Venetian castle and the certified Cretan Breakfast.
Awards & Achievements
The property’s list of accolades is surely intriguing.
Historic Hotel Gourmet 2020– 3rd place in the category of “Exceptional Cuisine”
Best Greek Cuisine– 2017-2020
Tourism Awards– “Exceptional quality of experience”
Readers’ Choice Awards- Conde Nast Traveller
Fodor’s Travel– Included in Fodor’s 100 List
Special Reference to Patricia Schultz’s travel book- 1,000 Places to See before you Die
Avli Rustic Fine Dining Restaurant
Traditional ingredients, intense tasteful memories and modern techniques are the main competitive advantages of Avli Rustic Fine Dining restaurant’s philosophy.
The bar of quality is raised to a whole new level with the creation of their own workshop.
Cold cut, smoked and cured, as well as handmade pasta are produced. Not to mention, the delectable scent of handmade organic bread!
The excellent addition of Vasilis Leonidou, awarded as Best Olive Oil Chef in 2017, as Executive Chef opens up a new culinary chapter in Avli’s kitchen.
40 exceptional Greek olive oil varieties promise an elevated experience of taste in Food & Olive Oil pairing.
Must Try Dishes
A unique culinary setting with traditional influences compose their dishes.
“Boureki” shaped ravioli, zucchini, buttermilk broth and Koroneiki variety olive oil from Siteia
The egg in it’s shell with cured pork (apaki),Cretan cheese cream and seasonal greens
Frumenty balls (giouvarlakia)
Roasted lamb “like antikristo” with smoked eggplant
Indulge in “Elaia” , a feast of favorite and gustative Cretan recipes with the best Greek olive oil varieties, handpicked by Chef, Vasilis Leonidou.
The cheesecake with mizithra cheese, carob and red fruits complete a refined experience of flavors and aromas.
Avli Enoteca
Τhe incomparable flavors of the dishes stand out exceptionally, when accompanied with the best quality of wines.
With over 320 different wine etiquettes, not solely limited to Cretan but also of wider Greek vineyard, Avli Enoteca plays a lead role in Greece’s wine events since 1991.
Wine tasting & Cooking Lessons
Winetasting and cooking lessons hold an important position in Avlis’ concept.
Shopping in the local market, cooking in the kitchen end up with an unforgettable dinner taking place in the blooming courtyard or restaurant’s interior ambience.
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