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. In 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.