Sugar cube blocks against a forget-me-not-blue sky and a sleek swimming pool glittering under the sun; it doesn’t get much better than this. Then add in a five-minute walk from the beach and you’re laughing. This plush villa sits in Kato Galatas, a beachy resort just along the coast from Chania where you’ll find plenty of waterside tavernas serving fresh octopus, bars overlooking the ocean and a stretch of sandy beach that goes on for miles. Sleek and modern inside and out, this villa is a vision of minimalism. The private terrace is home to a swimming pool and a handful of sun loungers. There are several spots to hide away with a book outside – the shaded stone sofa surrounded by greenery, the bistro set on the master bedroom’s balcony or beneath the veranda. Inside, it’s a soothing medley of light-wood and white with turquoise and navy-blue a reminder of your seaside locale. Glass doors slide open to blend the open-plan living area with the terrace and let that sea breeze drift inside. Should you want to keep on top of your fitness schedule, there’s a private gym too.

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