about Villa Meraki & our story
Kaliméra se ólous!
Hello everyone!
It’s about time that we tell you a little bit about ourselves. This is actually quite a lovely story about a house in Crete that brought a father and daughter back together again. My name is Anne. I’m the property manager of Villa Meraki and, as it so happens, the daughter of the owner of the house. When I was fourteen years old, my father moved to Crete. He bought a piece of land and in two years time, with the help of a lot of people he loved dearly, he built this house. I spent almost all of my holidays here and fell in love with the Cretan way of life, the beautiful surroundings and of course the Aegean.
As I grew older, I traveled a lot and lived in quite a few different countries but it was always Crete that I considered to be my home away from home. Sitting on the terrace, looking out at sea, I realised that over all these years the mountains, the sea and our shared love for the house was actually what had kept my father and I together.
Our story
As you might have guessed, we are a family that travels a lot and as the stories of our lives unfolded, my dad actually found himself not living in the house all year round anymore. So it only seemed right to start renting out the house. And when the opportunity presented itself we decided to work together. We had a shared dream to have people experience the magic of this wonderful place. We wanted to share not only the house with you but the Cretan way of life.
And so this brings us to now
We have been renting the house out for quite a few years already. The fourteen year old girl that went to visit her father in Crete for the first time is in her thirties now. I wouldn’t even dare mention my father’s age and I also secretly suspect he might possess eternal youth.
We truly enjoy and work very hard to make sure our guests have a wonderful time. We go to Crete together about twice a year. We sit outside in the garden, look out at sea and we discuss how we can continue to have our guests experience, what we call, ‘the magic of Villa Meraki’.
One more thing. The definition of the Greek word ‘meraki’? To do something with soul, creativity and love. When you put a part of your soul into what you’re doing.
introductions
Between my father, myself and our staff, there really isn’t anything we can arrange for you. And the great thing is, we’re only a phone call away!
This is my father, Joop, also known as the CEO, or big boss, of Villa Meraki. After starting his career as a P.E. and history teacher, he soon devoted his life to tourism and travel and started his own travel agency to become a tour operator. He’s been to almost every corner of the world and to be honest most days I don’t even know which country he’s in. or how to track him down. So it’s pretty obvious where I get my love for travel from. When we’ are in Crete, we sit out on the terrace overlooking the bay of Mirabello together every morning. We talk about the big and small things in life and share endless giggles. These are dear memories and countless sunrises that we are very grateful to have witnessed.
“Among all peoples, Greeks have dreamt life's dream most beautifully.”
- gOETHE
Hospitality
We really care about helping our guests in having the best holiday experience ever at Villa Meraki and because we have lived in Crete for a long time, we are very well equipped to advise, recommend and organise for you.
Whether you would like to know what the best fish restaurant is, where the most child-friendly beaches are or where they serve the tastiest cocktails, we’ve got you covered. Before you arrive at Villa Meraki, you will receive the Villa Meraki Lifestyle document which contains all of our recommendations on where to eat, swim, shop, hike or immerse yourself in the Cretan culture.
We also offer additional services such as massages, yoga lessons, a private chef and lots of other nourishing and fun experiences.
About me
Hello there! My name is Anne, daughter of the house and manager of Villa Meraki. I’m the main contact for all of your questions and inquiries. I divide my time between the Netherlands, and Crete. I am a property manager, yoga instructor, (copy)writer, lover of nature and books and hopelessly devoted to Villa Meraki sunrises. I very much look forward to welcoming you!
