A New Chapter for the Island Breeze Project
Following the strong success of the first Island Breeze Villas, Elxis presents Island Breeze Villas 2, a new boutique development of four contemporary villas in the peaceful village of Mariou, overlooking the bay of Plakiasin southern Crete.
This new project continues the Island Breeze concept with a clear focus on privacy, sustainability, and uninterrupted sea views, offering a refined residential experience in one of Crete’s most naturally beautiful regions. Even before its official release, the project has attracted strong interest.
Designed for Effortless Sea-View Living
Island Breeze Villas 2 is all about sustainable Mediterranean living, where architecture, nature and comfort come together naturally. The villas feature clean contemporary lines, a calm colour palette and a design philosophy that keeps the sea view present from the moment you enter the home.
Each villa is arranged around open-plan indoor–outdoor living. The kitchen, living area and bedrooms open directly onto spacious terraces, creating a seamless flow between interior spaces and the outdoors. Shaded pergolas make the terraces ideal for long lunches, evening dinners and quiet moments overlooking the sea.
Landscaped elements are carefully integrated into the design, enhancing privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Location: Mariou, Above Plakias
Mariou is a quiet village set above Plakias, offering panoramic sea views, two tavernas and a relaxed local atmosphere. The location combines tranquillity with excellent access to some of southern Crete’s most beautiful beaches.
– Key distances:
– Plakias Beach: 4.5 km
– Preveli Palm Beach: 11 km
– Rethymno city centre: 30 km
– Chania International Airport: 92 km
– Heraklion International Airport: 110 km
This balance of privacy, nature and accessibility makes Mariou an ideal base for both holiday use and longer stays.
Cave Architecture with a Sustainable Edge
A defining feature of the project is its cave-style architecture with green roofs. Built partially into the natural terrain, the villas benefit from excellent natural insulation, helping maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round.
This bioclimatic approach significantly reduces energy needs for heating and cooling, offering:
– enhanced thermal comfort
– lower energy consumption
– a more sustainable way of living
By working in harmony with the landscape, cave architecture minimises visual and environmental impact while delivering a serene, efficient and highly comfortable home.
Thoughtful Layouts for Everyday Comfort
The project consists of four villas, offering a choice between two- and three-bedroom layouts, each carefully designed for daily comfort and functionality.
Villa overview:
– Villa K1 – 2 bedrooms
– Interior: 97.05 m²
– Pool: 20.75 m²
– Pergola: 21.60 m²
– Plot: 271.30 m²
– Villa K2 – 2 bedrooms
– Interior: 91.00 m²
– Pool: 21.90 m²
– Pergola: 20.10 m²
– Plot: 245.10 m²
– Villa K3 – 3 bedrooms
– Interior: 106.90 m²
– Pool: 20.30 m²
– Pergola: 21.00 m²
– Plot: 357.00 m²
– Villa K4 – 3 bedrooms
– Interior: 122.15 m²
– Pool: 23.80 m²
– Pergola: 26.30 m²
– Plot: 373.65 m²
Each villa includes two bathrooms (one en suite), a separate laundry room, and atriums that bring natural light and airflow into interior spaces, including bathrooms. Bedrooms and living areas are consistently oriented toward the outdoor space and the view, ensuring light, air, and scenery remain part of everyday life.
Every bedroom and the kitchen-dining area remain oriented toward the outdoor living space and the view, ensuring that light, air and scenery are always part of daily life.
Developed by an Award-Winning Architectural Studio
Island Breeze Villas 2 is developed by Urban Soul Project (USP), a renowned architectural studio based in Thessaloniki and established in 2009. With a multidisciplinary team of more than 60 architects and engineers, the studio is known for blending contemporary and traditional design while maintaining exceptional construction quality.
Urban Soul Project (USP) has recently secured prestigious international accolades, including multiple wins at the 2024 and 2025 International Design Awards (IDA) and the A’ Design Awards for their innovative hospitality and residential projects. Notable recognitions include the Gold Award for the “Monasty Hotel” interior design and honours for the “Anatolia Hospitality Offices.” The firm continues to be celebrated for its “total design” approach, blending architectural construction with high-end interior aesthetics across Greece and abroad.
Elxis has already collaborated successfully with the studio on several projects across Greece, offering buyers additional reassurance in terms of design consistency and delivery standards.
A Limited Opportunity in a Proven Location
With only four villas in total, Island Breeze Villas 2 represents a rare opportunity to secure a thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient home in one of Crete’s most desirable coastal regions.
Whether you are looking for a personal retreat, a holiday home or a property with strong long-term appeal, this new project continues the Island Breeze story with confidence and clarity.
