Intrinsic to Phaea Cretan Malia’s concept is its embrace of Cretan tradition; an approach that not only applies to the food served but one that also extends to a consideration of where the food itself comes from. Case in point, the hotel’s on-site vegetable and herb garden, where produce destined for any one of the hotel’s food outlets is cultivated. Tended to by an in-house team, the gardens harvest seasonal crops that include pomegranates, aubergines, onions, tomatoes and peppers, amongst other vegetables and fruits. A stone’s throw away and two herb garden, one shaded by an immense olive tree, grow sage, oregano and rosemary, as well as local herbs like the revered diktamos.