Ask Abbot Philotheos of Toplou monastery why Crete’s first integrated resort project is still on hold after 15 years, and he responds without hesitating, “Unfortunately, there are vested interests involved.”

The abbot manages Toplou’s 6,500-acre landholding at Cavo Sidero in north-east Crete – including sandy beaches, archaeological sites and a unique palm forest – on behalf of a local charitable foundation set up to develop the area in a sustainable way.