About me

A short story about Tonia

Hey there! Nice to meet you :)

I was born and raised in a small village in Poland, nestled deep in the forest. With only a few houses around, my childhood was spent immersed in nature, exploring the woods with my older brother and our neighbor. My mom worked for the forest administration, and she instilled in me a love for organization and responsibility. My dad, though no longer with us, was a source of endless inspiration with his intelligence, positivity, humor and laid-back attitude despite his illnesses.

They both shaped me profoundly, and I owe them so much of who I am today.

Me, my beloved Dad & the Wild pig (*)

Adventures with my brother Tobiasz

Zbyszek & Wanda - my beautiful parents at their wedding

One of my favorite quotes is by Mark Nepo: "Maybe all we are searching for is the reflection of everything when looking into the truth of Who We Are." This resonates deeply with my journey and philosophy.

Thank you for considering Tonia’s Cottage for your stay. I hope my story gives you a sense of connection, and I look forward to welcoming you to my beloved Crete

Warm regards 🌸
Tonia

(*) This photo holds a special place in my heart, as my dad is no longer with us. His memory lives on in the love, wisdom and curiosity he shared. He was one of a kind.

Bromba—my dad's beloved dog (in loving memory)

Our Forest Home in Spała Village

Like Alice in Wonderland

Enveloped in nature's magic

Arriving to Crete

My lovely Cretan husband Aris

My Mom & beloved Dad in Crete

Hunting for treasures

My lovely parents—always together (in memory of my dad)

In my free time, I enjoy sailing, swimming & solving puzzles. I am passionate about neuroscience, technology and languages. I also love reading mystery novels and taking peaceful strolls on the beach, looking for shells and admiring nature's tiny details. Living in Crete has allowed me to connect deeply with myself, and I cherish the quiet winter months when the island slows down, giving me time to reflect and appreciate life.

Unexpected acts of kindness touch me deeply and remind me of the goodness in people. I believe in the power of vulnerability and the importance of giving others the opportunity to help and share their experiences. Gratitude fills my days, and I feel incredibly fortunate to live in a time when we have so much comfort and freedom to pursue our own paths.

I love deep conversations, noticing unspoken things, and imagining the unseen. I see life's ups and downs as opportunities for deeper connection with myself and the world. Likewise, I strive to bring out the best in myself and appreciate the magic hidden in ordinary moments of everyday life.

From a young age, I felt a deep connection to nature and the people around me. I was always curious about the world and wondered about different ways of living. This curiosity led me to study tourism and business management. In my final year of studies, I visited Crete for the first time, and it was love at first sight. The moment I stepped off the plane and smelled the sea air at Heraklion Airport, I knew I had found a special place.

During my stay in Crete, I met my partner, now my husband, who is Cretan. We spent two years in England but soon realized that Crete was where we truly belonged. We moved back and made it our home. I love everything connected to water – sailing, swimming, and just being near the sea. The island's beauty and energy make me feel at home, and I can't imagine my life without it.

For the past 18 years, I have embraced the Cretan culture, learned the language, and explored its many wonders. Crete offers everything I need – mountains, seas, lakes, and endless opportunities for adventure. The hospitality of the people and the warmth with which I was welcomed have made me feel deeply connected to this place. I love the strong character of Cretan women and the respect they command in the culture.