I have just spent a month at Kavousi Villa with various friends. Not only is the location beautiful, but it is so comfortable, and well placed to visit some of the lesser known archeological sites Etc. For example, there is a seriously interesting museum not far away near Ancient Eleutherna and linked to a site there. There is also a wonderful little restaurant (Kafenio Filio) for those like me that find a good lunch necessary to appreciate culture.
Arkadi monastery 3 kilometres from Kavousi is well worth a visit and sells good honey as well.
Rethymno is not that far away but if the wind is from the north and you want beaches, the south is about an hour and a quarter’s drive. A bit longer if you use the ‘scenic route’. Our host had some really good suggestions as to where to eat.
Lovely swimming pool and fresh fruit (figs and grapes when we were there) in the garden.
I would certainly go back.