I booked Barbara's place as a surprise holiday for my girlfriend and her family (5 of us in total). It is safe to say, I couldn't have chosen a better property and host to make our experience perfect.
The property is big, beautiful and very clean/well kept. The highlight for us was the amazing pool area with plenty of seating in the sun, but also shaded areas which were great to take refuge when the sun was extra intense. The pool is very deep (I am 6ft 3 and couldn't reach the bottom in the deep end) and is amazing for cooling off in during the heat of the day. We also loved using the BBQ pit and many seating areas (indoor + outdoor) to enjoy cooking and eating meals together. The beds were very comfortable, the bathrooms clean and functional and the kitchen/lounging area is large, airy and well kitted out. The views from the many balconies were spectacular.
The villa is very well located around a 20 minute drive/bus from the centre of Chania, and with loads of local restaurants, shops and beaches all within a few minutes walk away. Indeed two of the restaurants (Salavantes and Corrina Star Hotel) really were exceptional and literally a couple of minutes walk away.
Barbara is the perfect host and really enhanced our Chania experience. She met us at the property to check us in at 1am (due to delayed flights) and gave us a warm welcome and quick tour of the villa. She made some excellent recommendations for days trips and restaurants and was able to answer lots of questions we had throughout the week via whatsapp messages. She even booked airport transfers and day trips for us. Barbara lives in a flat beneath the villa, but is not intrusive at all and gives her guests plenty space to relax, whilst being available to help with anything if needed. We also loved meeting her little dog, Peanut, who became a legend of the holiday in our eyes!
I highly recommend staying at Villa Vanelia Mare - it really was a perfect holiday for us and we certainly plan to visit again soon!