We have just returned from an amazing stay at Villa Vanelia Mare. From the moment we booked it we were in constant communication with Barbara, our wonderful host. She arranged our airport transfer and as we arrived late in the evening she even arranged for our driver to stop at the supermarket on the way. Barbara met us on arrival and showed us around the villa, she was so friendly and made us feel very welcome. The villa looks superb in the pictures but it was even better than we expected, spacious, clean with beautiful furniture and well maintained. The villa has a great pool area with BBQ and pizza oven and the place really does want for nothing. Barbara was extremely helpful throughout our stay. She gave us lifts to visit friends who were staying locally and came to pick us up later, she even went to the shops for us when we were too 'busy' enjoying the pool! Barbara gave us some great local knowledge on places to eat, drink and visit, even offered us the use of her bike to pop to the shop, but the villa is only a very short walk to the sea and local amenities.
Barbara lives in the self contained apartment on the lower ground floor which was perfect for us, she was on hand if needed but we didn't feel like we were sharing the place. She was very friendly and accommodating and we were even treated to a home made cake which was delicious!
When we checked out Barbara looked after our cases for the day while we visited friends and she arranged for our transfer to collect our bags from the villa before picking us up from a local bar on the way to the airport.
We were only there for 4 days but we will definitely be coming back to Crete, and back to Villa Vanelia Mare, but this time for longer. Amazing place, amazing host.