What I can say without using all my superlatives...! After some trepidation in driving the Mercedes hire car on Greek roads with a strangely placed handbrake we made it to the villa after good directions by the host.

Upon arrival both Vasilis and his uncle, Vasilis were there to welcome us and show us around the gorgeous villa (with fruit, wine and Cretan cakes). Without doubt their knowledge, welcome and help made us all at ease - in one word they were brilliant.

The villa is a very good size and we made use of all the bedrooms - it would quite easily cater for six people (double bed and four single beds), large well equipped kitchen and lounge area with essential air con. It is open, spacious and very clean with other amenities including a basement gym (if you feel the need), washing machine, two bathrooms on the upper floor, a cloakroom on the ground and a fourth facility in the basement. Finally the pool is a good size for a dip any time of the day and safe enough to have a shot of raki whilst cooling down.

The location is set in a small village commanding a view over the houses towards the sea - the only noise you could hear were the goat bells on the surrounding hills, local dogs who made the occasional bark ( especially when I went for my morning run....!) and a family of swallows in a near by tree.

Everything was perfect and we all fell in love with the scenery and the villa. The master bedroom is at the rear overlooking the pool and facing the rising sun in the morning - what a great way to wake up. Vasilis (snr) was available by phone for any support and was willing to change towels, sheets etc if we required but we were only there for seven days and did not feel this was appropriate.

The village is only 15km from the airport and a car is essential if you want to see the island - it is central to really excellent beaches (Agia Pelagia, Karteros & Analipsi) 20 mins drive away all recommended by Vasilis but if you so require there is a short 10 mins walk to the local beach set in a small cove - it is stony but beautiful - great for a swim, lizard lounging or snorkling.

Nearby is a small taverna which is ok but we found better ones in other beach side locations.

This was a brilliant break and we would all definately without doubt go back again ......quality...!