This was our first airbnb stay, so was not use what to expect in regards to customer service, help while we were at the villa, or sorting out issues if there were any.
Having returned I would like to say the villa, service from the host, and owners was the best I have experienced in a long time.
Kostas and his team, know how to look after their guests. To the point when we had an issue with power at the villa at 10pm on a Sunday night, they returned our call within minutes and the owners has sorted within 15 minutes. Unbelievably good. In life there are always problems, it is just how quickly they are fixed that counts.
Now onto the villa.
First point to make is that the location is peaceful, there are two identical villa situation in the hills, away from any real noise. And while there was no guests in the other villa during our stay, it was idyllic. The views from the balconies and garden over the valley and mountains to the sea were to die for. But you will need a car.
This is a newly built villa, and the attention to detail was great. Everything was sparkling clean and worked. There was even a massage chair which actually was used every day by ever member of our party.
The pool (which we had heated) was clean and fabulous, and the gardens were immaculate with two terraces and lush green grass. In an dry environment it was great to see such amazing garden surrounding the pool.
There were towels (fresh, new and clean) and when we asked for more beach towels the owner delivered some more in 30 minutes.
All appliances, TV etc were really well spec'd and worked.
Basically this is like staying at a show home villa.
Cleaners came every three days and changes all bed linen, towels etc and cleaned. Doing a great job.
Location:
This is the first time I have been to Crete, and I am sure there are a lot more "trendy" locations. This villa is situation in the middle of olive groves, and is a farming community. What this means is that you will have a 15 minute drive to a beach. But it does means two other things:
1) It is very quiet. (which we loved)
2) Food, cafes eating out was very good value for money. Authentic Greek food or pizza for the kids and dessert all under 50 euros, with drinks for a family of four. It was cheaper to eat out then to eat in! What this meant, (and for us this is a big plus) is that you never felt you were being ripped of, or going over your holiday spending budget.
The villa is about a 2 min drive from the village of Magrittes. This place for us was a gem. It is the ceramic's capital of Crete. There are maybe 20 little artisan shops where the artists sell their pottery, (for hardly anything). Great to spend an afternoon wandering around the maze of lanes in this hill top town, and a couple of simple but lovely Tavernas to have a drink or something to each.
If you drop down the mountain to the larger local village there is a great café/taverna (which also deliver to the villa). Where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream, bread, all exceptional value.
The location is rustic, this not Monaco, or Santorini for that matter, but actually after one week, I feel in love with the place and the people.
We travelled a lot in our week in Crete, to Chania, to Balos beach etc, and everywhere we went the Cretan people were the most friendly, welcoming I have met for a long time.
My only regret? Is we did not spend time chilling out at the villa.
And my only negative, was that the bed mattress's were too hard. My only advice to the owners is that they have clearly spent a lot of money and effort on building this villa. Spend a few hundred euros more and buy some memory foam mattress's!
If you want fast paced night life and a two minute walk to a beach to spend time laying in the sun with hundreds of other hoiiday makers don't stay here.
If you want, peace, stunning views and the real feeling of Crete. Couple with a first class villa and service. Book now!
Please note this is a real review, I am that impressed!
Pete from Suffolk (UK)