We decided to do things a little different this year and opted for an Airbnb for our trip to Rethymno. After searching the website Calmare caught our eye as the pictures and overview sold it to us right away. We can honestly say that the pictures do not do it justice as the place is immaculate and the host, well, what an amazing and lovely person!! Never have we experienced a more warm welcome than the one we got from Mary. Even prior to the holiday we exchanged a number of messages including questions on the local lockdown and how best to get to and from the airport. Mary was the perfect host, always there when you needed something and personable which made our stay one we will remember for a long time.

In terms of the apartment we stayed in, 203, it was a large suite with a separate bedroom with a king size bed which was tastefully decorated and very comfortable. There is a TV in the room where you can log into your own Netflix or Prime for added convenience.

The separate seating area was a pleasant surprise has another TV and we used it on a daily basis, whether relaxing after a day at the beach (which is literally across the road) or after a night in the local Venetian town where there is an abundance of amazing restaurants and bars.

There is a small kitchen which we didn’t use other than the fridge which was a lovely addition to keep our bottle water and complementary bottle of wine from Mary cool during the holiday.

We didn’t know what to expect from an Airbnb accommodation abroad, but what ever our expectations, they were exceeded by the standard of the accommodation and the host.

Rethymno is such a lovely city with so much to take in, the locals are very hospitable where you are unable to leave your meal without complimentary deserts and a shot (or three) of the local Raki. The wine was also very good, even the house wine, where in my experience can be an acquired taste was actually very good.

10 out of 10 to both Mary and Calmare, we will be returning back at some point in the not to distant future.