It’s not hard to decide on the 5* rating for Villa kalliopi. Everything you read from visitors is true. It’s beautiful. Here are some of the bits and bobs I wondered about before we arrived.
Communication with Marilena and Manos is quick and easy through AirB&B. They care about their guests and want to make sure everything is in order for you. We were not only greeted at a very late hour on arrival but also visited on our checkout day to make sure all was ok. During our stay we kept in touch which was very useful for our first visit to the area.
As for the amenities; the pool area is very comfortable and the pool itself is a perfect size. 9 of us stayed and we all enjoyed regular swims. There were a few inflatables there for us to use which was an added bonus. The lack of chlorine meant that daily swimming was a much more pleasurable experience.
The kitchen is very well equipped. All the utensils, crockery, pots and pans you will need and plenty of cutlery. I forgot to take extra tea towels which would have been useful as we cooked lots of meals at the Villa. You will need to take your own beach towels too but there are plenty of bath and hand towels for all the guests.
There is a washing machine, iron, ironing board and a couple of hairdryers. We stayed for 10 days and had maid service twice. (A very thorough clean. )
Villa Kalliopi is built over 3 floors each floor having its own bathroom. For parents wanting to be near young children the ground floor rooms are perfect. One double next to a small shower room leading on to a twin room. One upstairs room is without aircon but all other areas can access air conditioning units.
There are two safes. Lots of televisions and you can screen share from your phone to watch your favourite programmes.
It is a ten minute walk to the Village and there are 3 excellent Tavernas all serving fabulous traditional Cretan food and they are so friendly too. There is a small village shop where you can get most of what you need and the next village has an amazing cake shop, a fabulous bakery and supermarkets where you can get everything without needing to visit the Lidl a little further down the road.
There is a bus service from Prines to Rethymno. Such a beautiful city.
If you hire a car you will love the electric gates at the Villa operated from your keyfob. And you can travel East, West or South for amazing beaches.
None of us wanted to leave.