We have just returned from a 2 week stay at this wonderful villa (2 families with children aged 5-11).
The villa looks exactly as advertised, although probably more spacious with more outside space than it looks.
The pool is ideal for those with younger children as one end has steps and then the pool is gradually sloped to the deep end. There was also a climbing frame with slide and swing, which is a nice additional touch. There were a number of water toys on arrival so no need to purchase anything extra bar a bucket and spade.
The villa is very well equipped and surrounding area is incredibly safe.
We hired cars for the duration of our holiday and I would say this is essential. There is ample parking outside the villa but it is fairly remote and although there is a local supermarket a few mins drive away, it would be a slog back up the hill. Panos can recommend a car rental company and they proved to be incredibly helpful allowing us to hire small cars and then transporting our luggage to and from the airport for us, at no additional cost.
There is an outstanding pattiserie opposite the local bakery. Highly recommend. From the outside you would assume the bakery to be superior. There is nothing wrong with it, but you must check out the cakes over the road including the ice cream cakes! The local supermarket is pretty good but if you head along the bottom road towards Rethymno there are some much bigger ones. There is also a Lidl about 10 mins away which has pretty much everything.
Rethymno is lovely in the old town/harbour. Would recommend the Italian and Lemonopoulis. Good shops and bars. As we visited during the pandemic restauraunts and bars shut at midnight and it was quieter than the average season. Personally, I think I would find Rethymno to busy during normal times as it felt fairly bustling to us so it depends what you are looking for.
There are LOTS of lovely beaches. Some excellent beaches about 50 mins away on the south of the island. The water park in Heraklion was worth the visit and good for all ages.
Last but not least, the host. I think you would find it very difficult to meet anyone more friendly, helpful and enthusiastic than Panos. He truly is an excellent host. Not only did he regularly bring us delicious treats, but he was always checking in to make sure we had everything we needed and were relaxed and I genuinley think he would help with anything you needed to ensure you had a wonderful time. It is no surprise that he is a super host. What a lovely man.
I would have no hesitation in recommending both Panos and this villa and am sure should you visit you will have the most wonderful time.