Vangos is the perfect host, he was available whenever we needed him. He offered tips on places to go and provided welcome snacks for our arrival, including fresh produce from his garden.
The villa is exceptional, quirky and difficult to describe as it is magical. The inside spaces are huge, with corners and rooms everywhere that you can spread out to, play in, rest in. Vangos's architectural talent is obvious. The gardens are vast with suntraps and shade in different places around the villa. This is not a place to come to if you want tourism and busy crowds but if you love peace and tranquility and love nature this is the perfect location. This place inspires art and rest. The local taverna adds to the perfection, Goules is a few steps away, offering food to die for; we returned night after night and tried the whole menu, which never failed to disappoint with either cuisine or atmosphere, it was also magical. The owner is a charismatic and passionate chef and host and a clear friend of Vangos.
The villa is a 20 minute drive from bustling Rethymno, which boasts a beautiful harbour, lovely little streets and busy touristy areas and beaches if you want them.
The villa may present challenges for the physically challenged and doesn't have aircon, but the walls are thick and I suspect provide cool respite from the sun in the heat of summer (we visited in spring and made full use of the wide open fireplaces)
The indoor cave pool is bizarre and beautiful and ice cold, I suspect very welcome in the heat of summer; it is well lit by a cleverly placed glass roof which provides natural light and shade which is really beautiful.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this villa to anyone and would love to return.