We really enjoyed our stay in Elgini Studios. Zania and her family were great hosts indeed. When we arrived around dinner time, we were immediately invited to sit with the whole family, have some local food and lots of Raki, so we experienced the famous Cretan hospitality one reads about in Elgini Studios. Furthermore, we got a bottle of home-made Raki (the best we had during the whole trip), wine and delicious olive oil on arrival, too.
The whole family was always very friendly and kind to us. Whenever we had a question, they helped us, or had some small talk when we met them on the premises. Furthermore, we got pieces of advice about where to eat or what to do.
The studio itself was as describe here. It was in a really good condition and very clean, too. The apartment got cleaned every second or third day and towels and linen got changed as well; rubbish bins got emptied every day. The kitchenette is probably too small to cook a five course meal, but absolutely sufficient for every-day cooking. It contains everything one needs. The best thing about the studio we lived in was the huge balcony facing the sea. It was great to have dinner or a glass of wine on this balcony, enjoying the stunning view.
Elgini Studios is not directly in Plakias, it takes about 3 minutes by car to get there, which we thought is a big plus as it is really quiet there and not as busy and crowded with tourists like in Plakias. One can probably walk there, but we would recommend a car.
Nearby are some sandy beaches as well as some small rocky bays that are not as crowded as the beaches around Plakias. The small village of Selia with nice taverns is in hiking distance, too.
If we ever come back to Crete, we would definitely stay at Elgini studios again.