Villa Amalia is great place for relaxing as well for excursions. The location is perfect for trips in the region of Elounda and also for longer trips in the east part and the south-east part of Crete because you are near to the "new road" (2km distance). So we would recommend a car so you can visit all the beautiful places of interest in this part of Crete.
There is also a beach near to Villa Amalia (within walking distance - 5 minutes) and you need 5 minutes with a car to Agios Nikolaos - a really beauiful town.
Elena provided some things for the first breakfast (fruits, coffee, jam, bread...). It was a good feeling to know that Elena and her family were around if you needed anything. So we would recommend the appartment to anyone who likes a real greek appartment with a really nice view over the Mirabello gulf.