We had an awesome time at Villa Manoutsio in August. The hosts (Melina and Stelios) were very flexible regarding check-in time, which was quite convenient. The villa was extremely clean upon arrival and we received a welcome basket of fruit, pastries, coffee, and wine. Communication with the hosts was easy and clear; I wish everyone on airbnb was this easy to work with.

The villa is truly a beautiful place with 2 great patios on the second level overlooking olive trees, the mountains, and the ocean. There are not many houses nearby, so you get a very private experience. The villa is very close to several beach bars and good restaurants. I would highly recommend O Kipos Tis Arkoudenas for dinner (just down the street). We rented a car and used the villa as a home base to explore the western part of Crete. Day trips to Balos lagoon, Samarian gorge, Chania, Heraklion, and Preveli beach are all within driving distance.

Overall, this is a great place to stay. Crete is so much cheaper and less crowded than some of the other Greek islands (e.g., Santorini, Mykonos, etc.). The only drawback is that you absolutely need a car to get around, as there aren't many taxis or buses. If you don't mind driving, I highly recommend staying at the Villa Manoutsio for a relaxing stay, with many exciting areas to explore nearby.