Takis and Athena are EXTRA-ordinary hosts. They helped to arrange for all of our needs, were exceptionally quick in responding to our questions and are genuinely hospital, industrious and kind. We particularly appreciated their digital booklet that helped to answer many of our questions prior to our arrival at their lovely villa. Takis helped to arrange for two rental cars for our party of seven. Gregory, of the car rental agency, met us at the port of Naxos and set us up right on the spot. He also helped to give us initial directions to Takis's and Athena's place after we met.
The Villa Dimitra is open, spacious, and very comfortable. Beautifully laid out rooms allowed all of us space to spread out, play games, relax/read and exercise. There were so many outdoor areas to relax from the covered porch to the upper, main and lower level walk out sitting areas. Takis also tracked down an yoga mat that we used everyday during our stay. A washer and detergent was included at no additional charge for our use. Daily cleaning service and hotel-like amenities added an upscale touch to our experience--while still very much feeling like staying at a dear friend's vacation home.
We also took advantage of harvesting the lovely vegetables from Takis's and Athena's lovely organic garden adjacent to the neighboring villa-steps from our villa. We learned to appreciate grilling Naxian sausage, suvlaki and vegetables on the open grill at our villa. We enjoyed this so much that we did it twice.
Plaka beach was only a few minutes walk and the area was replete with restaurants and a market--all within walking distance. Friendly service and kind local shop proprietors made for a great experience outside of the villa.
Takis was particularly helpful in providing suggestions and tips for day trips, restaurants serving local specialties, and where to shop for groceries. He checked in regularly to make sure that all or our needs were met while never making it feel like he was intruding. In fact, he even helped to print out a document that my sister-in-law needed to have completed for her work while we were staying at their villa.
Succinctly, our great family adventure would not have been as pleasant, as relaxed or as memorable were it not for Takis's and Athena's attention to detail and their genuine interest in our having a great experience.