Villa Pasiphae 2 in Stalos

The pool and the view are lovely, and having three separate bedrooms with bathrooms was great. Outside, though, there’s just one sun umbrella, so finding shade can be difficult. Inside, there wasn’t enough comfortable seating for six, which meant someone was always stuck on an uncomfortable plastic dining chair. A couple of things were especially frustrating with a baby in our group. The fridge and electricity switch off when you leave the villa, which I found unacceptable and think should be explained at booking. The hill is also very steep. Adults and older kids can manage it, but getting a pram up and down was difficult and felt scary with the way some cars drive there. Our taxi drivers said most cars try to avoid the hill because it’s so steep. That too should be made clear when booking, especially for families with a baby. We had several trips to the fuse box during our stay. One cut the pool filter, which was fixed the next day when the pool cleaners arrived. The electrical issues may need looking into.

The villa itself is great, and the pool is lovely, but getting there is very difficult. The lanes are steep, and it’s a long, winding 15-20 minute walk to the main road. There’s a shortcut through another villa if you’re willing to trespass. A car would definitely make things easier, especially since the villa isn’t stocked when you arrive and you’ll need to buy water and other basics.

We stayed at Pasiphae 1, and the location, space, pool, outdoor area, and first-floor terrace for sunsets were all fantastic. Robyn, the pool guys, and the occasional gardeners look after the place impeccably. The table tennis table, bath robes, and charcoal and lighters for the barbecue were nice bonuses. The villa is getting dated, though, and at this price it needs some attention, especially the cutlery, cups, some outdoor furniture, and the showers and their holders. We arrived on late flights, and the shops are nearly half a mile back down the hill, so a welcome pack would be a fitting touch for the price. There wasn’t even a bottle of water in the fridge, though there were plenty of cleaning products under the sink. It can be a little hard to find. Head to the spot next to 'Rocky Pass mini golf, opposite Tongs Supermarket (big red sign). Since it’s through Jamesvillas, I think it’s time they spent a bit on the place. The location, views, and size will probably keep it viable as it is for a couple more years, I assume.

The villas are roomy and thoughtfully laid out, and the last one along the private road has a beautiful infinity pool overlooking stalos. Its design makes good use of sunlight indoors and shade outdoors without blocking any of the view. It’s well stocked, too.