MariAndry Villa, Enchanting Secluded Retreat, By ThinkVilla

The outdoors is what makes MariAndry special. We loved eating on the veranda with the mountains behind us, taking an evening dip at sunset, picking fresh fruit and veg from the garden, and relaxing beneath olive trees in total privacy. We thought we’d be out most days, but it was hard to stick to those plans once we arrived. It’s a perfect place to unwind. Maria and her mum, Popi, have put so much care into every detail, from the overall design to the little touches. The house is comfortable, cozy, well proportioned, and kept in pristine condition. Its open-plan kitchen is fully equipped and much better than in other villas we’ve rented. We’re a young family of three, and our toddler felt right at home with the shaded play area, swings, and loads of toys. He loved exploring and became best friends with Tas, the very friendly family dog who lives on the land. She was a lovely addition to our trip, calm and gentle. There’s a step down from the house to the terrace, which could be tricky for a new walker, but our 21-month-old managed fine. Episkopi’s supermarkets and tavernas are easy to reach by car. The coastal road is just 5-6 minutes away, with Episkopi beach and a lovely stretch of coast right there. You can also head inland to Kournas or Lake Kournas, 10-15 minutes away. The villa is secluded down a long private track, which is part of its charm and exactly what we wanted, but it won’t suit anyone who wants to walk to places. We stayed for a blissful 9 days in late July / early August and are already dreaming of coming back to this little corner of Crete. Maria and Popi welcomed us like family, with a home-cooked meal and a fully stocked fridge on arrival, and were generous throughout, including a heartfelt celebration of my wife’s birthday. MariAndry is clearly their pride and joy. It felt like a five-star retreat with real heart. We’ve been regular visitors to Crete for years, but this has become our home away from home.

Maria and Popi were thoughtful about my dietary needs. Maria checked in advance, so Popi’s traditional Cretan meal waiting for us on arrival was gluten free for me, while she made special Greek pastries for my husband, who can eat gluten. They also went out of their way to find other gluten-free treats, which were hard to find on Crete. The food and drink provisions they left were excellent, and they were generous with their time and information. The villa is quiet and secluded, but an easy drive from local beaches, attractions, and Rethymno. Episkopi’s supermarket nearby is well stocked and run by friendly, helpful locals. The beds and living areas were very comfortable, and the kitchen had everything we needed for self-catering. Maria cleans the pool and outdoor area daily, and the inside every three days. Tas, the villa dog, is an absolute delight and great company.

There were four of us, all adults, and there was plenty of room to relax. The villa is nicely secluded, especially peaceful in the evenings. Maria and her mum Poppy welcomed us warmly with home-cooked food, homemade wine, and olive oil when we arrived. Marina cleaned the outdoor area each morning, and the accommodation was thoroughly cleaned every three days. Homemade pastries were left as little treats in between. This was by far the best accommodation I’ve stayed in. I can wholeheartedly recommend it, and thank you again for a great time.

Maria and Poppy are what made this place so special. Their vision and passion, the tireless work they put into keeping everything to a very high standard inside and out, and their warmth as hosts left a lasting impression. They cook for guests arriving, leave surprise morning pastries, and offer advice on days out. We didn’t want to leave and will return soon. The villa itself is wonderful, with a private setting, a great pool and outdoor cooking area, fresh tomatoes and lemons in the garden, and mountain views at sunset. It’s close to beaches and restaurants in beautiful Crete.