Villa Amalia

The room is pretty small, though fine if you’re mainly sleeping there and only occasionally eating at home. The owners are lovely, hospitable older people, and parking is right behind the rooms. The terrace view is stunning, and you can drive to lots of beaches nearby. Summer nights can be hot, but air conditioning is available for an extra cost; opening both windows wide creates a nice breeze for sleeping.

The villa kitchen had everything we needed to cook, and nearby villages have well-stocked grocery shops. We also drove a short way to a winery for a great tasting and met some lovely people. The local food was good, and the restaurants in neighbouring villages felt friendly and safe. During our four nights in May, Villa Amalia was wonderfully secluded and peaceful. We felt like locals rather than holidaymakers, with clear-water beaches a short drive away for snorkeling and only goat bells in the background as we watched the sunrise. That view will stay with us forever. Crete made us feel so safe and welcome, and we hope to return one day with our future children. Thank you for such a wonderful stay.

The view and location are both great, and there’s a lovely garden and BBQ corner. It’s a very friendly, comfortable place, with even the smallest details carefully arranged to make visitors feel at home.

The hotel sits in a peaceful, very quiet spot among the trees, about a ten-minute walk from the sea and a ten-minute drive from beautiful Vai palm beach. We recently visited and found it tidy and clean throughout. The view over kouremos bay is amazing, and the service was great.