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Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

Lakefront villa with private pool and kitchen

Photo gallery for Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

Outdoor dining
Property grounds
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Outdoor dining
3 bedrooms, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8140 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

Lakefront villa with private pool and kitchen
An outdoor pool, laundry facilities and a garden are available at this smoke-free villa. Other amenities include barbecues. The villa has 3 bedrooms and offers free WiFi and a DVD player. A kitchen comes with a fridge and an oven, and guests will also find upscale touches, such as a private pool and a fireplace. Limited housekeeping is available.
Air-conditioned accommodation at this villa offers private pools and fireplaces. Rooms open to balconies. Smart televisions come with DVD players. Kitchens offer fridges, stovetops, microwaves and separate dining areas. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, desk chairs and safes. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and an iron/ironing board. Housekeeping is provided on a limited basis.

Recreational amenities at the villa include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

Property manager

Manolis Papadakis

Languages

English, Greek, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool loungers
  • Private pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee
  • Chef service
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Books
  • CD player
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Meal delivery service
  • Safe

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Mountain climbing nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Spelunking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme park nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,507 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The front desk hours vary at this property
Guests must contact the property for check-in information
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Suitable for children of all ages

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 1041Κ91002894301

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 500, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Map
Rethymno, Crete

What's nearby

  • Arkadi Monastery - 17 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Spili Monastery - 18 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Museum of Ancient Eleutherna - 26 min drive - 23.5 km
  • Rethimno Kart - 31 min drive - 27.3 km
  • Preveli Beach - 39 min drive - 31.5 km

Getting around

  • Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis) - 99 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Agia Fwteinh Petinos - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Cafe ΓΙΔΟΣΠΙΤΟ - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Arkadi Café - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Kissos Traditional Cafe - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪The Taste Of Turn - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Platania Gorge, Psiloritis Trail and St. Anthony Patsou Gorge. Amari Dam Reservoir and Old Quarter are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 54 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 54 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 54 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 54 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Alionka S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A month in Paradise

Manolis' house in the beautiful small village of Amari was the perfect setting for a beautiful relaxing vacation. The house has everything you might need and more. The rooms are very comfortable and the outdoor spaces are incredible. And the swimming pool is the icing on the cake to cool off on hot summer days. Manolis is a wonderful host providing a super warm welcome, with all the information and a variety of local products for us to enjoy upon arrival :) And just to top it all off, Rumy is an absolute gem of a lady, and it was wonderful to be able to enjoy delicious home cooked meals at the house. All in all, an absolutely fantastic experience in one of the most beautiful regions of Crete, Thank you so much Manolis and Rumy!
Stayed 28 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

kathy a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Experience

We chose this villa because we wanted to experience the inland, more mountainous part of Crete. We did not anticipate how our host, Manolis and Mrs. Rumy would truly enhance our time spent at the Amari Villa. We have stayed at many VBRO properties in numerous European countries and the US; Manolis provided the most comprehensive briefing material of anywhere we have stayed!! He met us on arrival and helped us with our luggage; he then provided all the information we could have wanted and gave us recommendations based on our interests. The villa was very well equipped with both the basics (coffee, fruit, yogurt, eggs, honey, bread, etc...even a bottle of local red wine!). The views are amazing and the outdoor pool area is the perfect place to eat, relax, and and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains and valley. Mrs. Rumy took our experience to the next level. As noted in the property description, she is available to prepare genuine Greek dishes, made with fresh local ingredients. The meals that Mrs. Rumy prepared were simply the best that we had in our entire time in Crete (in 2 different parts of the island). As well, she is such a lovely soul; it was a pleasure to get to know her. Thank you Manolis and Mrs. Rumy for making our stay such a wonderful experience!!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marek W., Gdańsk, Poland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unforgettable holidays

In July 2023 we were stationed at Amari Villas For two weeks: my family and a group of friends with children (five families in total). It's a huge and luxurious house with a swimming pool at the foot of Psiloritis, the highest (2456 m) peak of the island. It was our base to the beaches located in the south and north of the island, as well as the surrounding gorges. Staying in this picturesque place, away from the crowds of tourists, gave us the opportunity to get to know the culture and everyday life of the local community. We will be happy to return to this place in the future. Rooms: Comfortable beds, air conditioning, washing machine, iron, dishwasher, stove, microwave, several bathrooms. Nearby attractions: A local, atmospheric tavern, located 2 minutes on foot from the house. Hiking in Amari valley, Agios Titos, Samitos Mountain, Smiles Village, Minoan Monastiraki, Arkadi Monastery, Ancient Eleftherna, Margarites, Platania Gorge, Patsos Gorge, Potamon Lake, Veni Monastery, Southern beaches, Taverns, Supermarkets, ATM, Gas Station, Pharmacy Security: Super friendly people. Very nice, super helpful and involved owner 👍😉. In the lower part of the property, Mrs. Rumy housekeeper lives, who is a great cook. Pedestrian friendliness: The best way to get around is by renting a car (we used the beepit company)
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alexander M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Villa Amari ist ein wunderschöner Ort um Urlaub zu genießen

Wir haben die Tage in Amari genossen!!! Alles stimmte mit dem Inserat überein, Villa und Umgebung. Manoli ist ein super Gastgeber der uns im Vorfeld schon perfekt informierte und auch 2x zu Besuch kam. Wir erhielten sogar eine Führung im alten Schulgebäute von Amari welches unter Denkmalschutz steht und gerade saniert werden soll. DANKE! Die Villa ist mit allem ausgestattet was man benötigt, die Umgebung ist ruhig und man kann gut wandern. Im Oktober wurde es an den Abenden kalt und wir genossen den offenen Kamin. Wir haben viele schöne Touren zu Fuß und mit dem Auto unternommen und eine wunderbare Zeit auf Kreta gehabt. Am Abend konnten wir dann das super Essen von Mrs. Rumy genießen! Nur zu empfehlen - sooo lecker. Sie ist die Perle der Villa!!! Wir werden sicher wieder kommen!!!! Nochmal Danke für alles und auf Wiedersehen!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peter G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolute tranquility

This was our 3rd stay at villa Idi Amari villas and as previously the experience was simply awesome. The Amari valley is absolutely stunning and brimming with wonderful scenery, fab walks and plenty of history.The beaches of the south coast which is only about an hours spectacular drive are really beautiful and many are simply idyllic. The village of Amari is very peaceful with a traditional Kafenion where the locals meet and chat but a wonderful variety of local produce can be purchased by the various merchants who visit the village each week. The villa itself is so clean ,comfortable and exceptional in every way. Mrs Rumy the on-site housekeeper and private chef really is the icing on the cake. Her menu is extensive and delicious enabling people to sample truly authentic and traditional locally sourced Cretan dishes…….served directly to your table…what’s not to like ! Of all the holidays we take during the year this one is special and the one we treasure most. We cannot praise the owner Manolis enough.His communication and care for his guests is astounding and he gives so much of himself to ensuring his guests get to experience the best traditions ,visit the key historic sites and can truly immerse themselves in the wonderful atmosphere of Amari
Stayed 20 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sonja Hutchinson

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay in a beautiful part of Crete

The location was fantastic, the villa was beautiful and beautifully presented to a very high standard and the hosts were wonderful! The entire family really enjoyed the food in the local restaurants and even more so the food prepared by Romy, we were so well looked after. I like to run in the mountains so had a multitude of options nearby. The family preferred the pool, the southern beaches, local gorges and picturesque villages. A wonderful time had by all and all enhanced by Manolis and Romy, experts in the local area and on hand if needed.
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay in the Amari Valley

This property is beautiful, even more so than in the photos. The view is spectacular and the village peaceful. It's not the place for people looking for a lot of hustle and bustle - rather it is an oasis of tranquility. But it does have relatively easy access to beaches and cities if you don't mind a little driving on the curvy roads. The villa is in easy reach of many important historical monuments and sites, as well as wonderful hiking. Manolis provides excellent recommendations, the warmest hospitality, and everything one might need. The generous welcome basket is full of Cretan products, such as marmalade, honey, fresh bread, eggs, and fruit. Rumy, the caretaker, will also cook excellent and inexpensive dinners, which we thoroughly enjoyed. It felt like being at home! We went in early July, and even though the days could get quite warm, the strong cool breeze of the mountains meant that we almost never needed the air conditioning. The kids loved the pool, although it was a bit chilly for me. Staying here helped us fall in love with Crete and we will definitely be back! On a visit to Rethymno, we started feeling a little sorry for the tourists staying there instead of in the Amari valley, our slice of heaven.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinary property and experience

This review field and my available time is too short to fully capture the extraordinary service and accommodation that Manolis, the property owner, and Rumy, the property caretaker and meal preparer provided to us. Manolis' home is situated in the middle of the bucolic Amari region of central Crete -- 1.5 hours from the southern beaches and a short drive/walk to numerous other natural wonders the area has to offer. The home is impeccably beautiful and offers everything -- bar none -- that active travelers would seek, either prior to or after a rigorous day in nature. From the moment we reserved his home, throughout and after our visit, he communicated fully and richly directions, suggestions, ideas to add to our itinerary. This took us to gorges, vistas, beaches, tavernas we couldn't have found on our own. Rumy dwells adjacent to the property and is available to prepare breakfasts and dinners from an extensive menu that features regional Cretan cooking. Her food is wonderful and she is lovely. We chose to eat every dinner on site, outside, in the shadows of nearby Mt. Ida. This was one of the finest and most memorable travel experiences we've undertaken.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christiane R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

herausragende Gastfreundlichkeit in wunderschöner Umgebung

Wir haben 12 Tage im Herzen Kretas verbracht und sind von Manolis und Mrs Rumy herzlichst aufgenommen worden und wurden sowohl von den exzellenten Kochkünsten verwöhnt als auch mit äußerst umfangreichen und hilfreichen Informationen zur Umgebung und Aktivitäten versorgt. Vielen Dank für die gute Zeit.
Stayed 12 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Neil G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Luxury stay in perfect quiet location with personal cook

This was our second stay at the villa and it exceeded our expectations again! Our host Manolis provided everything we could possibly need along with advice, suggestions and all local information. The villa was clean, comfortable and provided everything we needed, including fantastic traditional Greek cuisine and wine! Thank you Manolis for being the perfect host.
Stayed 28 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kevin Peter H., Berlin

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hier hält man auch Regentage prima aus

Wegen der Pandemie haben wir eine FeWo "ab vom Schuss" gesucht - und gefunden: im 200-Seelen-Bergdorf Amari in Zentralkreta. Mehr als ne kleine Kneipe gibt es nicht. Nur Gebimmel der Ziegenglöckchen. Vermieter Manolis konnte uns nach einer OP nicht persönlich besuchen, hat uns aber per Mail, Telefon und SMS super gut betreut! So viele ausgezeichnete Geheimtipps für kleine Wanderungen, Restaurants und Tavernen, die in keinem Reisführer oder online zu finden sind. Mrs. Rumy, die Haushälterin, wohnt in einer kleinen Wohnung unter der FeWo und ist die gute Seele, eine herzlichen und kinderliebe Frau - und eine hervorragende Köchin, die ein wenig Englisch spricht. Drei mal haben wir bei ihr kretische Speisen bestellt: Immer Spitzenklasse und ein wenig günstiger als im Restaurant, warm auf den Tisch der Wohnung. Toller Service, den man aber nicht bestellen muss. Ich bin sonst eher sparsam und geizig mit positiven Bewertungen von Ferienwohnungen, Hotels, etc. Aber hier hat einfach alles gestimmt, vor allem auch die Sauberkeit, auch das Hygiene-Konzept wegen Corona. Wir haben in der Fewo auch gern den einzigen kompletten Regentag unserer Reise in der Ferienwohnung verbracht - ohne Stress und gemütlich wie zu Hause. Wir kommen wieder, so bald es geht!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Peter G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This is no ordinary villa rental...it is a total experience....the Idi experience we called it.

Villa Idi is absolutely not your average Villa rental it is a total experience . The villa enjoys a fabulous location at the top of the serene ,historic village of Amari with expansive views over the wonderful red pan tile roofs of the ancient village and 360 degree views of the imposing mountains and Amari valley. The family home of the current owner Manolis the villa has been lovingly and appropriately restored to capture the old features of traditional Cretan buildings whilst embracing all the modern day comforts to ensure a really relaxing stay. The outdoor eating terrace and the pool terrace are beautifully appointed and maintained. All the linen is high quality and mattresses are firm and encourage a great nights sleep. In the days of Covid our trip was uncertain up to the last minute but Manolis was totally flexible and understanding and his regular contact with informative and encouraging emails was hugely helpful. Manolis clearly prioritises his guest’s comfort enjoyment and safety and his attention to detail is reflected not only in the presentation of the property but in his enthusiasm to deliver a truly memorable and appropriate experience of the Amari area to us. Giving up a great deal of time Manolis showed us many paths and sites we would not have found. Of course the whole Ida experience would be incomplete without Rumy....the on-site concierge /housekeeper/chef. A discreet friendly lady who can answer all your questions and offer advice with regards to shopping and buying the best produce and a cook of fabulous traditional Cretan dishes which she will deliver to your table whenever you require. Rumy is an integral part of the Ida experience. We cannot wait to return in the spring but meanwhile Thank you Manolis for being a great host and Thank you Rumy for being you! Rosie
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Peter G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical Amari

Villa Ida was everything we expected and more. Beautifully appointed with everything you could want. Mrs Rumy was a treasure. She produced fabulous Cretan food, most of which was not standard taverna recipes. She also provided a great housekeeping service. Manolis the villa owner was highly professional, great welcoming, tons of info re the area, sightseeing, walking routes and also very Covid aware. This villa and the village of Amari is a real treasure.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janine F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeded our expectations

We had a wonderful stay at Amari Villas. The host Manolis was incredibly helpful and well informed about the area. His recommendations were excellent (the gorge hike was challenging but awesome) and he was generous with his time. Do yourself a favour and order dinner from the lovely Mrs Rumy. Its local home cooking served on your patio - perfect! The accommodation is as advertised, but the views are better than expected.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Andreas B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ausgesprochen netter Vermieter

Manolis hat sich vor und während des Aufenthaltes sehr bemüht, dass wir uns wohlfühlen und hat uns wertvolle Tipps gegeben, die Umgebung zu erkunden. Mrs. Rumy kocht hervorragend, diesen Service sollte man unbedingt in Anspruch nehmen. Die griechische Gastfreundschaft war hervorragend, ein nettes Willkommenspaket mit Spezialitäten hat uns erfreut. Für Wanderbegeisterte genau die richtige Adresse.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

simone b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Erholung pur

Ein wunderbarer Platz , um vom Alltag Abstand zu gewinnen und neue Kraft zu schöpfen. Noch nie wurde ich im Urlaub so verwöhnt, einmal durch Mrs Rumy, die sich ums Haus kümmert und auf Wunsch wunderbare Gerichte zubereitet, als auch durch die aufmerksame Betreuung durch den Vermieter Manolis. Wer touristischen Trubel sucht, ist hier falsch
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Chris C., Golden, Colorado USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Incredible!

The owner, Manolis, went above and beyond our expectations! Prior to our arrival, he sent very detailed emails with directions to the villa, information about the Amari Valley, and suggestions for things to do. He personally met us the evening we checked in and shared a glass of wine with us while he showed us his maps and wonderful places to visit. He even sent us emails the next morning with Google map routes to follow. The villa was owned by his grandfather and the personal touches were evident by the elegant and tasteful décor. The onsite caretaker, Mrs. Rumy, was delightful and prepared breakfast for us two mornings. She also was available to prepare dinner, but we enjoyed buying food at the local market and cooking in the villa each evening. The pool area was a wonderful place to enjoy our meals, as was the upstairs terrace. The villa is in a very good location for exploring central Crete. We loved our morning walks listening to sheep bells and exploring the rural countryside. If we have the opportunity, we would love to stay in this beautiful villa again. We highly recommend it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

isabelle L., Canada (Montreal)

Exceptional hosts and spectacular view

We spent 4 nights in Manolis villa. Very nice property, well equipped, and immaculate. And OMG the mountains views is breathtaking!!! In addition, lots of small welcome gifts awaited us (honey, wine, raki, fresh bread, yogurt, homemade jam)! That was such a beautiful attention! We love the calm, the sound of sheeps, their bells and the courtyard with the swimming pool! So peaceful ! Manolis’s welcome was super warm and he took very good care of us during our stay. The informations he gives before, and during the stay is so very complete. The efforts he puts into it are out of the ordinary. We also had the chance to meet Mrs Rumy who is super nice and cooks divinely! Oh and I would not want to forget Mathilda, the cat, who is so adorable. We will keep very beautiful memories of our stay in Amari! Thank you so much Manolis, mrs Rumy and Mathilda! I really recommend this villa ... especially if you want to be a little away from the city's noise. Go !

10/10 Excellent

Hans v.

Wonderfull stay!

It is a beautifull house. Very cosy and wonderfull decorated in the style of the environment. Away from mass-tourism. It suits very easy our group of 6. Nice views and a relaxing pool. During the evening there is a very warm and cosy fireplace. Mrs Roumy, who lives nextdoor is an excellent cook. She prepared the dinner for two nights and the food was excellent and very affordable. Manolis told where to hike and we were not dissapointed at all. Beautifull hiking possibilities in the nearby area. In the future we will be back.

10/10 Excellent

amanda h.

Best family holiday EVER

We stayed at Villa Idi for five nights with our three boys ages 4, 7, and 9. You are probably reading reviews right now, thinking you should be staying closer to the beach or a larger town. Stop! You don't. This place is magic. Manolis is the most gracious of hosts we've ever met - super helpful, kind, and upon arrival you're met not only with his family's beautiful, soulful home, but also with fresh honey, bread, wine, and other treats. Fresh Cretan lavender throughout the house. Mrs. Rumy is likewise a dream. Her lengthy menu offers up the most incredible Greek food you'll find anywhere. For busy parents looking forward to 1) not cooking and 2) not eating out every meal... Mrs. Rumy rings your doorbell with an easy feast. We ordered food with her everyday. The location of the villa is breathtaking. We visited lots of sites during our stay -- including three glorious beaches. They are an hour's drive away. But the drive is spectacular, so we didn't mind at all. It was our best family holiday: relaxing, culturally deep, and gorgeous.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mandy H.

Absolut empfehlenswert

Ein Ort, an dem wir gerne wieder Urlaub machen. Ideal um mit dem Auto Zentralkreta zu erkunden.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Darlene W.

Exceptional - 5 plus stars!

Beautiful and immaculate villa surrounded by gorgeous mountain views! So peaceful and serene! Manolis was a gracious host and went above and beyond what was expected before and during our stay. We enjoyed good conversation and appreciated his knowledge and interest in sharing the history of his island and making suggestions of highlights in central Crete to visit. Everything about the house was perfect - the beds were comfortable, the sheets were wonderful, every amenity was present, the kitchen had everything that was needed and the food that greeted us was generous and lovely! Rumy welcomed us and was very attentive to our needs. It was a treat to enjoyed her cooking two traditional Greek dinners for us. So fresh and delicious! We departed with fond memories. I have nothing but praise and would love to return for a month! Mahalo Manolis and Rumy!

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

A magical holiday in a majestic landscape. Beautiful maintained villa & excellent hosting

We did not want to leave this wonderful villa and its surrounding landscape! Villa Idi is a true gem that we are so glad to have discovered. It has ample space for families and groups, yet is cosy for couples as well. It is spacious, comfortable and exceptionally well appointed with excellent appliances and facilities. We cannot fault the cleanliness and maintenance of the property and surrounding terraces and gardens. We arrived late at night after our flight to a welcoming 'home from home' offering complimentary fresh bread, wine, raki, flowers and essentials - enough for a couple of days. We must credit the (now infamous!) Mrs Rumy for her excellent hosting during our stay. Like others, we took full advantage of the catering she offers via her extensive menu for dinner - and breakfasts. Whilst there are some lovely tavernas in the area with friendly hosts and excellent food - Mrs Rumy couldn't be surpassed and as a result we ate at the villa a lot. This works well because exploring the local area is a priority - there is so much to see and experience in the Amari valley and surrounding area. We could make the most of our daytime exploring, knowing there would be a delicious feast waiting for us on our return! Here is where we must also credit Manolis, the villa owner. The extensive information for travel, local 'must see' places and the villa provided before our trip helped us prepare and he was always on hand during our stay if we needed advice or help. (We needed little as everything had been thought about in advance and sent to us). In summary the villa, hosting and support are faultless. Support is always available, but you are left to your own relaxation. A bit of space remains to talk about our Cretan experience. A car is recommended if you want to see the area-we made full use of ours during our stay. You soon get used to the roads and in the countryside, the roads are quiet; every corner offering another beautiful vista. From the villa we could see the twinkling lights of at least four other villages across the valley. Wildlife lovers will see animals and birds aplenty in the countryside. History lovers will find ancient monasteries, local culture being kept alive in the villages and some fantastic ancient sites. 10 minutes drive from the villa is a fascinating archaeological dig uncovering an important Minoan palace! Rethymon is also worth a visit (around 30 mins drive). Unforgettable. We would return in a heartbeat. Thank you!
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R., Worcester

Relaxing holiday

Really relaxing setting,beautiful villa and stunning views.The owner made us feel so welcome and couldn’t do enough for us.Mrs Rumy the house keeper,cooked us a delicious meal and she looked after us 24/7.We will definitely return.I would recommend this villa to families with children who don’t need supervising around the pool.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Nicolla M.

Memories from Amari

Our third year at Amari Villas over and we are still mesmerised by the panoramic mountain views, beautiful sunsets and the quite nature of village life and sheep bells. Manolis and the most excellent Rumy have made us feel very much at home; with each visit we grow more familiar with the location (both on and off road) and with gorgeous home cooked food from local produce and organic wines. As a family (including 2 teen girls) our expeditions have taken us to beautiful off-the-beaten-track places with details carefully listed in the villa documents, along with all the more familiar information on nearest towns and beaches. Villa Idi has been our house each time, extended one year to include friends in the adjacent villa. Situated high overlooking the village square you are fortunate to have an eye on the activity of village life (and the van deliveries of bread, veg & cheese) whilst enjoying privacy round the pool. We couldn’t have been better provided for, our experience has been deeply memorable and without doubt we will be back.