Where do I start.... we have just returned from the most perfect family holiday, ten nights, in Metochi, Crete. Villa Laina was the most beautiful villa we have ever stayed in, the attention to detail was just outstanding, we wanted for nothing in terms of home comforts made even more perfect by the quality & traditional character of the villa. On arrival we were met by the owner Dionysis who is the perfect gentleman & speaks better English than us! Not only did we have the biggest bowl of fresh fruit we also had homemade raki & a bottle of wine, what a welcome, we knew straight away we were in for a real treat. As I’ve said the attention to detail is amazing, the bed linen & towels are clearly quality and everything across the villa so fresh & clean. The roof terrace has stunning views across the village and out to sea, perfect place to watch the sun rise, set or soak up the sun. The pool was immaculate and refreshing, plenty of places around the pool to relax and soak up the sun but also plenty of shade if you want to avoid the sun. The air conditioning throughout the villa was a welcome feature when it became really hot. We are a family of 7 ages 14, 19, 23, 27, 28, 43 & 51 & it was the perfect location for us all - we hired a seven seater car to explore the island, plenty of car hire in Maleme & Platanias, we had ours delivered to the villa, the 3 boys also hired mopeds for 4 days from just outside Platanias, there is a little shop about half a mile walk, not so bad walking to it although walking back is a bit more uphill so choose a cooler time in the day. Eating out we varied between Maleme & Platanias but also enjoyed staying in and cooking in the villa & BBQ’ing - we did a big shop between the local supermarket in Maleme & Lidl which is closer to Platanias. We found some amazing beaches and the roads are easy to navigate, the Blue Sea beach bar is a must, the food and scenery and sea swimming is outstanding. Visit to Chania Old Town is also a must do. We also got a takeaway delivered, menus were provided in the villa and the food was fantastic. We used the local taxi company in the evenings who were great, again details provided in the villa. Dionysis came to see us on the second day to recommend places to visit & check we were ok, we also met Georgia later in the week who was beautiful & charming, what a lovely family who own the most outstanding villa - can’t wait to go back next year. Steph, Paul & Children x 11-21 June 2018
