Villa DiStella

Everything. Very spacious. Internal quality was fantastic. Everything you could need. A welcome cake & wine. Basket of pool towels. Cushions for chairs. Pool floats. Outdoor seating spaces for every time of the day. Lovely Korres toiletries in the shower rooms. Tavernas and shops nearby. A quick drive into Rethymno.

The villa was incredible, we felt like we'd hit the jackpot. Stella was extremely responsive whenever we messaged. The check-in was smooth, the villa is a great size with lots of separate spaces depending on whether relaxing, dining, socialising or soaking up the sun. There are 3 separate terraces, plus loads of room by the pool. The pool itself is a really good size, with a substantial deep-end, was a great temperature and not too cold, comfortable loungers and amazing views! We had regular cleaning visits, plus Stella's Dad keeping the pool clean and topped up, as well as making sure all the plants and gardens stayed in great condition. They were excellent hosts, very hospitable and we can't recommend this villa enough! It's worth also mentioning the great location, within 5 mins walk is an amazing local bar with seating in the village square, which serves great food and beer in frozen glasses! Another 30 seconds up the road is another restaurant, a mini-market across the road (with everything you need) and then a 3rd restaurant another minute's walk... and a local butchers further up the road. All were excellent! AND, there is a bus service into Rethymno (15 mins trip for €1.40). Thanks again to Stella and her family for the great hospitality, home baking and desserts during our stay - as well as their flexibility on our last day for a late checkout as they didn't have another booking immediately arriving!

The wifi works and is consistent, but at 5Mb download and 0.5Mb upload, would be good if possible to speed it up. Would also be helpful for a book/folder covering general information for the house, such as recycling, cleaning schedule etc (which Stella was quick to help us with when asked, but might be helpful to have details in the house).