Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

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!

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!!

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)

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

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.