Villa Idi: pure relaxation in the heart of Crete

Lovely property, tastefully decorated ànd furnished, in a stunning, albeit remote, location. You sense the family history. The owner sent a plethora of information before our arrival and met us there on arrival. Would highly recommend this property for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy the stunning scenery or sit by the pool and soak on the views all the added bonus of Rumy to cook if you wish! Thank you

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.

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.

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.

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.

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