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Luxurious villa with private private heated pool & spectacular views

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Luxurious villa with private private heated pool & spectacular views

Outdoor pool, a heated pool
Miscellaneous
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 14280 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
    Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Breakfast available
    Breakfast available

Explore the area

Map
Rethymnon, Crete
  • Reptisland
    4 min walk
  • Melidoni Cave
    4 min drive
  • Varkotopos beach
    16 min drive
  • Heraklion (HER-Nikos Kazantzakis)
    53 min drive

Room options

About the area

Melidoni

A stay at this villa places you in the heart of Mylopotamos, just a 4-minute walk from Reptisland and within a 5-minute drive of Melidoni Cave. .This family-friendly villa is 5.8 mi (9.4 km) from Vlihi Nero beach and 5.9 mi (9.5 km) from Church of Agios Yiorgos.
View more Villas in MelidoniOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Reptisland - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Melidoni Cave - 4 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Livadi beach - 15 min drive - 9.7 km
  • Spilies Beach - 18 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Arkadi Monastery - 24 min drive - 20.0 km

Getting around

  • Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Melidoni Cave - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Panormo Beach - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Isla - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Galini Taverna - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Cafe Posto Panormo - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Luxurious villa with private private heated pool & spectacular views

This house invites you to enjoy its elegance and nobility and to share with it the gifts of the beautiful garden and the sense of the tranquility. On leaving the house, you will feel emotionally and mentally richer. Arethousa proves that a house is not only a place to live in, but can also change your senses and make your spirit gentle and sweet. It is one of the noble houses of Melidoni, a village rich in architecture and history. It is construction to be preserved, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture, and was restored in the 2005 under its supervision. It was the owner’s Christina Hatzidakis’, birthplace, built 200 years ago and its decoration bears her sensitivity and taste. It is a house that gives you a feeling of love.


The nearest airport of Heraklion (HER) is located 50 km east of the villa, while the port of Rethymnon lies at a distance of 29 km.
The airport of Chania (CHQ) is another 90km to the west, that is a 1 hour 30 mins drive. A car rental can be arranged to pick you up at the airport and drive you to your villa. Perama is at a distance of 3 km and the traditional village of Panormo with the beautiful restaurants near the sea is at a distance of 9 km/10 mins drive!


There are some interesting excursions you can go in Kastri, Melidoni and the outskirts. The distances and routes are shown on the map in the webpage.


The gardens area is 2000 sq.m. Inside the garden there is a kiosk, BBQ area, beautiful plants, fruit trees and many corners to relax. There is also a 50 sq.m adult swimming pool and a 12 sq.m children’s swimming pool which can also function as a hydro massage, providing you with serenity.
The nearest beach of Bali lies at a distance of 6 km, it is sandy and offers many opportunities for water sports. There are also quiet locations for guests to enjoy the beach without being annoyed by nearby jet-skiers or water-skiers. The sandy beach of Panormo offers you a second choice for your swim near the area. There are plenty of beautiful beaches in the area also!
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned villa, which features a fireplace and a private pool. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. The bathroom with a shower/tub combination features a jetted bathtub and a hair dryer.
Enjoy a range of recreational amenities, including a water park, an outdoor pool, and a spa tub. Additional amenities at this villa include concierge services and barbecue grills.
Breakfast is available for a fee.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Antonios Hatzidakis

Languages

English, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • Near the beach
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Outdoor pool
  • Heated pool
  • A hot tub
  • Massages

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking
  • Limo/town car service
  • Car recommended

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Spices
  • Paper towels
  • Ice maker

Dining

  • Breakfast available for a fee

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 6 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Jetted
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Stereo
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 25 kg per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Limited housekeeping
  • Safe
  • Chef
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near the sea
  • In the city centre
  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • Near outlet shopping
  • Near the bay
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf privileges
  • Swimming nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Surfing/body boarding nearby
  • Rafting nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 3014 sq ft (280 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total (up to 55 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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: 20
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
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 1099044

We should mention

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

Property is also known as

Luxurious Villa Private Private Spectacular Views Rethymnon
Luxurious Villa Private Private Spectacular Views
Luxurious Private Private Spectacular Views Rethymnon
Luxurious Private Private Spectacular Views
Luxurious Villa Private Private Spectacular Views Rethymnon
Luxurious Villa Private Private Spectacular Views
Luxurious Private Private Spectacular Views Rethymnon
Luxurious Villa Private Private Spectacular Views
Luxurious Private Private Spectacular Views Rethymnon
Luxurious Private Private Spectacular Views

Luxurious villa with private private heated pool & spectacular views Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Orna M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding villa and hopitslity
Villa located in a nice village ,very private and quiet.We were a family of 7 adults and 2 babys and we had a great vavation. The rooms were nice and clean, kitchen well equiped, the pool was great. Hosts were kind and attentive! Warmly
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful villa
What a stunning property. The attention to detail was exceptional. The villa is a very traditional property and has been decorated in a very authentic style. We arrived to be met by a member of the family who showed us around. There was a welcome pack waiting for us which was unexpected. The pool area and garden is amazing with stunning views of the mountains. There was a lovely lady who came in twice a week to clean the villa, change the bedding and towels. Just be aware that this is not a standalone villa and is in fact a terraced house, but you wouldn’t know as you are surrounded by a wall which gives you all the privacy you will need. The local village has a few bars and a lovely restaurant, which is highly recommend. The only thing was that the directions to the villa weren’t very clear on VRBO and it took us quite a while to locate the villa. Overall we had a fabulous holiday and would highly recommend this amazing villa.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie G., Northville USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous family adventure
Villa Arethousa was perfect for our extended family of 14. The pool and the villa were beautiful and clean. The rooms were spacious and each had its own en suite. The villa was practically soundproof, which was an added benefit when traveling with small children who needed to go to bed early. We used the pizza oven, grill, and outdoor dining area frequently and having two refrigerators was great. Melidoni is a charming village and we met many kind, hospitable people. I wouldn’t hesitate to book again in the future.
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marta M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Simply Perfect Family Vacation Villa
Amazing 200 year-old beautifully-restored villa, with vintage-esque furniture and decorations, but also included all modern utilties (air-conditioner, showers, wifi, dishwasher, washing machine, two refridgerators, etc.). The entire property was gorgeous, with tons of fresh oranges and lemons on the trees. The pool was a good size and very clean, and perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the sun. Plenty of room inside and outside for large groups. Located in the middle of an adorable little town with a two minute walk to the local tavern, store, and cafes. By the way, the tavern is supposed to close at midnight, but very often stays open longer and the owner will eagerly teach you how to dance traditional Greek dances. Property owners are very friendly, hospitable, quick to reply, and ready to help with any issues or provide any recommendations. We hope to be back one day!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

jolyon miles M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Just so easy
Property has the best of both worlds. Privacy and seclusion and easy walking access to the heart of the village with x2 restaurant/cafe and x2 minimarkets. Bakery a 10 minute drive. Beaches from 20 minutes. The drive to the property is a bit hairy on the first occasion - go slow and use google maps.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick W.

Liked: Cleanliness
What a find! A gem of a villa
This cherished house has been in the proud ownership of the same family, over many generations, and they have lovingly maintained and updated it with great care and attention to detail, ensuring guests are comfortable and welcome. The property comprises a superb swimming pool and sun lounger area, a large outdoor dining area with bbq and pizza oven, the main house, and a garden house. Everything just works really well and, for those who like to cook, the kitchen is well appointed with plenty of crockery, cutlery, glasses, and cookware. Our family prefers the freedom of self-catering villas, and this is without doubt one of the best properties we have rented. The local town square of Melidoni is five minutes walk, and has two small supermarkets and restaurants/bars - Dili-Dili (run by Ioannis and family) and Carob & Olive (Katarina and team) - which are both great for when you want to go local and sit alongside the residents and soak up the atmosphere. Perama is 15 minutes drive and is great for larger supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Can recommend Thraka.com for food, and the bakery next door for fresh baklava, pastries, and bread. Rethymno is good for a day out (recommend Nyn & Aei for small-plates style lunch), and Panormas, a charming port town closer to home, with restaurants overlooking the old port. Beaches at Bali are bustling and great for sunbathing and cove swimming. If you want a quiet swim there are many coves to explore away from the big towns. Just loved it, and was sad to say goodbye. Next time, we will visit Chania and other places we didn't make it to! Many thanks to Chrysoula and family for an unforgettable holiday.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caroline E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Property
This was an exceptional villa in Crete. We would highly recommend to all! The pool and grounds were extremely spacious and beautiful. We made freshly squeezed orange juice daily from the fruits on the trees. The villa itself has a lot of character, is clean and exceptionally well maintained. It was easy to relax and spacious for two families. The hosts were extremely lovely and responsive. I hope we get to return one day!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

STEFAN D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great property
Fantastic property with all amenities in a great little village. Swimming pool is fantastic only whished we had better weather to enjoy it. Rethymno is a little gem , beaches nearby are fantastic
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

David T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our holiday at Villa Arethousa 27/7/19 to 10/8/19
A magnificent villa set in impressive grounds.The villa is spacious and had no problem in accommodating our party of 8 adults and 4 children. The kitchen had more than enough crockery , glassware and cutlery for our needs and the outdoor eating area was where we had most of our meals. The pool is simply fantastic and the spacious grounds are lovingly maintained. A wonderful experience and we were very sad when our fortnight came to an end.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sabrina K., Los Angeles

Liked: Cleanliness
Creten Hospitality
The property hosts were so helpful. When we had unexpected extra guests for 1 night, they brought us extra folding beds to accommodate and when I stupidly kept the key with me, they were able to arrange to get it back to them when I was at the airport the following day. Thanks so much! This property is in a very quaint tiny town with a super friendly and yummy restaurant for when you just want to take a break from going places.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Janette B., Lake Oswego, Oregon United States

Family Reunion in Crete
We chose Crete to meet up with our 3 daughters and their families for 10 days because none of us had been there before. We were very lucky to have chosen this picturesque town with its narrow curving streets where everyone was friendly and the beautiful villa which was very comfortable. Fragrant fruit trees line the Villa walkways and everyday with breakfast we had freshly made orange juice. The young children swam each morning in the protected heated pool and our afternoons were spent exploring the area. The Paraschakis Family Olive Farm was wonderful, the Melidoni Cave was close and the beautiful city of Rethymno with its Venetian old town provided some shopping opportunities. We ate out almost every night at at the new restaurant in Peramo because the main courses and the deserts were delicious. We had an amazing adventure and our hosts were very accommodating!
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Veronica M.

Superb Villa!
A fabulous 5 star property with pool and jacuzzi. A very high standard throughout. Local villagers couldn't be more friendly and helpful, special thanks to Maria, Sofia, Yanis and Stavros! Highly, highly recommended, thank you for a wonderful holiday!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jo-Anne A.

Great villa. Lovely pool and view of the hills.
Relaxing, traditional home. We based ourselves here for a week. Found it easy to travel to places of interest. We loved the home made olive oil and wine that was left as a gift.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Daphne L.

The Brilliant Sunlight Streams Down from Heaven
The villa was perfect. It is located in the center of Melidoni, a charming ancient village with a couple of cafes, a small store and almost no tourists. The villa has a front entrance, for walking, off a narrow street a block from the center of town. The rear entrance, when driving, is approached down a short narrow road through an olive grove. You enter through a remotely controlled power gate. The villa itself is charming. It was recently renovated and is tastefully decorated with lovely touches of Greek culture, and all the modern conveniences. Each of the four bedrooms in the main house has its own bathroom, as does the bedroom in the separate pool house which was perfect for two college aged boys who typically slept until 1pm. The air conditioning in the bedrooms was a welcome relief after the heat of the day. We ate most of our meals at the outside stone table. A neighborhood cat would periodically come by for a handout. We were well supplied with lemons that fell from the trees at our feet. The grapes, alas, were not yet ripe. The pool was very modern and very well maintained. The owners arranged to have a local lady cook us a traditional meal one evening for the birthday of our 22 year old daughter. It was lovely. If you want a relaxing holiday in a beautiful setting, I highly recommend this villa.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Keith S., Walkern Herts

Tranquility !
One of the most beautiful villas in which we have ever stayed. The design of the main accommodation has been carefully designed to give everyone privacy but not isolation. The outside area with the BBQ and swimming pool was exceptional. Tina, the maid, was a gem! She cleaned everything until it sparked! Nothing was too much trouble for her. As for Christina and George, they were lovely hosts. Unfortunately, my wife contacted a severe chest infection and had to visit the nearby health centre for an antibiotic. Whilst we were waiting Christina arrived, spoke to the doctor and then to the nearby chemist and arranged for our prescription to be made up. As we do not speak Greek she made an unpleasant episode much easier to bare. She was wonderful! My wife is recovering well now! Everyone enjoyed their stay, and there were ten of us at times! A beautiful village with friendly people completed the virtuous circle! Highly recommended. Keith Strowger
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Emma D.

Exceptionally high quality villa
This is definitely a 5 star villa, extremely clean & furnished to a high standard. Beautifully landscaped gardens with a large pool. Amazing views of the beautiful Cretan mountains set in a charming village. George and his daughter were warm and helpful hosts, we will be back!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2016

10/10 Excellent

Barbera B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super huis
Prachtig huis, kleine supermarkt op loopafstand en ook super restaurant
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sprookjesachtig
Het is een prachtig huis in heel mooie gedeelte van Kreta, een mooi eigen terrein met een slaapkamer incl badkamer echt geheel apart als huisje aan het zwembad! Super leuk. De andere 4 slaapkamers waren in het vakantie huis zelf en was alles goed geregeld. Enige min punt is dat de douche koppen niet opgehangen kunnen worden en dat je bij het slapen gaan de luiken dicht moet houden en airco aan ivm met stoken van het hout en geen horren aanwezig zijn. Maar als je de luiken dicht doet dan slaap je heerlijk en lang ivm dat het super donker is!! Echt een top verblijf. Fijn ook dat een grotere supermarkt er op loopafstand is alles heeft en leuk dorpje met echt goed Grieks eten! Een aanrader!!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Sandra B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great pool, wonderful home!
We had a very pleasant stay in this super complete Mansion, hosted by its very gentle owners. A recommendation for families with kids! Enjoy your stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Reinhard L.

Liked: Cleanliness
.
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Stayed 14 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super séjour dans une très belle maison
Très bon séjour dans cette belle maison, agréable et très pratique lorsqu'on est plusieurs familles / amis. Super propre, hôte charmant (La réactivité par mail n'est pas grande mais sur place ils répondront tout de suite à toutes vos questions). Nous étions avec un bébé et nous avons eu tout le matériel nécessaire (lit, chaise, baignoire). Le petit village de Melidoni est lui aussi très agréable, notamment pour sa bonne taverne. Jardin agréable avec une belle piscine et une jolie vue sur les montagnes.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Rundum Zufrieden
Wir haben einen tollen Urlaub in dem Haus verbracht, toller schöner großer Pool zzgl Kinderpool/whirlpool, tolle Lage in Melidoni mit süßen Dorfkern und 2 Supermärkten sowie Restaurants. Es kam in den 2 Wochen sogar ein Putzservice. Wir waren 10 Personen und hatten ausreichend Platz. Waschmaschine, ausreichend Handtücher waren vorhanden. Toller großer Esstisch im Außenbereich. Am Pool gab es ausreichend Liegen. Ganz toll fanden wir das Begrüßungspaket der Vermieter. Zitronenbäume, orangen, Wein, Pflaumen,... können geerntet werden. Wir können das Haus wärmstens weiterempfehlen.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

J.H.M. S.

De woning was verbluffend mooi. wij hebben niks gemist. Iedereen heeft ervan genoten.
Wat een paradijsje. De ligging van de woning. Het uitzicht. Het dorpje, nog zo fijn authentiek Grieks. In alle opzichten een perfecte plek. Wij gingen met een fantastisch ervaring naar huis. Dit namens ons en onze volwassen kinderen. Familie Smit Leiden/Nederland
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Gunn Berit G.

Amazing house and garden.
We had a marvellous and happy stay. Very suitable for a big family with children and adults in the the big garden with swimming pool , playground, lemon and vegetables. The house is amazing and the hosts the same!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Hanspeter W.

Ein traumhafter Urlaub in einer gepflegten Villa
Eine wahrhaftig gepflegte Ferien-Villa. Alles da - alles sauber (2x die Woche gereinigt) - sehr unkompliziert - einfach perfekt
Stayed 17 nights in Sep 2016