Questions
Everything worth asking before you book.
How many the house sleeps, what the drive is like, whether the pool is warm in April - answered plainly.
Frequently asked
The house, the road, and the water.
How many people does Phoenix Villa sleep?
Eight, across four bedrooms - three double beds and two single beds. There are five bathrooms: one en-suite for each bedroom and a further one serving the living areas. The interior is 220 square metres. Bed arrangements can be confirmed when you book.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 15:00 until 22:00. Check-out is from 08:00 until 11:00. Express check-in and check-out are available. Let us know your estimated arrival time in advance.
Is the pool private, and is it open all year?
The pool is private to the villa and open all year. It is lit after dark, which turns the whole terrace blue. Bear in mind that at 480 metres the water is bracing outside the summer months - the sauna and hammam are the better bet in April.
What is in the spa?
A dry sauna lined in timber, a hammam in deep blue mosaic under a vaulted ceiling, a rain shower, and a relaxation room with a lounger and candles. There is also a fitness room and a bar. It is a proper sequence rather than a token: heat, steam, cold water, then somewhere to sit and do nothing.
Where exactly is the villa, and how do we get there?
In the village of Agios Ioannis, in the Foinikas area of south-west Rethymno, at 480 metres beside a cypress forest of 200 stremmata. It is 24 km from the Archaeological Museum of Rethymno and 75 km from Chania International Airport. From Rethymno you drive south towards Spili; the last stretch runs through the Kotsifos gorge with the walls close on both sides. Take it slowly - it is the best part of the journey.
Do we need a car?
Yes, we would say so. The walking routes start at the door, but the beaches, the gorges and the villages all want a car. Free private parking is on site. Airport transfer can be arranged on request at additional cost.
How far are the beaches?
The road south runs through the Kotsifos gorge and comes out on the Libyan Sea. Plakias, Damnoni, the Preveli palm forest, Rodakino and Frangokastello are all reachable and back within a day. Agia Galini and Sfakia are a longer but very worthwhile drive.
Is it too hot in August?
This is the reason to come in August. The altitude does the work: evening cool settles the heat of the morning, and it does so every night of the summer. There is air conditioning throughout as well.
What is provided, and what should we bring?
Linens and towels, bath foam, shampoo, toiletries and a hairdryer are all here. So is a fully equipped kitchen - oven, hob, extractor, full-height fridge, kettle, coffee and tea - plus a washing machine and iron. Free WiFi throughout. Bring walking shoes.
Are pets allowed? Can we hold a party?
Pets are not accommodated. The property does not host hen, stag or similar parties. Phoenix Villa is managed by a private host and suits families and groups of up to eight.
Is the villa suitable in winter?
Yes - it is available every month of the year. There is an indoor fireplace and heating, and the forest and the gorge are arguably better out of season. The spa earns its keep in January.
How do we book?
Directly with us. Send your dates and the size of your party through the enquiry form or write to info@villaphoenixcrete.gr, and we will confirm availability and the rate by return. Booking direct means no agency commission, so the price we quote is the best we can do.