No words can describe how fantastic our stay in Villa Asigonia was. We visited many countries and places around the world, but this was so very unique.
First, the house. Our family is big (10 people including 3 small children), but there was plenty of space for everyone. The villa is spacious, beautiful in Cretan style, spotlessly clean, and equipped with everything one may need. Kids loved the pool, the family had great time sun-tanning in comfortable chairs and admiring stunning views of the mountains. We were looking for a place away from tourist bustle, yet close to places worth visiting. We got exactly what we wanted.
Asi Gonia is a village with a real Cretan feel. Olive groves, goats and sheep dot the mountainside. Everything is within walking distance, in a beautiful mountain scenery. And locals are so friendly, we were stopped when walking on the street and invited to share food and raki.
The best of all – what a hospitality! Out hosts, Georgia and Yannis, became our friends in no time. They were driving daily from Rethymno to attend to our every need, and always went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. One night, on our request, Georgia and Yannis came to cook for us. What a feast it was! Fantastic Greek food that wasn’t so good in any other place except there – moussaka and bifteka and Greek salad. We could barely finish this excellent food in two days. Another day, Georgia took us for a walk through the village and to a place where local cheese and other local specialties are made, such as “pites” (?). These treats look like pancakes, but are filled with fresh, cheese. We fried them at home and they were delicious. We didn’t make our coffee in the morning, it was so nice to walk to the local café.
One evening, Georgia arranged for us to have dinner and show at a nearby village Argyroupoli. We asked her to find a taverna with live Cretan music, and she found us Cretan traditional event with the traditional dances of Crete. We loved it, and the kids watched in awe the colorful costumes of the dancers. In that lovely taverna, terraced and surrounded by waterfalls, we ate lamb on a spit, famously the best in Crete.
In their own words, Georgia and Yannis do it all from their hearts. They are devoted to hosting and love their job, and make any wish come true.
We didn’t want to leave, and we would love to go back. Georgia and Yannis, thank you from our hearts!