In the beginning of june 2016 we spent 8 wonderful days in Villa Athina.
We were three generations: father with his three grown up children and five grandchildren between 10 and 17 years. Alltogether 12 persons!
The Villa is situated in the heart of a little historical Cretan village Loutra and is beautifully framed by arcaic olive groves. The villa is surrounded on two sides by a whitewashed wall and there in the gate stood Mr. Costas Kallergi himself, friendly welcomimg us and showing us around in the gardenlike and beautifully renovated villa-complex. Very impressing were the many terraces, embedded in lush greenery, on different levels with access to the suite-like bedrooms, all equipped with bathroom and kitchinette with fridge. From the garden-level with a little pool (highly appreciated by the youngest) a few steps lead up to the large dining terrace next to the new stonewalled grill, nestled in wineleafs. In the same level, via a little charming tree-shadowed patio, you come to the kitchen with a very high standard of equipments. It was in open connection with the large inside area for leisure with sofas, piano, fireplace, TV etc. In the kitchen was a generous fruit-basqet welcoming us, in the fridge a lot of juices, cheeses, wine etc. This generous gesture was very appriciated.
Villa Athina was perfect for us, it never felt crowded though we were so many people. In the evening we all had dinner on the terrace, our Chef des Rotisseurs was handling the grill, preparing lamb, fish or vedgetables while tasting the local wine. Fresh fish and lambsmeat we found in Rethymnon market in 15 min distance. After dinner we could just relax with a nice mixture of leisure activities in groups or together. From the comfortable easychairs on the upper terrace we could have a drink while enjoying the sunset over the sea.
The last evening we had an unforgettable supper in the neighbourhood in a paradise-like taverna where we could follow the preparing of all kind of Cretan dishes. All herbs, vedgetables, fruits were from their garden. The lamb was rosted in the outdoor kitchen, the magic smell of rosemary and garlic made us euforic and we enjoyed the dinner under the pergola while the sun set over the sea of King Minos.
Finally, we all are very greatful to Costas, Dimitrios and Andreas for their hostility during our stay. For us all it has become a memory for lifetime.
Illar Meikop, architect from Finland with family
