We felt very much at home for the 9 days we were at Villa Petra. Booking direct with Gregory, the owner, couldn't have been more straightforward. Location is secluded, quiet and has fantastic views of the surrounding olive groves, hills and mountains. It's ideally placed to explore other areas of Crete and 5 min drive from the pretty small town of Vrysses, which had everything we needed from a bakery, supermarket with butcher, petrol station, cafes and shops. Maza itself is a tiny hamlet with a lovely square at the centre which has a great taverna run by Kostas and Voula - two extremely welcoming hosts who go out of their way to make you feel part of the community and dish up tasty rustic dishes, most of the produce they grow/rear themselves. There is another taverna M Maza, about a 2 min walk from the villa, run by Elena who cooks delicious local produce and even delivered a pre-ordered hot lunch to the villa one day so we didn't have to lift a finger to enjoy the fresh, wonderful meal. Her aubergine 'dip' (it's probably called something specific but I don't know what) was one of the best things I tasted the whole time I was there and the lamb she cooked was tender and packed with flavour. The villa itself is perfectly laid out, everything has been well thought out. It was very clean, and really felt homely - with lots of old furniture, crockery, plenty of glasses, plates, saucepans, utensils and all the bits and pieces you need when cooking or just relaxing. There were even mosquito plug-ins all round the place, washing powder and dishwasher tabs, candles, a few games, a giant inflatable ring in the pool, plenty of towels and good bedlinen. The well-cared-for potted plants all around the garden were beautiful. It did not feel bare and unloved like some other rented villas you come across. Beds were good: firm but not uncomfortable, bathrooms were lovely and a pleasure to use. Gregory, the owner, was always easy to reach by phone or email if ever we wanted anything and he was extremely friendly and welcoming and happy to go out of his way to meet your needs or advise. We loved the villa so much, we found it quite hard to tear ourselves away and spent far too much time just lazing around in and out of the pool, cooking, listening to music, just enjoying the whole feel of the place. We would highly recommend the villa - I would say it's both great for a group, a family or for couples wanting to get away from it all. I'd definitely return.
