The Private Family Retreat, is part of an Elite group of ThinkVilla bespoke stays, where hand-picked exceptional properties of outstanding 24/7 service, incredible tailored experiences and unique cultural charm await to inspire you. The Villa has been certified with the Seal of Approval, a 300’ Criteria Rating, for the unique design, innovation, individual quality & inspiring offerings only with ThinkVilla. As you will enter the house the first thing that will catch your eye, is the breathtaking view of the balcony, overviewing the whole area of Maroulas village. Your look will first stand in the trees next to the house, then will wander upon the endless fields and olive groves and eventually will gaze the Cretan sea and meeting the sky, it will be lost in the horizon. And in the evening the sunset will steal your heart and bring peace to your mind. We are sure that you will spend many ours on that balcony, having breakfast or dinner or just enjoying family moments. You also like the sense of privacy and freedom in this wonderfully secluded Villa. *Maroulas Villa Ioanna is part of the complex “Maroulas Villas” which include two villas in total, each of them with separate facilities and private pools. The situation of the Villa combines the calmness of the nature with easy access to modern amenities. The Villa is just 3 Kms from Platanias, one of the best beaches on the North Coast of the island. After a short 5 minutes drive you could be in the heart of summer beat, amazing sandy beach, with a great selection of shops, restaurants & cafes by the sea, beach bars and even a pharmacy and doctor's office. On the other hand Maroulas village is also 2 Kms away and offers you the opportunity to take an inside look of life in the village, where there are two tavernas and two cafes. Anyone with an interest in shopping, clubbing, dinning out or swimming, will find out that Rethymno offers many and satisfactory choices. Layout Exterior Villa Ioanna features a private swimming pool of 40m2 and 0.5-1.5 m. deep, lawn covered terrace of 100m2 and outdoor BBQ facilities to its guests, which also have unique view of the beautiful landscape. The pool area is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, which is the perfect place to relax with a refreshing drink in your hand and create some unforgettable memories with your friends or family. Interior This spacious home is well appointed, beautifully maintained and of an appealing size and layout that works well for many different group configurations, perfectly equipped for modern day vacationers. The Villa easily accommodates up to six people, so three couples can enjoy the space together and of course it is ideal for families. The large living room creates a homely atmosphere and has a balcony. Also, it enjoys early light and clear view of the sky and the village, the fields and sea and offers great sunset views. The fully equipped and modern eat-in kitchen has a window that brightens the room and a dining area that allows you to enjoy homemade family dinners. Finally, the Villa boasts three comfortable bedrooms (one double and two twin), all with balconies with great views of the area, as well as two bathrooms (one with a bathtub and one with a shower). Property Notes: - Welcome basket included, courtesy of the owner. - Bed linen, bath and pool towels, covers and blankets provided. - Housekeeping, towels and linen changes every four days. - Air-conditioning in all rooms is included. - Baby cot and high chair available if needed. - Complimentary free Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout the Villa. All in-house electronics are available including a fridge with refrigerator, microwave, Nespresso machine, dishwasher, kettle, toaster and sandwich maker, electrical stove, oven, flat-screen TV with satellite reception, food processor, hair dryer, juice maker, boiler, washing machine, CD and DVD players, iron and iron board. - Free Parking space on the property. - Garden cleaning twice per week. Daily pool cleaning. - 24h/7days ThinkVilla concierge service included. ******************************** Location Overview Just 15 minutes away from the town of Rethymno lies the historic village of Maroulas. A scenic drive through the olive groves will lead you to the village, which is built on top of a hill at an altitude of 240 meters and has been classified as a preserved and traditional heritage site of great cultural value. Shopping facilities for your everyday need can be found in Platania, such as a bakery, an ATM machine, a petrol station, a pharmacy, as well as well stocked super markets. The Venetian influence is very obvious in the village, as most of the buildings date back to at least the Venetian era, when two towers, which are still present today, and other buildings with loopholes, were built. The visitor can also admire numerous cisterns, serpentine narrow streets, chimneys and large arched stone doors of Venetian mansions all around the village, as well as an old oil press. In summer you might as well appreciate the rare and unique aroma of herbs and flowers, the sound of the natural spring water and the shadow of the giant plane trees. Also, worth visiting is the church of Prophet Elias at the top of the hill, which offers panoramic view of the village and the Cretan Sea and gorge. In the village there is a feast in honour of Prophet Elias on the 20th of July. Distances to Important Locations Platanias Beach: 3 Kms Rethymno Port & Town: 7 Kms Chania International Airport: 75.4 Kms Heraklion International Airport: 79.5 Kms *Car is essential to explore the around villages and unique sandy beach locations.