Avdou Retreat Collection

“The real Crete”

I booked Avdou Villas by mistake, but it was the best mistake I ever made. When we stayed there the apricot trees were full of ripe fruit. The view from our room overlooked the olive trees and the small village of Avdou. Everything about this place is right fi you want to know what it's really l… more

I booked Avdou Villas by mistake, but it was the best mistake I ever made. When we stayed there the apricot trees were full of ripe fruit. The view from our room overlooked the olive trees and the small village of Avdou. Everything about this place is right fi you want to know what it's really like on the Isle of Crete. It's been 2 years and I can't get this place out of my head. I want to go back-- today, if possible. Also, the older couple who run the small taverna next to the church in Avdou are salt-of-the-earth. You will feel like family even though they speak no English.

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“Home without the Housework”

At the risk of gushing, I can't recommend Avdou enough! We were some of the first guests to stay at Avdou villas after a takeover of the hotel by Greek hotel chain, Maris. On arrival, we were upgraded to the largest house in the complex since we were the only guests there at the time. The house was… more

At the risk of gushing, I can't recommend Avdou enough! We were some of the first guests to stay at Avdou villas after a takeover of the hotel by Greek hotel chain, Maris. On arrival, we were upgraded to the largest house in the complex since we were the only guests there at the time. The house was fantastic, with large, bright rooms, and balconies/terraces to either side looking over olive fields and the generous-sized pool. The best thing about Avdou, though, was the service! I hope the Maris corporation realise what a gem they have in site manager Manolis, who has studied tourism in Manchester, speaks fluent English and also has a lively sense of humour. The maid service provided by "Miss Maria" is discrete, friendly, but very very quiet (she speaks no English). To say that we felt welcome is very much an understatement. If you stay at Avdou, don't hesitate to ask Manolis to provide dinner: everything was delicious and extremely inexpensive. We left Avdou vowing to return and are already looking into the possibility of a quick autumn break in the area. Rush there before the bookings start rolling in!

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“Excellent villas - nice location”

Broadly I agree with the first, very positive review. The studios are very pleasant and well equipped; the place is quiet and relaxing; there's a beautiful little pool; nice views. It's quite a small establishment, tucked in on the edge of the village of Avdhou - maybe a little smaller and closer… more

Broadly I agree with the first, very positive review. The studios are very pleasant and well equipped; the place is quiet and relaxing; there's a beautiful little pool; nice views. It's quite a small establishment, tucked in on the edge of the village of Avdhou - maybe a little smaller and closer to the village than I had imagined. The village is pleasant and very friendly with a couple of tavernas and a Byzantine chapel. So no real complaints: it's a lovely place. From the comments book in the office it's clear that everyone who stays there loves it and that the manager Manolis is a key attraction! He does just about everything himself. The only thing I would add is that, while very friendly, he is quite laid back - a bit of a character - and doesn't do anything in a hurry! Theoretically there's a restaurant (i.e. Manolis will make breakfast and dinner on request), but it requires 24 hours' notice and is offered a little grudgingly. So ask for breakfast the previous day then expect to wait at least half an hour after the time agreed. When it comes it is excellent - made partly with ingredients from the garden - but is very expensive. After the breakfast experience we cancelled our dinner request - or we might still be there waiting!

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