Starfish Hideaway

Right on the sandy stretch of Rethymno Beach, this classic villa means you can pop back for the sunscreen or bucket and spade and be back by the water in less than a minute. If you prefer your water less saline and purely calm, there’s a big stretch of turquoise swimming pool back at the villa. There’s a gated-off kids pool too if you’re bringing little ones. Spend days on a poolside lounger, listening to the waves of the beach just beyond, and enjoy long, lazy barbecue lunches on the shaded patio. Heading up to the first-floor terrace you’ll find a real sun trap with a beautiful beach view.

Inside, the open living and dining room is breezy, with a tiled floor keeping things cool underfoot. Kids and teenagers will love the games room in the basement, with its full-size pool table and ping pong. Bedrooms are neutral tones with pops of colour from vibrant comforters, and each bedroom has direct access to a terrace or private balcony.

Home truths:
*Set over three floors, this villa may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*On the beachfront at Rethymno you don't necessarily need a car, but there is public nearby parking if you do need it
*A cleaning service, linen and towel change takes place twice a week
*Guests here have access to a concierge service