1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it. We stayed in a wonderful traditional cottage with pool, found some beautiful beaches, visited quaint villages, saw awesome gorges, browsed the labyrinthine streets of Hania and ate some wonderful food, but the highlight was probably the boat trip around Gramvousa Peninsula to the white sand beach and shallow waters of Balos Lagoon. We did all of this with our 11-month-old son, and we were made to feel warmly welcome everywhere.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Don't forget to pack some insect repellent. Pack the Rough Guide to Crete - it is by far the most comprehensive guidebook to the island. The only place it missed in Western Crete is the Mili Gorge, south of Rethymnon - it is lined with ruined watermills, one of which was restored into a lovely tavern by a man who grew up there in the 1960s. It is really easy to walk down its 4km, and back up, as a river runs in it and it is entirely shaded by overgrown vegetation.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I did feel that our holiday benefited the people of Vamos, where we stayed, as we went shopping for food locally (especially fresh bread in the morning) and had dinner several times at the local taverns. We also did a walk with local Farangi Tours.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic!!!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was our honeymoon ... every moment of the holiday was perfect! The cottages and the ground of the retreat were rustic and full of character. Just what I wanted.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Be prepared for a fabulous breakfast! From continental to cooked to local produce to all you can eat ... as if you didn't already need a reason to get out of bed! Hiring a car is a must if you want to see anything of the island.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I do think that there was a benefit in terms of the retreat being built and perhaps the breakfast ingredients were purchased locally but on a day to day basis it would be very hard for anyone to see how the local community benefits other than the very lovely house keepers being local people.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

FAN-TAST-IC!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

There were many memorable moments: the scent of wild herbs - oregano, thyme, lemon-balm, as well as the orange blossom; the gentle music of bells as sheep and goats ranged in the hills around; the spectacular views - of the white mountains from our balcony, the gorges as we drove through them, the turquoise waters on the west coast.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

We really enjoyed our visits to the ruins of Aptera and Lappa (Argiropolis), but Knossos was too far to drive for our small kids. Beaches: We liked Almirida better than Kalyves (which is closer). Although we made the long drive to the spectacular beach at Elafonisi, Falasarna was probably just as good (and a lot closer). There were some great hints for places to visit in the guest book provided by the operator. We had planned to cook for ourselves, but in the end spent most evenings at local tavernas in Vamos. (Bloumosifi in particular is fantastic). We also really enjoyed visiting in spring, when we didn't have to battle hordes of other tourists on the beach or on the roads.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The cooperative in the village have worked hard to rebuild and recreate some of the old buildings, and staying at Arosmari felt part of this laudable effort. (Especially in comparison to the profusion of modern villas around the cost).

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

This was a spectacular holiday. The accommodation was fantastic, the breakfasts sumptuous, and the location was perfect.

The concept of the village cooperative doing up the old buildings is successful and essential as the beautiful old buildings of Crete are fast disappearing. Niko's garden is astounding and his hospitality relaxed and generous. The local rep was lovely and the company very efficient indeed.