Ismini Apartments

The Ismini Apartments were very nice. Ismini is an older woman who is very friendly and keeps beautiful gardens. The pictures on the web site are absolutely accurate -- the beach is just across the lawn. The beach right in front of the apartments is next to an outlet of cold spring water, and a very short walk around the breakwater takes you to the main beach where the water is warmer. The benefit is that the beach right in front has few people on it. The only negative to the Ismini Apartments is that they are on the Kalives town road and get some road noise -- mostly from motorcycles. It's not terrible -- I used earplugs at night and got used to it during the day. I happily recommend the Ismini Apartments.

We planned to stayed in Ismini's apartments for a week, and stayed 1 week more because it was so perfect. We came with our baby girl and it was amazing for her too. The house and the apartments have everything you need, They are clean, and beautifully decorated. It looks even better than the pictures. the house is big and elegant, the apartments are more beach house style. but the best thing for sure is the great yard, in front of the sea, all nourished with love by Isminis. Ismini is great, and helped us with all the information, the restaurants around are good and not very expensive, besides the playground in the yard, there are 2 more playgrounds very close so its a perfect place for the kids. the beach is also great, one the few beaches in crete the relatively do not suffer…

We spent two weeks at Ismini's apartment in April 2015 with our 19 month old son and had a great time. The big garden and the many toys and swings kept out son busy. Ismini was very generous with her time and advice on where to eat and shop. The local tavernas delivered to our apartment. The apartments have been recently renovated and look very nice. There are nearby mini markets with very good local products. We would recommend this place for families with young children.

Ismini's place was so relaxing! The complex consists of two small houses with "balcony" bedrooms for 3 people each, a bigger 2-storey house for 4 people, and the house where Ismini herself stays. The buildings share between them a huge lawn that is surrounded by flowers and trees. The apartment complex is located between a restaurant and a hotel, but due to the tall trees and bushes along the perimeter you don't notice these neighbours. All of the buildings have terraces facing the lawn and - beyond that - the beach. We loved that we could cross the lawn and go directly out on to the beach, where Ismini has set out umbrellas and sunbeds - exclusively for her guests and at no extra charge. We (my husband and our 5-year-old) stayed in one of the small houses. The house has good and sturdy furniture - loved the beds! - and beautiful old lamps. The terrace was wonderful: we ate all our meals there. The staircase to the bedroom and the bedroom floor are not creaky, so you don't have to worry about waking up your child when you go to bed later at night. The house has a window (and an extra door) facing the main road - but you don't hear any noise due to excellent sound isolation; and there is a blind and a pretty curtain that together shut out the road also visually. There is cleaning twice a week, when you also get clean linen and towels - we appreciated this very much. The air-condition works well, and so does the cooking stove. We absolutely recommend this place. Thank you for being such a nice host, Ismini, and of course - for your delicious cake :)

Originally we (my wife and me) went to Crete to travel around. We looked for a convenient place to stay which will be close to tourist attractions. When we entered this wonderful house and garden we decided to spend most of our time there, and actually gave up most of our travelling plans. As Israelis, who live just 10 minutes from the beach, it is relatively difficult to impress us with beaches, but this was outstanding. The direct access from the appartment to the garden and from there straight to the beach is just fantastic. But above all we found great people who made every possible effort to give us an unforgetable holiday. We shall be back.

Homely atmosphere and breathtaking view! Greek hospitality at its best... Ms. Ismini is a kind-hearted and a warm person and truly cares about her customers and went out her way to make our stay pleasant and comfortable. We had a great time and would love to visit again! :)

Wonderful location. Clean, modest rooms. Amazing amount of private space on the beach with a beautiful garden. Amazing view. Property owner is wonderful and couldn’t have been more friendly or helpful. Wonderful restaurant next door and many others in walking distance.

We have been going to Kalives for 20 years now and 15 of those years have been spent at the Ismini Apartments which says it all. The Apartments and House are well situated with a big lawn and gorgeous colorful flowers. Open a gate at the end of the garden and and you are on the beach where there are high quality umbrellas provided for the sole use of clients. Ismini is very welcoming and kind with a cake on arrival, fresh oranges and grapes when in season. The accommodation has everything you need, is kept very clean and if you have any problems Ismini is always there to help. Tavernas and shops are two minutes walk away. Perfect!! Beryl and Mark

The garden and the proximity to the sea. Very quiet.

I have stayed several times at Ismini's many times over the years and cannot recommend it highly enough. The main "apartment" is really a house, not an apartment, but Ismini is reluctant to reflect that in her prices up and charge the market value because she is a generous soul and feels loyal to her repeat customers (of whom there are many). The house is spotless, the situation is absolutely idyllic and Ismini is charm and kindness personified. This is just a gem of a place and we hope to go back again and again...