First off, what a fantastically secure area. 24/7 security cars roaming the area and a security…read moregate to access all of the villas. This is the first villa we've been to that doesn't require security shutters.
The villa is a bit odd (and I don't mean in any derogatory way). The two floors below seem quite old, and it is as if the top part has been built on the bottom part. As the latter seems a lot older.
On that lower floor is the access to the pool and the other two bedrooms. The main bedroom doesn't have any wardrobes, so we used the adjacent room, which had a large wardrobe. This was OK for us but may not suit if shared with another couple. The main bathroom, on this floor, is huge; I have never seen such a huge bath. We didn't try the bath as I could imagine how long it would take to fill. The sinks in this bathroom are rather aesthetic, but not very practical. Switching on the tap gives a burst of water that goes down your front. Another tap is less fierce. However, I could get hot water out of either tap for a shave. I used the other sink in the other bedroom. The bathroom in that bedroom is quite small. It would be possible to close the door if you were at the sink, but it is the one I used for a shave.
One confusion was that I ask if poolside towels were available, and we tend to mean "beach towels". I hesitate to say beach towels as it suggests we are going to wander off with them down to the beach. Alia thought the bath towels were the same, and although there were spares, we ended up using the same towel for the bathroom as for the poolside. There were smaller hand towels too, but these would have been no use as a bath towel. If both, I and Alia, had not been at cross-purposes, then I wouldn't have any problem packing the correct towels. That said, I have been to cheaper villas that provide the bigger beach towels at no extra cost. It may be something the owner may wish to consider, but, I suggest, you take your own.
I found the cooking implements to be just enough but not quite enough. For example, no wooden spoons, and I had to check in different kitchens for things I needed to use. I think there need to be a bit of a rethink. There was a limited number of actual sharp knives that were needed; the one upstairs tended to be the bread knife and was used for all things. There were other knives but they weren't sharp enough. Perhaps all is needed is a knife sharpener.
I didn't like the small chest of draws to keep trying to struggle to open.
Loved the coffee machine, and the rotating juicer. Beware the toaster; when two slices have been done, then the next lot can get burnt, as the elements do seem to remain hot. Keep on an eye on it or reduce the toasting time.
There were plenty of wine glasses, and smaller drinking glasses, but there were no highball glasses. For hot drinks there was a delicate set of teacups, but no mugs for coffee. We bought two mugs whilst there and left them behind for others.
Plenty of plates and bowls.
The cupboard contained miscellaneous items: salt, pepper, herbs, coffee, and tea bags. All very useful, and we left our coffee behind too. I think it is good that these things are left, as so often at other villas, these are cleared down for the new guests to start afresh. We left our dishwasher tablets.
Also, in the washing machine area, there are plenty of cleaning materials and solution for washing clothes. We only bought softener, again, left at the villa.
The steam iron was superb, once I got the hang of it.
A fantastic sized TV in the lounge, a very clear picture. I learnt that it only has BBC World Service News and isn't connect to the internet. I think I am right about the latter, but as the settings were in Russian it was difficult to ascertain. We watched the world cup football games on a Spanish channel. The owner really needs to let the guest know what is actually possible with the TV.
We did watch a DVD on the TV, and the surround sound kicked in, which was great.
Aircon: worked perfectly throughout.
A nice touch were things like tooth brushes, razor, and shampoo, etc.
The nice to have:
* Pegs
* Laundry basket (used a metal thing from the ironing area, but heavy)
* Plastic glasses for around the pool (safety reasons) - Not that I lime to drink out of plastic, but it is best with children about.
* Instructions on how to use the appliances - They need to be idiot guides. Especially the TV (see above)
* A "flexible library", which means that should you finish your book, you are welcome to leave it in the bookcase, and take another one home with you. I left mine.
* Another good idea, I've seen elsewhere, is a book of places to eat, and the facility for guest to leave their reviews of the restaurant. It just makes for looking for alternatives easier and know that they have been recommended.
Finally, a big thank you to Alia for her swift replies.
