I stayed in Lotus villa in August 2015 with my wife and our 3 children 8,14,16 years old.
The owner of the villa, Thei, welcomed us with homemade pie, wine and "raki"" and gave us some very important information about interesting places to visit in the area as well as all over the island.
The villa is much more beautiful than in the photos in Homeaway's site. It is very well equipped with everything you may need, very clean and the furniture is stylish and comfortable.
Villa Lotus is located in the most pleasant area of the village with a spectacular view to the sea and the sunset. Within a walking distance you can find two nice taverns in the village of Prines, as well as the bus station, tmini market with everything from milk to fruits and wine and a very good butcher shop. Its location makes Lotus not only pleasant but also very convenient for families with children.
But the element we can't forget yet, are the smells of the flowers, the calmness of the nature and the birds' singing early in the morning while my wife and I were enjoying the swimming pool.
Our older children tried to take wind serf lessons, they were going to Rethymno by bus for window shopping. We really enjoyed life every moment of our stay.
We felt absolutely safe and Thei, the owner, was advising us for everything.
Νext time we will stay longer and we'll explore the gorges of the area.
I would highly recommend villa Lotus to other travelers, we've already done it to our friends.