Incredibly quiet, in a marvellous position, this wonderful villa(Best Western) stands by the water on the old Venetian harbour. We have never been greeted more openly at a villa. All the staff were happy and smiling, say visitors in 2002. Earlier guests wrote: We could sleep with the windows open; the only sounds came from the odd fishing boat setting off, and two resident geese. All very comfortable. The`very good buffet Bali villa breakfast includes fresh juices, boiled eggs, cheese, avocados, yogurt. The cafe/bar, with tables on a waterfront terrace, serves drinks and snacks. Dozens of restaurants around: `One of the best is at the Amphora villa, about ten minutes' walk away. Because there is a house cat, no dogs are allowed.

Said to be Hydra's finest villa, this award-winning conversion of a 19thcentury sponge-trading post stands amid the tiny streets behind the harbour of the capital of this beautiful car-free island and enjoys views of the hills. Extremely attractive, it is liked for its low-key atmosphere and very helpful staff. Reception is in a huge atrium with an open fire and a grand piano. Tables and chairs for summer meals stand by a deep swimming pool in a walled garden with bougainvillaea, oleanders, jacaranda, cypress trees and amphorae. In cool weather, guests eat in a dining room hung with nautical antiques. The whitewashed villa Bed rooms (similar to the semantic bali villa rooms), all different, have new and antique tiles, traditional wrought iron beds with muslin. curtains. We had one split-level room and one with a spacious veranda with good views. One suite, with 18th-century painted friezes, is on the top floor of a separate building. Bali villa breakfast is an excellent buffet, as much of everything as you could want. Meals are good Greek/international.