We had all read some pretty dire reviews of Jacks before travelling but had taken the philosophical view "Oh well, at least we won't be in work for a couple of weeks".

What a revelation we had in store.

Jack, Maria, George and Mike are simply the most hospitable people you could come across. Whether it is simply ordering a coffee at breakfast or trying some of the food Maria was preparing for the family's lunch is too much trouble.

On 4 (maybe more) occasions we arranged with Jack for him to prepare us something not on the menu for the following day. The steaks were overhanging the plate, whole calamari (not the frozen rings you get in the local at home) or King Prawns the size of your hand everything was absolutely fantastic and cheaper than the restaurants in town. Jack uses all fresh local produce (as well as growing some of his own veg) and has over 30 years experience in catering, including about 30 running restaurants in Brooklyn, NY.

But his talents don't stop there. If you want a hire car, ask Jack. Through Avis a small car is €60 - €70 Euros a day - Jack sources them and they are delivered to the apartments for €20. If you want to be run up to the chemist at the top of the hill, Jack will volunteer as a chauffeur (he did for us on only our 2nd day)

OK the apartments weren't all that, although we stayed in Jacks II owned by his brother and by all accounts the ones in Jack I were a lot nicer as Jack owns these and looks after them and Maria does the cleaning. But after all we only wanted somewhere to sleep and have a shower so it didn't really matter to us and it is what we expected and like about Greece - simplicity!

The pool is fantastic. Brand new this year and has no chlorine - it is kept hygienic by being 6% salt, you can't taste the salt but it does wonders for your tan, and also the fact that Jack &/or George are quite fanatical about cleaning it.

Loads of sunbeds & a nice shady area alongside the pool in case the same heatwave we had strikes again.

Don't be put off by the horror tales of the walk into town. It is only about 5 mins to the main road, the road directly out of Jacks is well let and the 2 other paths you have to go down could be managed by a 70 year old with hip problems. OK no lighting but don't forget the moonlight - it is almost always clear and the moonlight is as bright as a streetlight.

I think I'll stop there but I could go on forever as we loved it so much, so much in fact that are going back next year but arranged it direct with Jack and booked our own flights.