Onar

Quiet, simple cottages (sleeping 2-7) a leafy stroll from a stunning beach, hidden away on a very under-rated Greek island.

Onar, meaning 'dream' in Ancient Greek, is a collection of 9 individual stone houses on a gorgeously secluded cove on the east coast of Andros. This island - you probably won't have heard of it, few have - is the northernmost in the Cyclades group, just a couple of hours from Athens, and one of our absolute favourites: rugged and wild, with a handsome capital town and some superb beaches. So it's a double delight to unearth such a gem of a property here.

With each house sleeping 2-5, Onar is ideal for families and groups as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway. The atmosphere is secluded, but, thanks to the combination of communal meals and an effervescent host, never lonely. Family adventures in the style of Gerald Durrell blossom in the river valley that leads to the beach, while the sun, sea, delicious fresh food and stylishly simple décor will reinvigorate even the most jaded workaholics. Sit round the fire drinking wine in the evening, bask in the morning sunshine at a communal breakfast under a giant plane tree, or trip slowly along the riverbed in the dappled sunlight to Achlas beach and its atmospheric chapel: this is the stuff great holidays are made of.

Highs

• Calming simple interior design and a homespun style
• It feels like a private resort on a private island
• A true 'detox-from-modern-life' style getaway: throw your BlackBerry in the sea and get back to basics
• Owner Makis' charisma and the helpful staff
• Walking through the river to the beach is the sort of thing fantastic family memories are made of, and the whole area is full of greenery and lush oleanders

Lows

• No pool, but it's close to the beach and a natural pool fed by a waterfall
• The facilities are minimal, with no formal reception - but that's of course part of the charm
• It's hard to reach, hidden down a rough track on an island without an airport, but once you've made the trek you'll find it hard to leave
• You will probably need a car, if not a jeep, to make the most of a stay here
• The meltemi wind can blow in midsummer, but generally only in the afternoons