Onar

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Onar is a small place with only a few people. My main concern is to make my guests feel like staying in a friend’s house. Everything is very personal, relaxed and comfortable. Visitors come from all over the world and almost half of them are repeat guests. We share the same passion for nature and life. We often keep in touch when they go back home. Another reason guests love it here is its amazing location. It’s one of the completely unspoiled regions of the Cycladic Islands, and in fact of Greece. Part of Natura 2000, the largest network of protected areas in Europe, our location offers a haven to the most valuable and threatened species. The unspoiled beach with white sand, the green fertile valley, the river with giant plane trees, waterfalls and natural swimming ponds – it's just something really unique in the Cyclades.

What is there to do in the area? You can always start your day on the beach and then see where it takes you. You can explore the island by small boats without a license. It’s an amazing experience because you can reach wonderful beaches that are not accesible by car. I would also recommend fishing with local fishermen. In 2015 Andros was the first island in Europe to be recognized by the European Ramblers Association and the Andros Route was certified as one of the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe. Andros Route is a continuous exciting hiking route more than 300 km long, extending from north to south. It crisscrosses the mountain ranges of Andros, passing by the most beautiful natural landscapes. Route No 6 ends to Ahla Beach! If you like trecking, in the river that starts from the top of the mountain, you will find hidden swimming ponds and waterfalls, It’s not a very easy hike, but truly amazing.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Guests are offered Greek Breakfast and homemade food with fresh ingredients from the island and well picked organic products from our farm (all our products are certified by DIO, Organisation for Control and Certification of Biological Products). Culinary delights consistent with the healthiest Mediterranean diet: this is our restaurant’s mission.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? All houses are different and they all have their own charm. Nine comfortable Houses and one Superior Villa in 120.000 sqm of private land mirror the silent beauty of Cycladic architecture. Individually designed, built with local stone, wood and river reeds, they all have a sitting room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchenette, minimal furniture and a private courtyard sheltered by pergola. Large windows allow the day light in, provide coolness during summer nights and give the sense of being outdoors.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? All kids tell me that the fαιries still live here and that I should not scare them... The location is a real paradise on earth and every year we have many families with children. There is a small playground and kids (of all ages) have the chance to spent time near the nature, swimm in one of the most unspoiled beaches in Greece, play with animals and other kids, jump in the natural swimming ponds, go for snorkeling and fishing, visit farms, try local products and walk on the old paths. We can also organize daily excursions by Jeep or boat. Yes, in some house we can add extra beds.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Be part of the dream!​ ​ The word ‘Onar’ comes from Ancient Greek and means dream​.​ It is my dream come true, my way of enjoying life in such a beautiful country like Greece. ​ Onar is a meeting point between our guests and nature. Our prioriy is to create a settlement of a few stone houses in complete harmony with the landscape while protecting the environment. Sharing that dream with so many amazing and interesting people from all over the world is the outmost satisfaction and the biggest reward for me.