Onar

Put simply, Onar is a hidden gem located on the north eastern corner of Andros on the edge of the Ahla protected wetlands park. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the island's main town, at Onar you'll find complete tranquility. The resort comprises ten cottages (which can sleep from three to seven) constructed in local stone, wood and river reeds which sit beautifully within this off-beaten-track environment. You can almost feel the weight of the 21st century dropping from your shoulders as you enter a peaceful and serene atmosphere where life continues at a much slower pace, in tune with nature. Cottage interiors are simple and stylish with cream walls, exposed beams and little kitchenettes for those who prefer to self cater. The largest villa (sleeps up to seven) is ideal for families or small groups. Breakfast is included in the price and the onsite restaurant produces delicious, organic dishes with many of the ingredients grown on site. There is plenty of fresh seafood as you'd expect, plus dairy products from Andros' farms and as much as possible sourced from the island. Onar is perfectly located for anyone looking for a back to nature experience. As well as Ahla beach on your doorstep, Onar is close to a myriad of walking paths and there is endless flora and fauna to be admired. Come to Onar for a truly relaxing break and go home feeling totally refreshed. Minimum 5 nights in the season.

 

Written by Hotel Guru Staff Contributor

• Restaurant
• Authentic traditional cuisine with many of the organic ingredients grown on site
• Minimum Stay
• 5 night minimum stay in season
• No pets
• Air conditioning
• Sit-out Terrace
• Satellite / Cable TV

• Outdoor dining
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Safe
• Views
• Free wifi
• Wifi

• Great walks
• Trekking on the ancient paths​,​ Jogging to the lighthouse​, ​Walk​ing​ to St. Nicolas Byzantine Monastery​ plus more
• Yoga
• Specialised yoga and meditation retreats are held at the beginning or end of the summer season.
• Birdwatching
• Several migratory birds and dragonflies can be seen at the wetlands of Ahla.
• Watersports
• Explore the coastline and Discover empty sunkist beaches

• Other Activities
• Visit traditional farms ​​​and ​villages
• Museums
• Visit ​​Goulandris Museum of Modern Art​
• Fishing

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.