Onar Andros

ONAR'S VISION Nature guides us At the wetlands of Ahla in Andros, nature has created a place of unique beauty and biodiversity. At this place we have built ONAR, a meeting point between the visitor and all of nature’s gifts. Our basic concern is the least possible intervention in the natural landscape and the creation of a hospitable settlement in absolute harmony with the environment. ONAR’S philosophy is expressed through each and every activity of ours. We built our cottages exclusively with natural local materials. We have carefully observed the earth and organized a farm of biological cultivation in order to taste its fruits and to maintain some rare seeds. We constantly seek ways of becoming better by developing alternative forms of energy and ecological activities. ONAR in Greek means “dream” and to all of us this is a dream that has come true. It is in this dream that we invite our visitors to come and taste an alternate way of living and come close to nature. THE STONE HOUSES A small heaven on earth On the East side of Andros, north of the cosmopolitan Chora, lies a rare and protected wetland. Covering an area of about 18 acres, it is bordered by a river which flows down from the hill sides around Vourkoti village and ends its journey at Ahla beach. In this magical place where the river meets the sea that we created ONAR. In harmony with the natural environment With respect to the protected park of the Ahla wetlands and inspired by Nature itself, we created a small settlement of ten individual, traditional cottages spreading next to the river and the plane trees. The harmony in design and construction of the cottages will put you in touch with nature. The cottages of ONAR benefit from the silent beauty of Cycladic architecture and are made exclusively of natural materials: local stone, wood and river reeds. Inside, minimal furniture and details of reeds and wood in white and earthy colors are harmoniously combined. All the cottages have a sitting room, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, an open fireplace and a paved courtyard sheltered by a pergola. Large windows allow the day light in, provide for coolness during summer nights and give the sense of being outdoors. Staying in one of ONAR’S cottages, makes you part of the natural environment, and enjoying simple and genuine Greek hospitality will make your dreams come true. Onar, always trying to be a unique experience for every visitor, chose to work with APIVITA and offer hotel amenities APIVITA, inspired by nature. RESTAURANT Nature sets the table There is no superfluous luxury at the ONAR restaurant. But you can find all the ingredients for a complete and healthy diet and a big “family” table, set under the plane trees. Our cooks prepare traditional recipes of Andros, using seasonal and local ingredients and products: well picked organic products from our farm, fresh fish from the fishermen of Andros, dairy products from the farms of the island, fresh eggs and freshly baked cakes from our neighbours, pure juices squeezed from fresh fruits. >All our products are certified by DIO (Organisation for Control and Certification of Biological Products) We meet every day round the big monastery table of ONAR to enjoy home-made recipes and everything nature has to offer in a genuine good cheer. ACTIVITIES Hiking Walk by the river lane and treat yourself to a magical walk in nature, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Ahla wetlands. Depending on the season, during your walk you will come across scented plants, giant plane trees, schinus, ferns, osiers, but also migratory birds, partridges, pheasants, hares, eels and turtles. Swimming Put on a sea mask and discover the rich sea bed of the Ahla sea. Climbing Experience the adventurous climbing to Vourkoti, the village with the highest altitude on the island. Stop a while and enjoy a swim in one of the small lakes (vathres) formed by the river. There is plenty of wildlife to see, including partridges, hares and turtles. Excursions Having ONAR as your starting point, plan one-day trips and discover the many faces of Andros. The cosmopolitan Chora with the neoclassical mansions and the Museum of Modern Art, Vori beach with the impressive ship wreckage, the Byzantine monasteries of Agios Nikolaos and Panahrantou, the arched bridges and the traditional watermills at Dipotamata, the captivating beaches of Andros and its traditional villages, are only some of the places worth visiting. Children activities Ask us about the hidden treasure games that we organize for our younger friends. Enjoy educational activities with an ecological character, inside the wetlands of Ahla. Boating Setting off from the Ahla beach, take a boat trip and discover the hidden secrets of the island with the longest coastline in Cyclades. Υoga Keep fit in natural surroundings or relax with yoga sessions in our Mongolian Yurt, pitched in the shade of plane trees – a tent with a specially formed wooden structure inside, which provides a warm environment for peaceful and relaxing moments. Visiting the farm If you wish to get a closer view of the farm’s organic products, you can join us in the picking of fruits from the farm’s gardens and vegetable plots and come in touch with nature.