Villa Ariadne Zakynthos, Ionian Islands

Recently refurbished to the highest standards, Villa Ariadne has four king size double bedrooms, all en suite with fully modernised bathrooms. Three of these can alternate as twin rooms, making the property flexible enough to cater for two or three families or house parties of friends.

The large, partially shaded front terrace with deep corner sofas, allows you to enjoy long afternoons amidst the hum of cicadas, whilst the extendable dining table offers the ideal setting for lunches as expansive as the sea views that stretch to the far horizon. At night, relax over a candlelit dinner, surrounded by our beautifully floodlit gardens.

Two bedrooms are adjacent to the open plan living room area, while a generous 40 square metre loft bedroom with a private entrance enjoys its own hidden terrace above, with exceptional views over the island. With the addition of two extra air-beds, this can be turned into a dormitory for four older children, or for a couple to share with two younger children. This light and spacious room also offers a work desk with windows opening on to sea views. Unusually for Greece, its en-suite bathroom gives you the option of a modern shower or a bath, that lies underneath a sky light window and the Greek deep blue sky. A fourth en-suite double bedroom opens up onto the pool terrace, offering quiet privacy from the upper house.

A particular attraction of Villa Ariadne is the number and variety of alfresco terraces and shaded lounging areas, where one can retreat from a busy house party, noisy children or escape the hot Greek sun, and relax in serenity and peace. Offering a heated pool and fully shaded yoga and exercise space Villa Ariadne is the ideal summer retreat. With room for four comfortably spaced mats, our yoga area looks out over the endless azure sea and sky. For the more sporty guest, the villa offers exclusive use of its own scenically situated astro-turf tennis court, just a five minute walk, amongst the ancient olive groves.

Trips to see the famous ship wreck bay and blue caves depart from the conveniently nearby port of Aghios Nikolaos, which also has daily ferries to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia. Picturesque mountain villages and monastery walks are all within easy reach of the house.

A huge diversity of boutique restaurants, charismatic tavernas and stylish bars can be found within a short drive of the house. The island also boasts some fabulous wineries, complete with optional private tours by the owners where guests can bulk buy delicious local red, white and rosé wines.