We have found a gorgeous hotel where Greek-island dreams come true

Family owned and operated, Katharos comprises six strikingly white villas, each with its own terrace and heated swimming pool. It's located in a secluded part of the Greek island, away from the sometimes-maddening crowds of cruise passengers thronging the alleyways of nearby Oia, and Santorini's capital, Thira. The quiet and the attentive service of the owners, the Pugliese brothers, set Katharos apart.

Arriving at night by plane from London, we are met by Francesco Pugliese, who helps us with our bags, and loads us into an air-conditioned car for the 25-minute drive to Katharos. The villas are set in the secluded, scrubby north-western corner of Santorini, near the gorgeous village of Oia, the (selfie) sunset capital of the Greek islands. Oia is a 10-minute walk uphill (or two-minute transfer by villa shuttle) and 10 minutes' walk downhill is Ammoudi Bay, a quintessential Greek fishing village, set beside the glinting turquoise Aegean Sea.

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Designed in traditional Cycladic style and painted in brilliant white, the six villas stand side by side, all looking out to the Aegean. Each villa is fronted by a small heated pool that is lit blue at night, and is divided from the next by a low-slung wall, lined with colourful potted flowers. Outside, each has a covered terrace with table and chairs, on which to enjoy breakfast and sunset drinks. The whole resort has outstanding sea and sunset views.

The lodgings are set over two levels and seemingly upside-down. The main bedroom, bathroom and lounge area on the lower level stay cool on hot Santorini summer days, while the upper level is more functional, with well-equipped kitchen, dining area, a second bathroom and a sofa that doubles as a queen bed. The interior design is sparse, featuring curved dividing walls and a colour scheme leaning heavily on whites and, in the bathrooms, light greys. Villas have air-conditioning and heating, safety box, TV, kettle and coffee-maker (with extra pods supplied on request), hairdryer, bath and pool towels, and free Wi-Fi. Also supplied is a Greek mobile phone with "hotspot" capacity, for outside the villas.

With Ammoudi Bay's fish restaurants and Oia's cafes just a stroll away, you're unlikely to be doing much in-room dining. We're greeted with a cold drink and also given menus to order a free breakfast for our first morning, although the scrambled egg arrives stone cold. The kitchen is equipped for self-catering if staying more than a few nights. The waterfront Ammoudi Fish tavern, 300 metres downhill from the villas, is recommended for its standout views of the Santorini sunset, friendly service and delicious seafood dishes such as prawn saganaki and sundried grilled octopus.

Plenty of nothing at the villas: relax, cool off in the private pool, relax, repeat. If you want to swim in the Aegean, take the path through Ammoudi Bay and lower yourself off the rocks into the glinting blue water. A day tour by boat to Santorini's distinctive volcano caldera adds another dimension to a stay. Spend a late afternoon exploring Oia's warren of alleyways, its boutiques and cafes, before positioning yourselves behind a picturesque (non-functioning) windmill, among a crowd of selfie-takers, for that Greek island sunset. Where's that Santorini donkey when you need one?

Feasting on fresh bread, Greek cheeses and salad for lunch on the terrace, overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Where: Oia, Santorini

How much: From $692 per night

Explore more: katharosvillas.com

The writer was a guest of Katharos Villas.