Renting a spread of a stay like this is close to living like a local - or a Love Island contestant (insert eye-roll emoji). You'd be forgiven for thinking that this place is a small village, thanks to its huge villa and two guest houses. Each of the five double bedrooms are individually designed yet share a Scandi-chic approach. We're talking logs for bedside tables, built-in brushed concrete bathtubs and fisherman-rope pendant lights. Outside, guests will find their own private terrace, connected to other rooms by one extra-large, saltwater infinity pool. There, crochet beanbags and expansive daybeds make for a choice spot to squeeze in downtime and recharge the social batteries.

Overlooking the secluded sands of Ampela Beach, Villa Evelina offers guests tennis courts, a rooftop Jacuzzi and access to a Greek chapel. The real draw, however, is the state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen. Decked out with a wood-fired oven and an enormous marble island, you know where to send the chef of the group. Interiors are traditionally Greek with exposed brickwork and blue-shuttered windows. The main house, which takes centre-stage overlooking the infinity pool and ocean, flaunts two double bedrooms and the outdoor dining space - we can hardly think of a better place to unwind with our food-obsessed gang. Around the pool are three independent guesthouses, armed with sleek and stylish double bedrooms, private shaded terraces and roomy living spaces.

An infinity pool that melts in the sparkling Aegean sea, a home-cinema spacious enough to reference the IMAX, and an outdoor gym are standouts at this five-bedroom villa perched high on Syros's Kokkina mountain. In 4,000sqm of wild terrain estate, Villa Olivares is proof that the little things make life that bit sweeter: braided parasols, handcrafted furnishings and a fragrant herb garden. Mornings should look like rolling between the Jacuzzi and hammock, while evenings feel easy spent lounging beneath the mesh-lined pergola - before the BBQ gets underway, obviously. Insider tip: this place comes with travel assistance and concierge service.

A stone-faced, 18th-century villa backed by stretches of golden sand and the boho streets of Ano Manna? Count us in. After a major refurb in 2017, the contemporary Villa Gaia Syros has been upholstered with today's traveller in mind. Inside the two-storey set-up, a large living space and two double bedrooms cradle a sun-drenched veranda. Outside, three acres of sprawling bougainvilleas, hibiscus and knotted vines make for a serene stroll. While there are no jaw-dropping pool or sea-facing views, there are plenty of quiet reading corners. Our favourite spot for basking the afternoon away can be found anywhere on the courtyard.

Sitting pretty on the rolling hills of the island's rugged countryside, and close to the town of Ermoupoli, this three-bedroom bothole makes for a well-placed Grecian getaway. A blush-pink facade, leaf-clad pergola and lantern-laden courtyard promise a spectacular sunset set-up. In contrast to Wilton's serene exterior; once you step past the villa's dramatic archways, you enter a more eclectic mood - rooms with vibrant colours, ceilings clad with crystal chandeliers and corners crammed with traditional artworks. For freshly-caught seafood, be sure to swing by nearby Seariani restaurant.

Is it possible to fall in love with a property? Take a peek at Villa Amethyst and you'll likely give us a nod. Set in a spot carpeted with sun-scorched plants and fragrant with citrus, olive and pomegranate trees, this six-bedroom escape is a short stroll from the picture-perfect town of Posidonia. Feast around the 10-seater table, snooze on cosy beds in serene bedrooms and enjoy sunrise while stretching out on the villa's yoga terrace. Designed to blend in among nature, the property's earth-tone stone acts as a gateway to the citrus and herbal surrounds. Those who enjoy tracking their daily step-count will delight at the coastal path taking you from the villa's backdoor to the waterfront.

For those who require a faster pace, Plagia Vilas is the place - although we doubt you'll want to leave this restful cocoon, the nearby village of Foinikas awaits. There are three villas to choose from, each centred around a shared pool. On arrival a welcome hamper greets you, brimming with all sorts of local produce including wine, cream cheese and freshly picked apples. Start your day with a juice on the outdoor terrace before slipping into town to wander between narrow passageways and browse a bevy of independent boutiques.