The island where Odysseus fell under the spell of sea-nymph Calypso has many attractions for today's luxury holiday seeker, and yet revels in relative anonymity as a tiny satellite island off the north-western corner of Malta. Comprising just 25 square miles, Gozo at first seems a staunchly traditional island, steeped in religious and clan ties. But there is more to the island than nostalgia. It offers some of the finest snorkelling and diving opportunities in the Mediterranean.

Aside from the superb snorkelling and diving, Gozo is the surprisingly vibrant nightlife with several lively bars and a couple of fun nightclubs as well. Add to all this a superb summer climate and some excellent restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood, and you have an extremely alluring and good value luxury holiday option. Furthermore, in the Kempinski hotel, this tiny island now has the biggest spa in Western Europe. Alternatively, Original Travel has a selection of beautiful farmhouse-villas with pools to rent in one of the quiet little villages that dot the interior.