'Secret' island is the place to relax as hard as you like...

“For heavens sake, don’t tell anyone - it’s a secret,” he laughed with a wink.

Lesbos is the third largest island in Greece – and it’s also one of the most beautiful.

More importantly it’s one of the most unspoilt and it’s this winning combination that has secured its place in my summer holiday shortlist for years to come.

Neilson, the award-winning activity holiday company is also likely to figure highly for ensuring our first experience of Lesbos was memorable for all the right reasons.

Neilson prides itself as the number one active holiday specialist and whether you take advantage of the inclusive watersports, free tuition and childcare or simply relaxing by the pool, there really is something for everyone.

We visited Neilson’s new Aeolian Village club on the Greek island of Lesbos which opened earlier this year.

The spacious hotel is set amid beautifully manicured lawns and lies at the end of a long sandy beach.

As you’d expect from a leading travel company, the food, stylish accommodation and genuinely friendly staff are first class.

But it’s the dining which really sets Neilson apart.

Beachplus Club holidays operate on a club board basis, meaning your stay is virtually all inclusive with the exception of three evenings when guests are encouraged to visit the stunning local town of Scala Erossos, a 10- minute walk down the beach.

As anyone who has enjoyed all inclusive holidays will tell you, it’s refreshing to break free of the hotel restaurant, and with Neilson that’s exactly what’s encouraged.

It’s responsible tourism at its best and benefits everyone including the local restaurateurs.

The children’s clubs are set up so parents get as much out of their holiday as the kids.

On the non-inclusive days they run from mid afternoon until 10.30pm, meaning parents can enjoy a few precious hours alone in one of the pretty tavernas built on stilts in nearby Erossos.

At the end of a family holiday it’s all too easy to feel frazzled and that you’ve spent precious little time with your partner.

But thanks to cleverly thought out childcare options, guests can drop off their kids at any time in the day and for ease,the nannies will eat with the children at lunchtime and teatime.

As you’d expect with an active holiday, childcare has to be right. Neilson has listened to hundreds of parents over the years and the result is a slick, caring and well-thought out operation staffed by qualified British nannies.

The same goes for Neilson’s activity staff. Many are university graduates or gap year students who care passionately about their chosen sports. They’re only too keen to help you try new sports or improve, and sessions run every day catering from beginner through to advanced.

Whether you try windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing or a kayak safari with a bit of snorkelling thrown in, there’s help every step of the way.

The equipment is first class, meaning you’ll get a good start in whatever you choose.

On dry land there’s also a range of events from tennis coaching to hard or easy mountain bike expeditions with a guide. Again, if you prefer a more traditional break, the Aeolian Village features a shallow children’s pool and a separate large pool surrounded by sunbeds, huge beanbags – and just a moment away, a well stocked pool bar.

Talking to fellow guests, their loyalty towards Neilson is unstinting. Many won’t holiday with anyone else.

And canvassing their opinion, it also becomes clear they rate the Aeolian Village as one of the best in terms of location and set-up.

Undoubtedly the location is the icing on the cake.

Behind the hotel, the volcanic landscape looms large. It’s an impressive backdrop and by night it’s iridescent as the fading sun sets the sea ablaze.

Erossos town is a beautifully unspoilt resort. There’s little sign of the commercialism that’s rampant in other parts of Greece.

From the beautiful bars and taverna built on stilts over the sea to the back-street gift shops and pensions, tourism still feels small scale and the resort has a rustic elegance.

Neilson’s mantra is Relax as Hard as You Like which says it all. Easy going active holidays in luxurious settings don’t come much better than this.LESBOS FACTFILE

Jane travelled with Neilson, departing on a Thursday from Manchester.

Day flights - the flight time is three hours 45 minutes.

Late deals are available starting at 449 for seven nights in September.

Children under five go free in September at Aeolian Village

Five inclusive kids clubs operate at the Aeolian Village. It takes children aged from just four months up to 15 years.

Essential equipment for all activities is provided in resort.

Each day there's a different menu of activities from dawn until dusk. The more you join in, the more you'll get out of your holiday.

The hotel also has a spa offering the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.

Reservations team 0870 9099 099 or see www.neilson.co.uk