"Set the scene On the northeast coast of Paros, an easy walk from the sandy coves of Kolymbithres beach, this contemporary opening is attracting a wave of design-driven travelers. It’s one of a tiny batch of properties starting to blossom on this lo-fi island, as hoteliers switch their focus from the crowded hot spots of Santorini and Mykonos. Wooden shutters are thrown open in the morning, couples snooze under cream umbrellas, and the silence is punctuated by the whoosh of cocktail shakers. What’s the backstory? There was already an existing hotel on this plot of land when husband and wife owners Antonis and Kalia Eliopoulos bought it in 2018. They employed Athens-based studio Interior Design Laboratorium to rejig the spaces and trim down the number of rooms. Now arched doorways and windows contrast with crisp, geometric lines; there are clusters of earthy oversized urns and cacti in concrete pots dotted about the place; and a peaceful pool. What can we expect in our room? Porcelain floors are paired with a serene palette and an abstract, embroidered wall hanging by Marrakesh-based lifestyle brand LRNCE. Those on the upper level have a hot tub on the balcony; those on the ground floor come with a palm tree-shaded terrace. The best are the Sun Suites, which have their own private pool. How about the food and drink? Expect Greek flavors with a twist at Mr E restaurant, which is named after a fictional aristocratic explorer: moussaka croquettes, grilled halloumi cheese with fig marmalade, stuffed courgette with quinoa. For dessert, the tart made with lemons from Chios island is divine. Mojitos are the drink of choice. What’s the crowd like? Grown-up island hoppers who tend to stay horizontal after spending a few days in Mykonos; long weekenders exploring the Byzantine churches and rural villages; beach-goers who want to reboot. Anything to say about the service? Knowledgeable staff at the front desk will give the lowdown on the must-visit sights and the best fish restaurants by the harbor in Naoussa. What’s the neighborhood scene like? The town of Naoussa is a 10-minute taxi ride away (the hotel also runs free shuttles during the day), where smart boutiques and decent restaurants are easy to find. For a long, lazy lunch, the Kolymbithres Taverna (there are two with the same name but it's on the left-hand side of the road as you approach the beach) is the best. Order grilled calamari, Greek salad and baked eggplant saganaki. Anything else to add? The pool bar is a great spot for a surprisingly strong Aperol spritz. And there’s a small gym that’s nearly always empty. Anything you’d change? There are two subterranean spa treatment rooms, but they feel like a bit of an after-thought compared to the rest of the beautifully designed spaces. Is it worth it? The pared-back design and serene setting make this feel like an authentic Greek getaway." - Emma Love
