Lagos Mare Hotel ★★★★

I don't want to leave! Time has done a strange thing since arriving here in this small, out of the way luxury oasis on Naxos Island just a few days ago. Somehow it has stretched out into an infinity of white and gold days that have enveloped us in a haven of paradisiacal pleasure and well-being and yet at the same time it has flown by in the blink of an eye and now it is time to say goodbye. I will miss many things about this lovely hotel that I happened upon thanks to VeryChic, and that I now feel as though I have been coming to my entire life. It is that sort of place – somewhere serene, private and exclusive enough to be an idyllic lovers' hideaway and yet somewhere that is open and relaxed enough to welcome a small family with open arms. Somehow there is room for everybody and the sensation is one of friendly, down-to-earth warmth infused with flawless high quality and elegance. For me it is the perfect balance to feel truly pampered and special whilst entirely at ease and at home.

So it is with heartfelt regret that I pack my bag and take my leave of our gorgeous bedroom, a glowing nest of sheer white with stripped wooden floorboards, modern elegance and wide windows that are a portal to a glorious abundance of natural light. Many a romantic moment have we spent looking up at the splendour of stars or basking in the sunshine on our private balcony, such as on the first day when we elected to drink our welcome cocktails in our room and we toasted our arrival. Since then we have managed to make good use of all our room has to offer, from the LCD television, Nespresso coffee machine and stylish bathroom that boasts fluffy towels, dressing gowns and slippers, to the long, restful nights in our  exceptionally comfortable bed. We've also successfully taken full advantage of our free sauna session and that glorious pool where many an hour has been spent in luxurious bliss when we weren't immersed in silky sands and shimmering, azure waters of the many magnificent beaches around the island, beginning with the one just moments from our hotel.

Now my love and I sit out for the last time in the sweet morning air and tuck in with gusto to the sumptuous American buffet breakfast that includes mouth watering, fresh fruit and rich, local Greek yoghurt that I cannot get enough of. The food here has truly been spectacular, particularly at the hotel's 1924 restaurant, which under the expert supervision of chef, Dimitris Skarmoutsos, serves local cuisine prepared with flair and love that had us both head over heels, with each other and the whole world! Now, as we finally say our farewells, we are given as a final parting gift, a tasty lunch box to keep us going on our journey home. A small taste of the delicious slice of paradise that has cared for us so well at the Lagos Mare hotel...