Yria Resort ★★★★★

The afternoon sun is at its hottest as we enter the lush confines of the Yria Resort. A former vineyard, it is rich in bright flowers, green shade and olive trees and provides a welcome relief. I am instantly enchanted with the simple design of the low white washed buildings splashed in purple flowers and blending seamlessly into the Greek coast. This is no gaudy, over-the-top tourist trap, it is a tasteful, exquisite retreat that offers the finest of five star living in a humble, authentic setting. My partner is inhaling the sea air with deep expansive breaths as he stretches his arms out like a contented cat and we have not yet so much as seen our room. He is happy and I can see why! This is truly a Greek idyll.

Comfort, quality, cosseting, all without losing touch with where we are and local tradition. We are on the island of Paros in the Greek Cyclades overlooking the Aegean Sea, in a deluxe hotel that is true to its roots, is sublimely pretty and peaceful and has its own private beach. In other words, we are in Paradise.

Our room, once we do reach it, does nothing but enforce the wonderful first impressions we have been given. It is set back in the serene gardens with its own veranda covered in bougainvillea. Looking directly out through the porch doors is a King size bed that is plush and supremely cosy, as my man confirms by jumping joyfully onto it the moment we arrive. He is like an excited schoolboy. I feel a little the same and express it in my own way – by examining every nook and cranny and exclaiming over every lovely detail. My partner doesn't have to move from his perch as I go giving him a full inventory of what we have. Mini-bar, safe, desk, flat screen television, air conditioning and an airy, open feel that brings the cool of the garden right into our room.

Our bathroom is bright with bath and shower and fragrant bath products, everything is neat and embracing. It gleams with a careful cleanliness and thoughtful preparation that stands out in everything from the soft, crisp sheets to the spotless surfaces and homely touches, such as a painting here, or artisan vase there. Everything about it says “Welcome”.

After settling in we wander to the Nefeli Restaurant where we have our first taste of real local food cooked to refined perfection. As we hungrily tuck in we watch a couple of other guests dipping into the crystalline, azure pool that glimmers in the sun. By the time the meal has been devoured down to the last morsel I am chomping at the bit to try those cool, silky looking waters myself. But before I can do that we walk off our delightful lunch exploring the grounds and discover a tennis court and heavenly looking spa with a decadent outdoor jacuzzi and steam room. We pass the pool especially designated for the kids who are having a whale of a time, although I am quite glad to have the unbroken calm of the 'adult' pool all to ourselves... Finally we end up at what turns out to be the jewel in the hotel's crown – its gorgeous private beach.

Considered one of the best on the entire island, it is a crescent of shining golden sand and impossibly blue waters drawing you on. Pools temporarily forgotten, we both allow ourselves to be seduced by the lull of the waves as we immerse ourselves in the Aegean Sea. I am floating in a dream of glittering salt water, lemon sunshine and breathtaking beauty and I feel as though I could stay here forever. I sensed it as we were arriving at the magnificent Yria Resort and now I know it for sure - we are in Paradise on Paros!