Parosland Hotel ★★★★

Rather sceptical about why my sister invited me along to her family holiday – for my auntie babysitting qualities no doubt – I reluctantly accepted, dragging along my own other-half to aid in my assumed task. But the holiday was a surprising delight, and I enjoyed seeing the children’s faces light up. The smiles and excitement filled the air from the moment we embarked on the first attraction; the flight.

The ferry, the second attraction, was our final step before the transfer service effortlessly transported us to the comfortable grasp of Parosland, a world of the highest quality of hospitality – Greek style! Walking into reception was more like being welcomed into a spacious Grecian living room with high-backed and comfortable armchairs, a fresh marble floor adorned with an elaborate rug and antique furniture. To one side was rustic stone-finished bar and further to the back we spotted a light room with white chairs where we would be having breakfast the next day.

The third attraction was as exciting for the adults as it was for the children; our first glimpse of the resort. Rural stone patios, a glittering turquoise pool, views across Aliki, kids play area and natural gardens. It was just a glimpse though, as we were keen to leave our suitcases in the rooms, refresh and get out there! We booked a combination of standard rooms and a deluxe room for our ensemble. Our serene white-washed bedroom was a Grecian boudoir, with a smooth marble floor and flowing curtains which partially covered the criss-cross doors to our private terrace. The space felt roomy and fresh, and the bathroom was tiled and sleek with a large bathtub and an interesting wooden step-ladder as a towel rail.

Not wanting to let my sister think that I had abandoned her, we popped into their rooms to arrange our next move. The deluxe room was a little bigger than ours with a table and chairs. Nevertheless, likes ours, it evoked tranquillity, an idyllic space perfect to come back to in order to recharge. Our next move was to change into swimwear to appreciate our last few hours in the sun by the pool before eating at the hotel’s restaurant.

At Elaionas Restaurant we savoured authentic Greek treats, and countless mouthfuls of feta and olives – an absolute delight! The next night we decided that it would be here that we would stay, revelling in the tastes and smells of fine Greek cuisine. It was here the next morning that we enjoyed another wonderful culinary experience; a fresh breakfast, with locally sourced products and of course the classic Greek honey and yoghurt.
And after all that food we were all ready to begin our pre-booked island tour around the paradisiacal archipelago of the Cyclades, and the kids couldn’t wait to go snorkelling in the clear and shallow beautiful waters. Of course, I knew that one adult at least would be joining them, ready to get stuck into the adventure – and that would be me!