Archipelagos Resort Hotel ★★★★★

Paros is one of the more picturesque islands in the Cyclades archipelago, quite some feat when you consider the competition – all boast incredible natural beauty, from the well-trodden Mykonos and Santorini to the likes of Tinos and Folegandros, with hardly a tourist in sight. Somewhere between the two, Paros does attract its fair share of visitors during July and August (and it is easy to see why), but come slightly off season - when it still feels authentically Greek - and you will be able to enjoy this stunning island paradise in peace.

And speaking of peace, where better to base yourself than at the Archipelagos Resort Hotel? Set just five kilometres away from the main town of Parikia, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between being in a tranquil setting and near to the island’s largest hive of activity (and the port, so you can get out and explore the other idyllic islands scattered around this part of the Aegean). It is set on the cliffs just beside the majestic Aegean Sea, treating guests to absolutely jaw-dropping sea views. The natural surroundings are spectacular enough, and the hotel – carefully designed with the utmost respect to its environment – complements the location perfectly.

Paros is known for its marble, with artefacts as prestigious as the Venus de Milo and Napoleon’s tomb having been hewn from the rocks of its rugged mountains. Though not quite cut from the same stone, the Archipelagos Resort Hotel is the right shade of dazzling white all over – if anything, just much more polished. It is perfectly in keeping with local architecture: from the chic capital just along the coast to the tiniest fishing village, every settlement is a jumble of typically Greek, white sugar-cube-like houses, and this resort is no exception.

The simplistic colour scheme is repeated on the interior. White walls and furnishings make every room feel refreshingly bright, while the odd dash of colour makes it feel as if someone has flicked a giant paintbrush over the whole place. It would be best described as minimalistic and understated glamour, with a design which is never ostentatious or in your face, but plenty of high quality furnishings and facilities, and luxuriously appointed rooms and bathrooms. The Superior Rooms are everything you could demand from a five-star hotel, and you will feel completely cocooned in luxury as you enjoy your hydro-massage shower, high quality toiletries, the latest mod cons such as free Wi-Fi and even a little kitchenette.

There is one clear highlight of these rooms however – the private terrace with views to die for. From the moment you wake up, rip open your curtains and first glimpse the morning sun dancing on the water, to the moment the sun starts to sink behind the horizon, setting the sea and sky alight in a mesmerising melange of colours, the scene will never fail to captivate you. Why not set up out here one evening, watching the sun go down as you enjoy your complimentary bottle of wine, and gazing in awe as the sky transforms from a bright azure to a deep cocktail of red, purple and gold, all reflected majestically off the still surface of the Aegean.

Of course, there are also other ways to make the most of the wondrous seascape. Take a quick stroll on the beach, or hang around all day, just 400 metres from the hotel. Alternatively, take to the waters and head out to visit the other magnificent islands in the Cyclades, with boat trips almost as spectacular as the scenery itself when you arrive. And there is plenty of walking to be done up in the hills where, between the ancient marble quarries and historic architectural gems, you will find some awe-inspiring panoramic vistas.

Back at the hotel, there is plenty more to keep you busy. If you are feeling energetic, there are basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, as well as water sports at the nearby beach. Or, if you really want to enter into the holiday spirit, simply while away a few hours under the sun beside the large pool, keeping cool with the occasional dip or a chilled cocktail from the pool bar. When that magical sunset finally begins to cast its enchanting, multi-coloured light over everything, signalling the end of another unforgettable day, move on to the hotel’s own restaurant. Exquisitely prepared, locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine is served with the sweet fragrances of the flowers around the terrace in the air and a clear starry sky overhead. What better way to end a day in paradise?