Visiting the Greek islands had not been very high up on my bucket list when I went to the island of Paros, in the Cyclades. Having visited only Santorini previously, I told myself they would all be the same and that once I’d done one, I’d done them all. How nice it is to be proven wrong.
Paros’ ferry port is perhaps the only chaotic part of the island. The rest of the island was calm, quiet and, as my taxi driver said, “far more Greek” than neighbouring Santorini.
The visit instilled in me a desire to return – not only to Paros, but also to see what else the Aegean Sea has to offer. And when I do return to Paros, I don’t think I’d want to stay anywhere other than at Andronis Minois.
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The view is wonderful at Andronis Minois
A luxury boutique hotel on Paros
This small, luxury boutique hotel is part of the Andronis collection, which I had already been lucky enough to get to know in Santorini.
The hotel is situated on the eastern coast of the island, in the quiet area of Parasporos. It boasts 44 suites, 14 of which have their own private pool overlooking the vast blue of the Aegean. The hotel is also home to a tranquil spa, where therapists will work away whatever it is you need to be rid of.
The hotel’s main pool is large and beautiful, surrounded with comfortable lounge chairs that offer the privacy one often desires when heading off to a small hotel in a quiet corner of the world. It is also in close proximity to the hotel bar and its cocktails.
I spotted the sea on the drive down to the hotel, taking a picture of the waves crashing against the rocky cliff side before we arrived, only to discover an even better view from the hotel property.
All of the tables at the breakfast bar have a far-reaching view of the landscape, but I’d highly encourage you to wait for the one by the front of the balcony to be able to take it all in fully.
The main pool at Andronis Arcadia on Santorini
Olvo is Andronis Minois’ restaurant, run by a chef with a Michelin star and situated next to the seaside. It offers not only a breathtaking view of the panorama, but more importantly, it also serves carefully crafted, delicious dishes. It has a good selection of vegan options, which suited my vegan guest well – and me.
I got to tuck into the vegetable-heavy dishes as well as the sumptuous meaty ones. We split the fennel salad – a fresh, light and citrusy start to the evening, and the fava dip with juicy greek chorizo sprinkled on top.
The aubergine mousse was also a favourite, so much so we requested a second bread basket to finish it off. And I don’t usually like aubergine.
I was surprised when the waitress recommended the eel tagliolini for my main course. (I had been thinking of going for the lobster pasta or the oxtail tortelloni.) But I was glad I listened, because the eel was soft and flaky, with the lemon confit cutting through the butteriness beautifully.
If you’re heading out of the hotel – and I would highly recommend you do so if for no other reason than to see the rest of the island – I would suggest renting a car from the city centre. It is inexpensive and hassle-free, and you’ll be able to drive around the smooth highways in search of your favourite beach.
Pacman at Andronis Arcadia is perfect for a sunset dinner
A warm welcome on Santorini
Should you want to get the ferry over to Santorini, Andronis Arcadia is there to welcome you. The hotels in the Andronis collection are all sufficiently different from one another that staying at each one is a brand new experience. This is a bigger resort, with different restaurants, a larger spa and two pool areas overlooking the sea.
Book a sunset dinner at Pacman Restaurant, which serves a fusion of Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, or Beefbar, the hotel’s second and newer restaurant.
You’ll get a prime view of the sunset at both – no iconic blue domes, but no pesky tourists to elbow out of the way either. And if you do find yourself having to tackle people out of the way, the hotel's spa therapists will have you feeling stress-free in no time.
Andronis Arcadia is located in Oia, the island’s main town, where you can explore the winding streets of the town centre. If you fancy a good workout, take the stairs down to Amoudi Bay.
If you want a beach-side, more bohemian, setting, take up a seaside bed at Kamari beach, which I found to be a quieter, but still very lively corner of this beautiful island.
Nicole was a guest of Andronis. Andronis Minois reopens 1 May, stay from €344 B&B, based on two people sharing; Andronis Arcadia reopens 5 May, from €545 B&B, based on two people sharing.
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