The last time I visited Paros was almost 10 years ago. Back then, it was the kind of island you arrived on accidentally – quieter than its Cycladic neighbours, gently ticking along at its own pace. Life revolved around a handful of familiar pockets: slow mornings in Parikia, long lunches that blurred into afternoons, evenings wandering Naoussa’s narrow streets before the island slipped back into silence. Paros didn’t try to impress. It didn’t need to.

Returning in 2025 in early July, I realised just how much time – and travel – can reshape a place. Paros is no longer flying under the radar, but it hasn’t lost its sense of ease either. Instead, it’s evolved in quieter ways. The beaches are just as golden, the villages still feel lived-in rather than staged, but now there’s a new layer to the island – one defined by thoughtful design, elevated hospitality and a confidence in luxury that feels intentional rather than performative.

That shift became clear not through excess, but through restraint. Through places that understand that real indulgence isn’t about being seen, but about how you feel when you arrive – and how you feel when you return at the end of the day. For me, that place was Andronis Minois, set just above Parasporos Beach.

Stay

Freshly renovated and now part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection, Andronis Minois announces itself quietly but confidently. I remember arriving and immediately noticing how the entrance is cocooned by sprawling bougainvillea – soft bursts of colour against whitewashed curves – setting the tone before you even step inside. From that first moment, it was clear this was a place designed to be felt rather than flaunted.

Set just above the sea, the hotel unfolds like a modern Cycladic village. Every corner feels intentional – from the curved architecture and layered terraces to the way light moves through the space throughout the day. White facades are warmed by earthy materials: terracotta tones, timber pergolas, hand-crafted ceramics and brushed brass details that glow gently as the sun shifts. There are views at almost every angle – glimpses of the Aegean, pockets of sky, or quiet garden moments that gently slow you down.

I loved how quickly my suite began to feel familiar, almost grounding. After long mornings at the beach or afternoons stretched out by the pool, there was something deeply comforting about slipping back inside for an unplanned siesta – sun-warmed skin against crisp linen, the stillness of the room doing the rest.

The interiors of the suite also felt thoughtful rather than styled. Sculptural terracotta wall pieces above the bed, softly curved shelving, beautiful ceramic basins in the bathroom. Even the lighting felt deliberate – warm, low and calming. Early evenings on the balcony quickly became sacred – a drink in hand, a deck of cards between us, watching the sky soften before heading out to dinner.

Eat

Dinner at Olvo Restaurant was one of the most memorable meals of the trip. We were treated to a specially curated menu, enjoyed as the sun dipped low and the sky turned a dramatic, fiery orange over the Aegean – one of those sunsets that stops conversation mid-sentence.

Led by Head Chef Anastasios Tsantilas, the food struck a thoughtful balance between tradition and elevation – fresh seafood, refined Greek classics and desserts that felt indulgent without excess. Even the simplest of dishes packed a punch. The restaurant's Fava Bean dip was the best I've ever tasted (don't tell my Yiayia), and the Tagliolini with Eel was so memorable I'm still speaking about it today. It was, without question, some of the best food we ate on the entire trip.

That said, even as Paros’ restaurant scene continues to brim with new openings, I find myself returning to the same traditional spots every time. Kargas and Pita Frank are still serving up some of the most delicious gyros in town – unfussy, generous and deeply satisfying. There’s almost always a line, but what I love most is that it’s not just filled with tourists – it’s locals too, which always feels like the clearest sign you’re exactly where you should be.

Mornings were just as considered. Breakfast was served poolside and unfolded across both a generous buffet and an extensive à la carte menu – the kind where anything you could dream of felt possible. Greek classics like eggs kagianas are my personal favourite and reminded me of mornings spent at my grandparents, alongside comfort staples like fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Paired with a freddo espresso and fresh orange juice, breakfast became something I genuinely looked forward to waking up for.

Do

One of the simple pleasures of staying at Andronis Minois is how effortlessly it folds into island life. Parasporos Beach sits just a short walk away – no planning, no car, just sandals and the sea whenever the mood struck.

Further along the coast, Crios Beach Club offers a glimpse into Paros’ evolving rhythm. Our day spent here was one of my favourites on the island. The water is unbelievably clear, the food and drinks are exceptional, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between relaxation and energy. There’s even an on-site boutique stocking Australian designers like Christopher Esber – an unexpected detail that somehow feels perfectly at home.

An unmissable stop is of course Monastiri Beach, easily reached by car from either Naoussa or Parikia or by ferry. The beach itself is beautiful – calm, clear water and a relaxed beach bar that invites you to linger – but the real marvel comes when you walk up towards the monastery above. Standing by the church, looking out across the bay, felt quietly powerful – one of those moments that reminds you why Greece has a way of slowing everything down.

Back at the hotel, the pool became a constant. Any time of day felt right there – early morning dips, long afternoons doing very little, or a quiet pause before heading out for the night. And if you're looking for true, unmatched R&R, tucked discreetly within the property, Aura Spa offered a different kind of luxury. Quiet and cocooning, it was a space that gently disconnected you from everything outside its walls – the kind of calm that lingers long after you leave.

Despite the calm, Andronis Minois never feels isolated. Frequent transfers into Parikia and Naoussa make it easy to dip back into the island’s late-night rhythm – streets buzzing at midnight with boutiques sprawling with shoppers, ice creams at 2am, nightlife unfolding without urgency.

Paros may no longer be a secret, but experiences like this still feel quietly hidden. Andronis Minois doesn’t shout – it whispers. And for me, that softness is exactly what made this return to Paros feel so special.