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When the new small-screen adaptation of One Day dropped on Netflix earlier this year, it sparked a flicker of lust in millions of binge-watchers across the nation. Much of that could, of course, be attributed to leading man Leo Woodall—he of the ’90s boy band face and roguish charm (which masked an equally appealing inner vulnerability… but that’s for a different article). But at least some of the longing was reserved for another element of the show: the idyllic Greek island featured in episode four, which finds Em (Ambika Mod) and Dex (Woodall) enjoying a definitely-as-platonic-friends-and-nothing-more holiday à deux in the early ’90s.
The location—all pink bougainvillea exploding over white stucco walls, fishing boats bobbing in a picturesque harbor, and impossibly quaint al fresco restaurants—was Paros, which is less than an hour by boat from the party capital of Mykonos, yet worlds away from its flashy Cycladic neighbor, home to the €150 daybed and the €40 crab leg.
Thirty-plus years on from when the show was set, Paros is now home to many more luxury hotels, but it still has all of the rustic charm that lured holidaymakers such as Truman Capote and Vogue photographer Cecil Beaton in the past. The small boutique property Andronis Minois, on the east of the island, offers both: the low-rise building mirrors traditional Cycladic architecture, but with a sleek and contemporary finish, all fresh white interiors with splashes of ocean blue and terracotta. To step into one of the light, bright, and breezy suites—overlooking either the sea or the serene pool area dotted with palm trees—is to instantly feel your shoulders drop.
The food is a real highlight at this incredibly peaceful spot, from the Greek omelets and delectable orange juice at breakfast—served on a shady, blue and white tiled terrace with a postcard-perfect view of the coastline—to dinner at Olvo restaurant, which serves up simple and delicious meat and fish from the josper oven. Or in other words, exactly what you want to eat outside on a balmy evening by the sea (ideally with a generous helping of the homemade fries).
In the unlikely event that you tire of lounging by the pool area with a Paloma (they’re excellent here, by the way), staff will point you in the direction of the “secret” beach. After walking for a few minutes down a scrubby, sandy, unremarkable path, you’ll emerge at a glorious and secluded (in late May, at least) bay, home to just a watersports shack and to Zazala, a laid-back, rustic chic beach club and restaurant. Dine in after spending a day at the beach, or better still, order a margarita and a portion of the spicy feta to your sunbed as golden hour takes hold.
If you’re looking to break out the fancier items in your holiday wardrobe, head to the undeniably vibey harbor of Naoussa, where the lively seafood restaurant Barbarossa has played host to celebrity holidaymakers including Charlize Theron and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson (the Hollywood power couple has a holiday home on Antiparos). Take a stroll through the traditional alleyways – fashion girls who have fallen for this summer’s charm jewelry trend will love browsing the cute shops selling shells and beads—then stop in at Sante for a pre-dinner cocktail.
The hotel to know in Naoussa is Cosme, which is just a few moments walk along the water from the village itself, but secluded enough to serve as a chilled escape should you tire of the napkin twirling in town. Comprised of 40 suites, Cosme has taken inspiration from the bright white buildings that populate the Paros coastline, has a generous private beach, and is home to a rather spectacular half-moon swimming pool, designed to echo the shape of the bay the hotel overlooks.
Aside from the prime location, it’s the special touches that make this luxe hotel stand out, like the addition of a stargazing terrace, where guests can take advantage of the clear skies over the island after the sun goes down. The lobby is also home to Anthologist, an outpost of the Athens concept store founded by globetrotter and PR guru Andria Mitsakos. The carefully curated, craft-focused edit is about as far as it’s possible to get from predictable gift shop tat: think upcycled bags, handpainted ceramics, and rare kilim rugs.
Set aside some time to explore the island’s smaller villages, too. Marpissa is home to winding alleyways, laid-back tavernas, and a bright pink door that you’ve definitely seen on Instagram. Lefkes, up in the hills, is a time capsule of traditional Greek village life: wander the pretty squares, visit the quaint church, and sample the glorious pastries from Stratis Bakery. If you’ve overdone it on the saganaki, take the ferry over to Antiparos, where travelers in the know check into The Rooster. Founded by the shipping heiress Athanasia Comninos, this discreet wellness destination and love letter to slow living is where the stars go to switch off.