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Despite there being a plethora of options when it comes to visiting a Greek Island, two names are almost always top any travel hit list, that of Mykonos and Santorini. But in recent years, a third contender has entered the race, and it’s fast becoming a favourite of those who frequent the country during the European summer: Paros.
Situated only a 30-minute (high-speed) ferry away from the bustling nightlife-laden island of Mykonos, Paros offers the same sun, sea and incredible food, but with a more relaxed atmosphere and with less crowds to beat to the best sun loungers. A recent added pull is the addition to the island of Cosme, A Luxury Collection Resort and the latest newest property from Kanava Hotels & Resorts, the brains behind Santorini’s famed Mystique hotel.
Set in the village of Naoussa —the most beautiful, cosmopolitan part of Paros — Cosme is perched directly on the Aegean beachfront, complete with its own private beach club. In synchrony with the group’s other hotels, Cosme is all about understated luxury and embracing the authentic Cycladic lifestyle, seen through everything from its architecture with a marble-floored reception and lobby area that references historical Cycladic buildings, to its menus.
Food is — or should be! — a huge part of any holiday experience and Cosme knows this better than most. The Medite-Grecian-themed menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Parostia Restaurant by celebrated Greek chef Yiannis Kioroglou are delicious, fresh and healthy.
In the morning, a plethora of fresh fruit options are on offer as well as items heroing the uncomparable Greek yoghurt, which is spotlit through the likes of smoothie bowls that rival that of L.A.’s famous health food store, Sunlife Organics. At night, fish is heroed through the likes of (delicious) lobster pasta, grilled king crab and grilled or salt crusted catch of the day and when ordering a sbagliato (before that viral TikTok!), the bartender revealed he learnt how to make them at Bar Basso in Milan, where they were first invented.
Don’t skip dessert, especially the From Aegina to Modena: pistachio ice cream from Aegina, aged balsamic vinegar from Modena and caramelised filo, which had us ordering it three nights in a row.
Paired with the white architecture and clear blue skies and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of staff — not to mention the healthy snacks found in rooms each afternoon — and you could be forgiven for confusing Cosme for a wellness retreat.
Speaking of wellness, Cosme of course comes complete with a spa, found in the same area as its gym (which is kitted out with all the best fitness gear). At Elios Spa, holistic treatments are on offer using exclusively indigenous resources and pure extracts and innovative techniques. On the roof, there is a dedicated space for star-gazing overlooking Naoussa and the sea and for morning yoga and meditation rituals.
Though Cosme is tucked away from the crowds, a short walk up the road and you’ll find yourself in the cosmopolitan heart of Paros, where you’ll find winding stone staircases, ideal for not only the perfect Instagram backdrops but also lined with upscale shopping, nightlife and restaurants. For those who’d rather explore by sea, Cosme has a privately owned cataraman yacht, on which you can visit all of Paros’ best beaches, as well as take trips to Antiparos, Koufonissia and even Mykonos.
Cosme’s 40 suites are each uniquely appointed. They are spacious and well laid out and the beds are comfortable. A select few even feature private pools, though you’re always only a stone’s throw away from the main half-moon-shaped one overlooking the ocean.
Elevating Cosme even further from the other properties on the island is its artist collaborations with artworks dotted around the space from Christina Mandilari of Naked Summers, Margarita Myrogianni’s and potter Dimitris Spyros. Cosme is also home to Anthologist Boutique, where founder Andria Mitsakos has curated a selection of homewares, clothing and accessories that reflect the authentic ambience of the Greek islands.
