Santa Maria, Paros, Greece

Just meters from one of the most tranquil and picturesque beaches of Paros, Santa Maria Beach House offers a rare beachfront experience in Greece. This lovely 4-bedroom island beach house is cushioned by a lush private garden and enjoys tranquil views of the sea and surrounding neighborhood. A romantic private stone path, shielded by a bamboo grove, meanders down to the sandy beach where you can sunbathe, swim or snorkel to your heart’s content, just two minutes’ walk from the house.

Authentically Greek chalky white walls are offset by the cornflower blue of the sea and sky. Outdoor living is abundant during the summer months and there are plenty of places to soak up the gorgeous views, meditate or strike your yoga poses on the terrace. An al fresco dining area, shaded by a pergola, is perfect for laid-back lunches and romantic starlit dinners.

Step inside and you’ll immediately be impressed by how quickly the simple, uncluttered living spaces can clear your mind. Perhaps it’s the scent of the lemon groves or the ozone-laden sea breezes that make you feel clean and wholesome here. The living room is a pleasant spot for indulging in a good book while the sun is at its peak, or gathering with friends or family to watch DVDs on the satellite TV. There’s also Wi-Fi throughout if you need to stay connected. An open-plan kitchen and informal dining area are designed for preparing and enjoying family meals, or you may decide to take breakfast on the terrace.

All that fresh sea air is bound to make you sleepy, so you’ll be glad to retire to the comfort of your fan-cooled bedroom. All four are simply styled for rest and relaxation, with traditional shuttered windows to block out the bright Greek sun when you need to sleep. En-suite facilities add a touch of luxury and the upstairs master bedroom has access to a rooftop terrace – where better to start the day with a freshly brewed morning coffee as you survey the Mediterranean garden and sea beyond? The other three bedrooms are equally comfortable and enjoy lovely views from the lower level.

The charming island of Paros is easy to get around in a rental vehicle and there is plenty to see and do on your doorstep. It’s a 2 minute walk to Santa Maria beach, 2km to the shops and 8km to the nearest town. The airport is 15 km.