Paros Philoxenia is a pioneer among small guest accommodations in the Cycladic Islands. Situated on New Golden Beach, the hotel opened its doors over a decade ago in an area of the island that had virtually no hotel properties. Owners Astrid and Nikkos saw the potential in catering to an active travel market of windsurfers and water sport lovers on a pristine, unspoilt coastline with the exact type of water and wind conditions that such specialty sports require. They put in the painstaking work to create a low-key but pretty structure of 42 guest suites (doubles and singles) and main buildings that fit perfectly into the local terrain with its Cycladic cubist design and reliance on traditional interior materials and designs. My room was a split-level suite with a nice overview of the beach. Amenities in each room include: air-conditioning, refrigerator, television, direct-dial telephone, private bathroom and private balcony or veranda.
Nowadays, Paros Philoxenia isn’t the only choice as the community of New Golden Beach has burgeoned, yet this hotel retains its popularity thanks to its wonderful location, moderate rates, simple but elegant design and still prevalent tranquility. Like anywhere in Greece, high summer sees most of the suites fill up and the offshore waters and adjacent sands become busy with water sport enthusiasts from around the world. Get here a little earlier when they open (April to October) or as I did, just before they closed for winter, and you may have more space to yourself. The neighboring villages of Drios, Marpissa, Piso Livadi and Logaras (all around 1.5-2.5 kilometers in distance) have everything practical for visitors from supermarkets to car rentals, shops and restaurants. The main town of Parikia which I arrived into by ferry is a pleasant 18 kilometers drive through the Paros countryside. There’s pickup from the port or the airport available upon your arrival/departure—just let them know.