Are secrets better when shared? Naturally, it goes against the ethos of what a secret is, but sometimes disclosing a juicy bit of insider information with someone can help reinforce your initial feelings about it, and allow them to delighting in the secrecy of it all.
Want to know a secret? When it comes to holidaying in the Greek islands—Mykonos is out. The wildly-popular party island has long been renowned for its near-constant line up of upmarket beach-clubs and big-name international DJs, which work as a tractor pull for luxury-yacht dwellers, deep-pocketed revelers and Insta-thirsty holidaymakers. So, why is it out? Well, too much of a good thing can be spoilt. Ask any seasoned summer island-hopper for tips and they’ll quietly whisper to you: “go to Paros, instead.”
Not 35 minutes by ferry from its famed Cycladian cousin, Paros is a larger, greener, less mountainous island and, in the beautiful fishing village of Noussa, it has one of the most the area’s most picturesque locations. It too has seen its popularity explode over the past few years, and Noussa is no longer a secret to the tourist trade, however, one spot that is far from the maddening crowd is the luxury boutique hotel, Avant Mar.
The 38-room design-led hotel is a bolthole by any criteria. A five-minute walk from the centre of Noussa—an absolute luxury in a taxi-sparse island —the distinctly modern property is a blend of chic minimalist design, traditional architecture in a style that is both relaxed and elegant. It is airy, sleek and refined, creating an atmosphere that forces you to slow down and relax around a stunning long pool that stretches the length of the property.
Admittedly one of Noussa’s more costly hotels (particularly in peak summer season), Avant Mar justifies its room rate by offering not only an excellent semi-outdoor wellness area with spa treatments and open-air yoga and Pilates classes, but it also by housing Matsuhisa—the upmarket Nobu-affiliated, modern Japanese restaurant with a fantastic sushi bar and resident DJ. There is also a specialist bakery onsite.
As the name suggests, Avant Mar is next to the beach and its guests have access to private loungers on the cozy Piperi Beach—another little secret thanks to its views of Noussa’s ever-popular harbour.
Like Paros, Avant Mar seems like an anomaly. A stunning, relaxed, luxury retreat that is located as close to the action of an upcoming popular tourist destination but without being consumed by it. It is low key, and high quality. It’s a secret place that you want to tell your friends about, but don’t want others to find out—but they will, because after all, sharing is caring.