Amira - Sept Chambres Villa, Couchages 14

Rising discreetly on Paros's northeastern peninsula, and boasting 360-degree views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, Amira is a subtle ode to contemporary Cycladic living. Luminous, uncluttered interiors flow out organically onto shady, wrap-around terraces that culminate in a supremely convivial, gorgeously furnished central hub. An infinity pool adds to the allure, as does the fact that sandy beaches and a taverna are just a short walk away.

Accommodation at Amira is laid out over two wings, north and south, facing each other across a central terrace. Both are on two levels.

Inside the south wing: on entering the south wing, one is immediately struck by the luminosity, the sense of open space, and the minimalist atmosphere of serenity. Creamy white walls and light sandy floors link the various areas in a homogeneous uniformity, while a mix of raw concrete and painted ceilings adds variety and interest.

Immediately to the right of the main entrance is an all-white, well-equipped contemporary kitchen, whose banks of discreet cabinetry keep things uncluttered.

To the left of the kitchen is an open-concept room with a dining table and chairs to one side, and a living area with sofas to the other. Four sets of French windows on opposite walls bring in the views, while a third wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass opens up entirely to allow the space to flow seamlessly onto the central terrace between the two wings of the property.

Moving right from the kitchen, a corridor leads to a guest shower room and the first bedroom, a double with en-suite shower room, sea views, and French doors opening out onto the surrounding terraces.

Stairs opposite the kitchen lead down to the south wing’s lower floor, which is home to:

• two double bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and light wells planted with exotic greenery
• a large social space with a sofa and a sleek kitchen corner with a large fridge

Inside the north wing: the north wing, which faces its southern counterpart across the aforementioned central terrace, is accessed via a wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors or by its own front door.

On the ground floor is a living area, a little stainless-steel kitchen area hidden away in a cupboard, and three bedrooms:

• two doubles with sea views and terrace access sharing a shower room
• another double with a walk-through wardrobe, an en-suite shower room, sea views, and access to terraces on both sides of the house

The lower floor of the north wing, meanwhile, is given over to:

• a suite with a double bed, a well-cushioned sofa, a kitchen corner, an en-suite shower room and a wall of sliding glass doors accessing a private sunken terrace with gently sloping steps leading past a shrubbery up to the gardens
• a well-equipped gym room

Outside: al fresco living at Amira is as easy and as pleasurable as it gets. Terraces wrap around and between the two wings of the house, and the interiors spill outside at every opportunity. White slatted structures run the full length of the house on either side, providing an abundance of shade throughout the day, and views pan out, east and west, always looking to the azure waters that lap either side of the peninsula on which Amira rises.

Between the two wings is a contemporary agora, a fabulously well-furnished, sociable space where guests can meet up to enjoy convivial moments. To one side is a sitting area with a voluminous, L-shaped sofa, day beds and easy chairs; to the other is a long dining table that’s served by a shady barbecue area with an expanse of well-cushioned built-in seating.

All the rooms on the ground floor of the two wings open out onto the terraces, which are dotted with comfy chairs and sun loungers, meaning that everyone can find their own spot in which to read, snooze, or simply gaze at the views. The lower-floor bedroom in the north wing has its own secluded, sunken terrace.

A step from the central terrace leads down to the inviting pool, which has infinity edges on two sides, and more of those gentle views out to sea. To one side, a little army of quality sun loungers is lined up ready for action (or, rather, inaction).

The two-acre grounds, which are planted with low-lying shrubbery and fragrant herbs, envelop the terraces, never obstructing the views, but providing a gentle, soft backdrop to the overall scene.

Amira features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity sides so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Please note also that the pool has a single depth of 1.5m.

Due to the nature of the property, including terraces, low walls and several drops around the extensive grounds, children should be supervised at all times.

The final section of the access road to Amira is a little rough, so we recommend guests hire a 4x4 or one with high ground clearance.
Amira rises on the Paros's northeaster peninsula, just a few hundred metres from a couple of divine sandy beaches, including Santa Maria, and a taverna. It is also extremely well located for exploring the north of the island, which has plenty to offer.

For many people, Paros is the most authentic of the Cyclades. One of the larger islands, it has something for everyone, young or old, party-goers or culture-seekers, bourgeois or bohemian. Amongst its many attractions are buzzing little towns, myriad beaches, world-famous windsurfing conditions, gourmet restaurants, sleepy traditional villages with waterfront fish tavernas, religious, cultural and historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Thanks to the relatively limited distances involved - the island measures less than 25km from north to south - it is easy to explore in full in a week or two, no matter where you're staying. Its mountainous hinterland, with peaks rising up to around 700m, is dotted with the occasional monastery and crisscrossed by old mule tracks. Down on the coast, meanwhile, there is an array of beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic coves, and a day or two spent on a boat exploring these is heartily recommended.

In terms of towns and villages, picturesque Naousa, sleepy Marpissa, and buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port) are just a 10-, 20- and 20-minute drive away respectively. The former boasts a little harbour, a web of narrow streets flanked by shops and tavernas, and the remains of a Venetian castle. The second is a white-washed beauty that appears unchanged for centuries. It’s a pleasure to amble round its narrow streets, while a walk up to the monastery of St Anthony on the hill above offers spectacular views of the island. The third, meanwhile, is a vibrant little town gathered around a semi-enclosed bay that woos visitors with its sandy beaches, its many bars and tavernas, its archaeological museum, and its impressive Byzantine Church.

Just across the bay from Naousa is idyllic Kolimpithres beach, renowned for its transparent waters and fascinating rock formations, while for those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp high above Kolimpithres, it was built way back in the 13th century BCE and offers not only insights into Paros's long history but also stunning views. It’s quite a walk to get up there, so you may wish to tackle it in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot.

Paros's most northerly tip, the Monastiri peninsula is also close by. A protected park covering some 80 hectares of rocky, element-sculpted hills, hidden sandy beaches, walking trails, and undisturbed flora and fauna, it’s a great day out for nature lovers and hikers with the added bonus of an end-of-excursion swim in the sea.

Cultural tours are readily available on Paros, so not matter whether you wish to learn about Parikia's old town centre, the ancient marble quarries, or the unique island of Despotiko, you'll be able to delve into the island's history with ease. Children are well catered for too, and a trip to the butterfly nature reserve just north of the airport is good fun.

If all that wasn't enough, Paros's little sister, Antiparos, is just a 10-minute ferry ride across the water from nearby Pounta, making a little island hopping eminently possible.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.