Pura Vida - Six Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 13

Conceived by the owners as a private oasis in which to unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect to the fundamental joys of life, Pura Vida is a harmonious, tranquil and welcoming home with an uncanny ability to puts guests immediately at their ease. Amidst fragrant, colourful gardens, sea-view terraces fan out in all directions, wrapping round a gorgeous pool and offering all manner of al fresco pleasures. Once arrived in this haven, you will never wish to leave.

Accommodation at Pura Vida is spread across two houses, the main house and the Earth House.

Inside the main house: the entrance to the main house leads in from a sheltered terrace to a gloriously panoramic, light-filled social space where the gently minimalist style and laid-back vibe of the property is on full show. White walls and ceilings, smooth grey flooring, and geometrical forms create a sense of space and calm. To one side is a robust wooden dining table and chairs, while straight ahead is a comfortably furnished living area with a pair of sink-in sofa and a decorative corner fireplace. A trio of glass French doors frame the views out to sea and provide easy access to the surrounding terraces.

A wide opening between the living and dining areas allows the space to flow into the fully equipped contemporary kitchen, which features a convivial island, a central island-bar, countertops and a backsplash in lustrous grey-and-white Aliveri marble, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring in the views and allow seamless access to one of the dreamy al fresco dining areas.

At the end of the kitchen, a door opens into the principal suite, a generously proportioned and luxuriously finished space with a walk-through wardrobe, an en-suite shower room with double sinks, a sitting area with day bed (which can also become a single for a child) and a glass door accessing a sheltered terrace, and a double bedroom with decorative corner fireplace and a raised bed gazing out to sea via a pair of glass doors.

The remaining accommodation in the main house is accessed via a short corridor leading from the central social space. Here there are two more spacious bedrooms, both with en-suite shower rooms, and private terraces with sea views.

Inside the Earth House: situated around 20m from the main house, the Earth House accommodation in the Earth House is spread over two levels. Stylistically, it is in-keeping with the property as a whole.

Accessed from a terrace via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, the ground floor is home to an open-concept communal space with a comfortably furnished sitting area and a well-equipped kitchen with dining table, and the main bedroom, a double with en-suite shower room, sea views and terrace access.

A corridor leads from the living area past a guest loo to the stairs, at the top of which are two more luminous bedrooms:

• a double with en-suite shower room, sea views, and a shaded private terrace
• a double-twin with en-suite shower room, sea views, and a shaded private terrace

Accommodation at Pura Vida is completed by a well-equipped gym, situated between the main house and the Earth House.

Outside: Pura Vida has been designed to make the very most of its panoramic position looking down over the north of Paros and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. All the rooms spill out onto panoramic terraces that wrap around the property, offering sun-kissed and well-shaded areas for al fresco diversion. Paths lead around the grounds, delimited by a wide variety of fragrant plants, flowers, whispering trees and ornamental grasses, and the effect is one of being immersed in a garden of delights. This is also true of the Earth House, which is topped by a carpet of greenery.

As with the interiors, Pura Vida’s outdoor spaces have a laid-back feel that encourages guests to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures in life – gazing at the captivating views, lounging lazily, snoozing in the shade and gathering for convivial, carefree moments.

Along the sea-facing side of the main house, accessed from the living areas and the kitchen, is a panoramic terrace that’s home to a shaded al fresco dining area and an assortment of chairs.

The three bedrooms in the main house all open out onto their own private, sea-view areas.

This terrace flows down a few wide steps to arguably the highlight of the al fresco areas: the idyllic pool area. Sitting in pride of place is the irresistible, 15m-long pool, whose slightly angular form echoes that of the main terrace that envelops it. Flanking this serene expanse of cobalt water are sun loungers and a long, cane-shaded area with well-cushioned, built-in seating, and a large dining table served by a bar, a fridge, and a barbecue.

More wide steps lead down below the pool to another capacious, cushioned lounge area, which is the perfect spot for aperitifs and convivial after-dinner drinks.

A path of stepping stones leads from the edge of the pool area to the Earth House, which has its own al fresco areas. A sea-view terrace runs along the façade of the ground floor, while the two bedrooms on the upper floor both boast fabulously panoramic, shady, sea-view terraces.

Last but not least, especially for sports enthusiasts, is the half-size basketball court near the entrance to the property.

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

An extra single bedroom in the main house is available on request. It is most suitable for a nanny or a child.

The master bedroom includes an adjoining room with a daybed for one person, separated by an open layout without doors.
Pura Vida is located in an elevated position looking out over the north coast of Paros, the picturesque harbour town of Naousa, and the blue waters of the Aegean.

A drive of less than 10 minutes will take you down to the coast and on to the gorgeous beaches of Piperi, Kolimpithres and Agioi Anargyroi. Beautiful, unspoilt Monastiri beach is also less than a 15-minute drive away.

In terms of towns and villages, picturesque Naousa, buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port) and sleepy Marpissa are just a 8-, 15- 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, 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. The third 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.

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.

For those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp near the northwestern tip of Paros, 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 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.