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Hotel of the Week: A Foodie Paradise Opens on the Remote Greek Island of Paros

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa oversees the culinary program at Avant Mar, a boutique property with elevated Cycladic style

By Jill Sieracki
Luxurious outdoor pool area with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees under a clear sky.
Avant Mar in Paros, Greece. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar

Travelers have long been singing the praises of Greece’s picturesque islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. However, those looking for authentic experiences in less explored destinations are discovering the country’s other stunning locales, including Paros, a petite Aegean getaway revered for its beaches, boating, and gastronomy. Now, a new boutique hotel has opened on the island—Avant Mar offers 38 rooms and suites with an elevated coastal ambience as well as the globally acclaimed cuisine of chef Nobu Matsuhisa and a holistic spa and wellness program.

Modern beach resort with poolside lounge chairs, umbrellas, palm trees, and a view of the sea lined with umbrellas and sunbeds.
The property is organized around a a 55-meter-long swimming pool. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar

Organized in the spirit of a quaint Greek village, the property’s accommodations capture the same Mediterranean energy with swaths of white marble, a creamy palette accented by nautical hues, and natural wood furnishings. Seven of the luxury suites come with private plunge pools, while nods to the architectural details of Paros—including arches, recesses, and geometric patterns—can be found throughout the resort.

Epicureans will be drawn to Matsuhisa Paros, helmed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, which serves sushi and adventurous sashimi in a garden setting overlooking the fishing village of Naousa. Elsewhere on the property, chef Dimitris Katsanou oversees the all-day bistro Thymes, while Figs lures dessert connoisseurs with traditional Greek pastries and treats. Guests can also recharge in Avant Mar’s spa inspired by ancient thermal baths with alfresco areas available for wellness treatments, yoga, and Pilates.

See more photos below: 

Luxury resort pool with sun loungers, umbrellas, and palm trees under a clear sky.
Avant Mar in Paros, Greece. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar
Modern bedroom with a wooden headboard, a white side table, and a hanging light. A window lets in natural light.
The bedroom suites feature a traditional Cycladic palette, rich textures, and a tranquil environment. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar
Luxury poolside with blue loungers and palm trees overlooking a scenic coastal view.
Private plunge pool at Avant Mar’s premium sea view suite. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar
Aerial view of a serene outdoor pool with umbrellas and palm tree casting shadows on a sunny day.
An aerial view of Avant Mar’s a 55-meter-long swimming pool. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar
Plated fish dish with green sauce, garnished with lime, jalapeños, red onion, and herbs on a white plate.
Avant Mar’s two dining destinations offer refreshing Mediterranean dishes by Chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Dimitris Katsanou. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar
Tart with a swirled meringue top and a scoop of red sorbet on a floral blue plate, set on a white table near a glass of wine.
Sweet treats at Avant Mar’s dessert destination, Figs. Photo: Courtesy of Avant Mar