Review of Yria Hotel Resort, by The TI Review Team

Yria Hotel Resort, on the small Cycladic island of Paros, has much to recommend it beyond proximity to some of the Aegean's most picturesque pebble-and-turquoise-water beaches (though that alone would be enough for some). A 64-room resort, spread over several low whitewashed buildings surrounding a lovely freshwater pool, Yria offers couples a private and romantic setting. (And a healthy distance away there's a separate kids' pool and play area for the little ones to splash and shout all they like.)

Service gets mixed marks for promptness and thoroughness, but generally everyone's friendly. There's a transfer shuttle to and from the airport, and tours of the island are available too, by car or boat rental. The hotel's restaurant, Nefely, serves 'spa' versions (light on the oil, little or no butter) of classic Greek dishes; the bar, Celine, offers light snacks and a vast menu of cocktails (try the vodka melon aperitif). There's a tennis court and a fitness center, and of course, it's just 100 meters' walk to Parasporos beach, one of the Cyclades' most gorgeous and tranquil.

The decor won't be setting new standards for originality anytime soon (the strip wood floors and striped duvets could be anywhere, from Stockholm to South Africa); but all 67 doubles and 24 suites are comfortable and modern-and the white Cycladic-marble baths are a major bonus. Most have a terrace accessed by sliding glass doors; all rooms have satellite HDTV, and DVD players.