Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 

Parocks Luxury Hotel & Spa, a stunning new 5-star hotel nestled on the east coast of Paros, is getting ready to open its doors this summer. 

A unique hideaway facing the infinite blue of the Aegean Sea, this peaceful retreat is located in Ambelas, only a few steps from a beautiful beach and close to the upbeat town of Naoussa- making it the perfect spot to experience all this beautiful Cycladic Island has to offer. 

Insights Greece - Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 
Image Courtesy of Stones and Walls | @mirtoiatropoulou
Insights Greece - Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 
Image Courtesy of Stones and Walls | @mirtoiatropoulou

Parocks blends contemporary luxury with traditional Greek island architecture, allowing the rocky landscape- that meets the sea- to take centre stage. 

A discreet colour palette of earthy tones, along with the wide use of natural materials define the interior design of Parocks, which is the work of leading Greek interior design firm Stones and Walls. Inspired by the natural surrounding environment, the clean lines and minimalist decor creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity.  

Insights Greece - Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 
Image Courtesy of Stones and Walls | @mirtoiatropoulou
Insights Greece - Stunning New Hotel in Paros Ready to Open its Doors This Summer 
Image Courtesy of Stones and Walls | @mirtoiatropoulou

Parocks features five buildings that are spread across the property that also boasts a pool, spa and restaurant. The 19 rooms and 8 suites are ideal for unwinding after a full day exploring the island; with each one decorated in a soothing Cycladic style, they all come with a private outdoor dining area, pool, or jacuzzi. 

The panoramic outdoor area of Parocks Restaurant is the perfect spot to have breakfast, lunch or dinner- with guests being served creative Greek and other Mediterranean dishes based on local ingredients. And for those in need of some extra pampering, the Parocks Spa features an indoor pool, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and fitness facilities, offering a true oasis of rejuvenation and wellness for its guests. 

A: Ampelas, Naoussa, Paros

Cycladic Island Holiday Homes Most in Demand in the Mediterranean 

Mykonos, Paros and Santorini remain among the leading destinations in the Mediterranean, further establishing their investment dynamics in the post-pandemic holiday home market, according to Algean Property, who completed an annual review of 30 locations across the Mediterranean region.

In the report, Algean said that in the last few years, the holiday home market in the Mediterranean has steadily evolved from a promising real estate segment into the most dynamic and active sector of the real estate industry in this area.

“Demand across Mediterranean holiday destinations skyrocketed during the pandemic, with Greece, Spain and France leading the race. Yet, there are exceptions to this narrative with some locations experiencing small increases in yields and others experiencing a more substantial increase, mostly explained by rent figures growing faster than the sale price,” it said.

Insights Greece - Cycladic Island Holiday Homes Most in Demand in the Mediterranean 
Report by Aegean Property

For another year, Mykonos tops the list of best performers with an average gross yield of 7.4%. Paros (7.1%) is one of the destinations that were able to increase its yield compared to 2019 (6.5%). Although prices increased, rent growth outpaced sales prices growth resulting in a higher yield, further closing the gap with Mykonos. Overall, Paros has been able to benefit from Mykonos’s spillover effects with the islands being geographically near to each other. 

“This has allowed for new investments and more luxurious projects being built, increasing sales price while the greater number of tourists and pent-up demand from the pandemic has allowed rents to rapidly grow,” the report said.

Santorini’s sale price and rents experienced a slight increase compared to 2019 but overall performance remained the same with 2019 (6.3%). Skiathos and Tunisia share the 4th and 5th spot with sale prices, rents and yields remaining unchanged compared to 2019 (6.0%). 

The sixth spot is reserved by Porto Heli (5.3%) which was able to increase yields compared to 2019 (5.1%) as a result of a slight decrease in sale prices, whereas the Dalmatian Coast remained in the 7th spot with sales prices, rents and yields remaining unchanged compared to 2019 (5.1%). 

The top 10 destinations are completed by Chalkidiki, Chania and Kefalonia which all share the same yield of 4.8% with Kefalonia experiencing a significant increase in its yield compared to 2019 (4.1%) explained by rent growth outpacing sales price growth. 

The remaining 20 destinations recorded the following average gross yields: Elounda (4.6%), Zakynthos (4.6%), Rhodes (4.5%), Montenegro Coast (4.5%), Corfu(4.3%), Nice (4.3%), Turkey – Mediterranean Coast (4.3%), Athens Riviera (4.2%), Marbella (4.2%), Turkey – Aegean Coast (4.0%), Mallorca (3.7%), Saint-Tropez (3.7%), Messinia (3.6%), Sardinia (3.5%), Tel Aviv (3.4%), Ibiza (3.3%), Cannes (3.3%), Capri – Amalfi Coast(3.3%).

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Sotheby’s Greece 

Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros

A stylish new seafront hotel has opened its doors on the beautiful Cycladic island of Paros. Just a short stroll to Naoussa village, Cove features elegant and earthy rooms and suites; not to mention tranquil outdoor living spaces that are designed for guests to enjoy a peaceful and memorable getaway. 

Cove is a boutique hotel featuring 40 elegant suites and five luxurious family suites with private pools. It offers an all-day beach bar and restaurant and is spread out on 20 acres of land. 

Location 

Set right in front of the beach of Agioi Anargyroi, Cove offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, which looks extra spectacular during sunset. Only 700 metres from the centre of Naoussa, 5km to Kolymbithres beach, 1 km to the Wine Museum of Naoussa; and the Venetian Harbour and Castle are also just a walk away. 

  • Insights Greece - Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros
  • Insights Greece - Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros

Style & Character 

Boasting clean and modern lines, earthy materials and fine details, the sleek hotel is designed with a perfect balance of comfort and style. Designed by Athens based architectural firm eDje, the minimalist aesthetics are actually warm and inviting. 

Rooms

The hotel offers 45 suites, with five of these being signature suites, which have been designed to promote slow, easy living both indoors and outdoors. All signature suites come with their own private pools and can accommodate up to four adults and one child. Room types include Superior Double Rooms, Classic Suites, Junior Suites, Executives View Suites, Deluxe Family Rooms and an Interconnecting Classic Suite. 

  • Insights Greece - Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros
  • Insights Greece - Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros

Food & Drinks

The Cove’s new Rada Restaurant serves fresh Cycladic inspired dishes using locally sourced and seasonal produce. Set on the beach, guests are able to enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking surroundings as they enjoy their breakfast, lunch or dinner. At the hotel bar, guests can enjoy lush cocktails, and healthy smoothies and specially made to order drinks. 

Facilities

The hotel features an infinity pool, complimentary parking, a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Guests are also able to make the most of the lovely garden and rest assured the hotel provides a 24-hour front desk and room service.

Insights Greece - Stylish New Seafront Hotel Opens in Paros

Ideal for…

This modern hotel is the ideal getaway for families, couples, and all those looking for a peaceful getaway that’s also only moments away from a beautiful Cycladic town that’s filled with charming cafes, taverns, bars and boutiques. Positioned right on the beach, it’s also perfect for anyone who wants to spend their entire time relaxing by the water. 

Services

  • Free WiFi
  • Private parking
  • Private check-in/check-out
  • 24-hour services
  • Pool
  • Housekeeping

A: Agioi Anargyroi, Naoussa 844 01

International Buyers Looking for a Greek Island Home

More than eight in ten potential home buyers on the Greek islands are foreign nationals with strong interest coming from central European countries, according to Georg Petras, CEO of Engel & Völkers in Greece. 

Strong interest is noted especially from Central Europeans coming from the DACH regions (45 percent from Germany, 15 percent from Switzerland and 10 percent from Austria) as well as the Benelux countries and the USA.

Demand for real estate in Mykonos and Santorini remains solid, as well as on Crete and Corfu and in the coastal areas of the Peloponnese like Porto Heli despite the pandemic, says Petras.

In Porto Heli houses reach a maximum total of 7 million euros. Amongst the most popular destinations are also Paros and Rhodes, where the top price for a house is 4 million euros and apartments in the most requested areas reach up to a maximum of 6,000 euros per square meter. 

At the same time, the maximum price for a detached home in Paros is at around 8 million euros. 

Currently, the most expensive estate in the Engel & Völkers Greece portfolio is a villa in Mykonos with direct access to the sea; the asking price is 10 million euros. 

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Luxury Estate

Home Prices Rise Rapidly on Many Greek Islands

Buyers looking for a beachfront home on a Greek island are faced with a mixed market as asking prices on Serifos, Naxos and Paros rise rapidly, but drop on Skopelos and Patmos.

Demand has been picking up in Greece’s residential housing market in recent months as the economy rebounds from last year’s steep pandemic-induced recession and easing travel restrictions help attract foreign buyers.

Real estate agents say that buying activity from foreign nationals has been mostly focused on southern Athens, along the coastal area called the Athens Riviera, and the islands.

Data collected by Spitogatos.gr shows that the asking price for homes on the islands of Serifos, Samothrace and Poros topped the list jumping in the last year by 26.2 percent (to 2,649 euros/sq.m) 23.1 percent (to 1,066 euros/sq.m) and 20 percent (to 2,000/sq.m) respectively.

Next on the list come Antiparos, Naxos, Kythnos and Paros with hikes in selling prices reaching 17.6 percent (3,823 euros/sq.m), 15 percent (2,697 euros/sq.m.), 12.8 percent (2,255 euros/sq.m) and 12.5 percent (2,812 euros/sq.m) respectively

More than eight in ten potential home buyers on the Greek islands are foreign nationals, according to Georg Petras, CEO of Engel & Völkers in Greece, with strong interest coming from central European countries,

Strong interest is noted especially from Central Europeans coming from the DACH regions (45 percent from Germany, 15 percent from Switzerland and 10 percent from Austria) as well as the Benelux countries and the USA.

 

Price drops

On the downside, asking prices on the islands of Thasos, Ikaria, Skopelos and Patmos showed the biggest drop, falling 9.2 percent (1,309 euros/sq.m), 7.1 percent (1,300 euros/sq. m), 5.6 percent (1,062 euros/sq.m ) and 5.2 percent (3,359.7 euros/sq. m) respectively.

Next come Leros, Lesvos and Kea where asking prices dipped by 3.4 percent, 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent.

Demand solid demand for a holiday home in Greece, market experts warn that a recent property tax hike in the country may weigh on demand.

In June, the Finance Ministry announced an increase in the ENFIA property tax bill paid by property owners on popular islands, such as Mykonos and Rhodes.

The tax value of some homes on Mykonos, for example, jumped to 3,800 euros per square meter, from 1,200 euros. Sharp increases also appear in districts on the islands of Rhodes, Kos, and Kefalonia. The changes will take effect as of January.

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Serifos Houses 

First Luxury Hotel Set to Open in Antiparos

The stunning island of Antiparos is set to welcome its first luxury hotel. Conceived as a wellness and lifestyle resort, The Rooster is designed with simple aesthetic luxury in mind; also providing a holistic experience for a rejuvenating escape. 

Location

Nestled between the sandy, unspoiled beaches of the Aegean coastline and the dramatic landscape of the Cyclades, The Rooster celebrates privacy in complete harmony with nature. It’s an ideal location for detoxing and being away from crowds; as it’s set on one of the most secluded and exclusive islands in Greece. Endowed with sheer natural beauty, golden sandy beaches, and a verdurous landscape full of cedar trees, this island remains unspoiled.

Insights Greece - First Luxury Hotel Set to Open in Antiparos

Style & Character

Boasting an unrivalled combination of splendour with respect to the environment and authenticity of Greek island life, this new hotel is inspired by the raw natural charm and the rustic environment- creating a tranquil atmosphere. Conceived by founder and owner Athanasia Comninos as a wellness resort- with an eye toward sustainability and harmony with the local community- the understated luxury combined with simplicity and comfort are leading values of the design philosophy. The interiors feature spacious and elegant indoor areas, reflecting a casual (yet chic) style with an eclectic feel. Wood, marble, and cotton, all in a variety of a naturally soothing palette prevail, while an inventive combination of textures and patterns create a feeling of spiritual calmness.

Insights Greece - First Luxury Hotel Set to Open in Antiparos

Rooms

The Rooster boasts 17 independent houses, that are warm and inviting. Each one has its own character and they come in four different layouts; all include ample space, private gardens, outdoor showers, and a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. A freestanding farmhouse, located at The Rooster’s organic farm (only a few minutes away from the main property) offers guests three bedrooms and a spacious living area. Here you can dine outdoors on the spacious patio or simply savour the view of the farm while lazing around on the chic outdoor furnishings.

Food & Drink

The Rooster offers guests a variety of bespoke dining options and experiences; including a private chef, a personalised daily fresh breakfast, and a private dinner at the farm’s exclusive restaurant. You can choose from the main eatery which features a variety of Greek and international dishes; freshly made using hand-picked garden produce. For a more casual meal, The Secret Gem is the perfect place to have a light lunch or early dinner. And for some drinks head to The Bar and enjoy your favourite beverage, while admiring unparalleled views of the sea and the magical sunset of the island.

Insights Greece - First Luxury Hotel Set to Open in Antiparos

Facilities

Enjoy the furnished terraces, sun decks, freshwater pools, and outdoor showers, all overlooking landscaped gardens or the Aegean Sea. Personal yoga sessions or wellness coaching is also available and Farmhouse guests have complimentary access to all the hotel’s facilities.

Guests from the houses can also visit the Organic farm and learn about traditional farming techniques; and pick seasonal vegetables and herbs to make their own dishes. Experience outdoor cooking in the open air by a local chef and enjoy the creations with friends and family.

Ideal for… 

With sustainability and mindfulness at the core of all its services, this hotel is ideal for anyone looking for a “slow living” experience. It’s also perfect for anyone looking to really enjoy the island, as The Rooster is ideally placed to explore the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and natural attractions. From families and couples to groups of friends and solo travellers; from here, you can easily visit the ancient sanctuary Despotiko ruins, take a tour to the caves of the island, wander around the enchanting Antiparos castle, enjoy the Sunset at Sifneiko Beach (as you dance the night away) and stay awake for the sunrise (it’s a must).