Description Siren's Nest: Santa Maria

It's easy to imagine whiling away the days in this elegant Grecian villa. Demonstrating the very best of Cycladic charm, the bright four-bedroom house is a sumptuous setting-off point to explore the island of Paros.

Looking out from your private veranda, soak up a breath-taking mosaic of turquoise and lapis lazuli blues, peppered with the pink of flowering bougainvillaea trees. Start the day with a dip in the plunge pool and gaze out at unbeatable views across the Aegean sea. A two-minute stroll will take you to your nearest access point, the sandy Santa Maria beach, where you can rent a lounger and read up on local attractions. We'd recommend a trip to the island's picturesque white-washed capital, Parikia, just a 15km drive away.

After a day of rest and reverie, cook up a traditional Greek feast in the villa's fully-fitted kitchen. Dine al fresco and follow up your meal with a sip (or two) of ouzo. You'll no doubt sleep soundly, as each bedroom is home to a luxurious naturally-made mattress. Slip into a slumber and enjoy sweet dreams of whatever island adventures await.

Home truths:
* The fourth bedroom is divided by a bamboo wall, so privacy may be limited
* There's a guest WC in addition to the two main bathrooms