The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol of formula I by reacting a compound of formula VII with the compound of formula R2-OH in the presence of haloginating agent to obtain a compound of formula VI and treating a compound of formula VI with dehaloginating agent to obtain a compound of formula V by reducing a compound of formula V, followed by cylization to obtain compound of formula IV and separating the enantiomer and diastereomers from compound of formula IV to yield a compound of formula I. Compound of formula I is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of protease inhibitors, in particular broad spectrum HIV protease inhibitors, the present invention also relates to process for the preparation of Darunavir from (3R,3aS,6aR)-hexahydrofuro[2,3-b]furan-3-ol.