Opened in May, Gundari is Folegandros’ first five-star luxury resort. The low-lying 80-hectare estate on the tranquil south coast of Folegandros embraces slow living and is the brainchild of Australian Ricardo Larriera.
Reached via dirt roads, the rustic, all-stone property is a soulful Cyclades idyll that champions well-being, sustainability and gastronomy.
Where?
An island less visited than its notable Aegean counterparts such as Santorini, remote Folegandros is great for travelers looking for a more authentic (and certainly less crowded) Greek island experience. Without an airport or port accessible to large cruise ships, Folegandros has remained something of a secret – although rumors about it have been growing louder in recent years.
Accessible via daily ferries from all major destinations in the Cyclades. I traveled from Santorini (50 minutes by fast ferry) and broke my journey with an overnight stay at Andronis Arcadia (andronis.com) in Oia, Santorini (enjoying dinner at their Pacman restaurant at sunset). Pending flight times and the relatively limited ferry schedule, an overnight stay may prove to be a sensible choice. For those who do not want their plans to be dictated by these transport schedules, there is also the option of a private helicopter transfer or a private luxury boat, which can be arranged by Gundari.
Style
Athens design studio Block722 has created a true Cycladic cool boy, embracing natural materials and understated details to achieve the ‘raw luxury’ aesthetic. The low-lying property is muted in tone and blends with the landscape through the use of exposed stone. In fact, all the masonry is made with rocks excavated on site. Sustainable planning applies a low light pollution design throughout the property and uses renewable solar energy for hot water and pool heating. Furthermore, Gundari is also a member of EarthCheck Certified.
Which room?
Consisting of 25 suites and two villas, I stayed in an Executive Cave Suite with cliff edge views, a private terrace and a solar-heated pool. There are three categories of Cave Suite: Executive is the smallest, Superior is the largest and all are accessible via a descending staircase. In a nod to nostalgia (and slow living), Pioneer vinyl players are scattered throughout select bedrooms. The beautiful wooden headboards in the rooms are flanked by delicate lamps designed by Céline Wright, and the beds feature earthen-toned linen sheets.
The bathrooms feature the Greek brand OLIVE ERA, and brickwork is once again a feature. About half of the rooms have outdoor showers, which adds a playful touch. The expansive villas (there are two – one with three beds, one with four beds) house both XL infinity pools and Jacuzzis and are located a short distance from the hotel’s warren of suites.
Facilities
The compact, cliff-hugging spa overlooks the azure waters, offering an instant injection of tranquility. With a holistic approach, the treatments here use herbs and herbal ingredients from the region. Spa director Naomi Gregory has created a treatment menu with a selection of massages – choose from The Relaxer, The Liberator, The Remedy and The Nurturer. There is also the opportunity to enjoy rituals for two in the spa’s double suite. There are currently plans for a larger spa facility to be completed in 2026.
At the rear of the building is an airy fitness room (thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows); the outdoor veranda serves as a flexible floor space. A list of visiting wellness practitioners offering meditation, energy healing and yoga is currently being rolled out.
Eat Drink
The food at Gundari was created by chef Lefteris Lazarou, whose restaurant Varoulko Seaside in Piraeus, Athens earned him a Michelin star. Orizon Restaurant serves a contemporary Greek menu, dominated by Mediterranean seafood, inspired by the water and seasonal produce of the Cyclades. Island ingredients, many of which come from Gundari’s own organic produce garden, satiate lunch and dinner guests with menu highlights including a delicious Cyladic (Greek salad) with a feta mousse, tempting calamari with basil pesto in a potato nest and a quinoa, mango and pomegranate salad with grilled shrimp – yum. Dining in the stone-walled courtyard as evening falls is a mealtime crescendo.
Designed ‘as a hi-fi listening room, inspired by the Japanese Jazz Kissatens of yesteryear’, the bar offers a selection of Greek and international wines, while an alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktail list has been curated by the popular Line Athens. A wine bar is under construction and the pool bar, serving fine spirits and light snacks, is swimming.
Extracurricular activities
Explore the sun-drenched beaches of Folegandros via the coastal path. Start at Agali Beach and work your way along the coast, passing tiny Galifos before reaching Agios Nikolaos, where you can stop for lunch in Papalagi.
In Folegandros life revolves around the Aegean Sea. Diving and snorkeling excursions can be arranged by the hotel, and private boat trips to nearby Milos and Sifnos are popular day trips. Guests can explore the island themselves with an electric bicycle and a Fiat 500 Electric Cabrio. Ask the front desk for pit stop recommendations (and a map!).
A visit to Chora, 3 km away, is well worth the short drive. Climb the hairpin path to the Church of Panagia before dining at Chic Folegandros. The concierge can arrange a guided historical tour of Chora and cooking classes Yes Yes Yes (Grandma) Irene at Irene’s Restaurant can also be booked through the hotel.
Best for…
Those seeking seclusion, quiet luxury and the road less traveled.
Details
Rates start from £520 per night. gundari.com