Overview
Raw, rugged, and rich in panoramic vistas above the glistening Aegean Sea, welcome to the secluded Greek island of Folegandros and its crown jewel: Gundari. To holiday here is to experience authentic island life, away from the throngs of tourists. You’ll move gently between mesmerizing beaches and their crystal-clear waters, picturesque villages made up of a labyrinth of charming passages that open onto bougainvillea-decorated squares, and between the peace of the day to the buzz of night.Retreat to the wild and wondrously unspoiled beauty of this lesser-known spot within the southern Cyclades. Reflecting the calm cragginess of its setting, Gundari has been decorated to honor the ancient tones of its island landscape. Intimacy, serenity, and pared-down elegance are to be seen and felt across the resort’s every textured nook. Though the silhouettes of its furnishings are sleek and sculptural, comfort is always just a few steps away with daybeds to fall back onto, sunken sofas and lofty pillows ready to cradle heads in need of rest. And welcoming you with every gentle twist and turn is a seemingly never-ending view of the majestic ocean that hugs this mesmerizing, magical isle and beckons you to adventure on day trips by boat or helicopter to nearby islands teetering on the horizon.
Gastronomic delight lies in wait as Gundari’s culinary masters nourish your soul from AM to PM with a Michelin-starred crafted menu in its restaurant. Orizon serves up the best of the sea with dishes born and bred on the island and across Greece, supplemented by Gundari’s very own kitchen garden. To ease you further still into a restorative headspace is its holistic spa, practicing Ancient Greek rituals using balm and tonics blended from Folegandros’ native herbs. Float between sound baths, meditation and energy healing sessions and emerge from Gundari on a lighter, calmer, happier plane.
Accommodations
Gundari might be set within 80 acres of rugged Grecian land, but the intimacy of its resort is reflected in its 27 villas and suites that mean a stay here will never feel densely occupied but just right. Each designed by the acclaimed Athens studio Block722, there’s a common design language and material palette that links every space. No matter which room you pick, you’ll be surrounded by a wealth of locally sourced, natural materials – sustainable decor is the beating heart of Gundari. Its smallest suite stands at 376 square feet with a lot packed into its footprint, from a luxurious king size bed to a private heated infinity pool complete with expansive sea view. In fact, every guest accommodation at Gundari has been gifted with a generously sized deck where you can lay on loungers, laze on your very own daybed and graze morning, noon and night at your al fresco dining area. Larger suites are also available, including those located on the island’s cliff edge to immerse you in Gundari’s signature subterranean, bioclimatic design. Melt into the dramatic cliff setting by requesting one of its signature cave-style rooms that harness the remarkable heating and cooling powers of the rock face. For groups, book into one of its cliff-front villas that range from three-four bedrooms and come with multiple bathrooms, living areas and terraces with jetted tubs and outdoor kitchens as well as the all-important pool and Aegean vistas.Amenities
• Restaurant with main bar• Gymnasium
• Heated main swimming pool with swim-up cocktail bar
• All suites with private, heated infinity pools
• Subterranean spa
• Curated experiences
• Small wine bar in authentic farmhouse
• Bathers Beach house: an all-day beachside dining venue with towel service for guests
Activities
• Subterranean spa & treatments• Private boat tours around Folegandros and its beaches
• Scuba diving
• Guided nature hikes and bird watching
• Guided historical tours through Chora
• E-bike hire
• Mini Moke EV hire
• Authentic cooking classes
• Day tours to nearby islands with dining experiences
• Beach days
Location
NEAREST AIRPORT:
Santorini Airport (JTR)
Compared to its more well-trodden Aegean neighbors, Folegandros feels like a breath of fresh air – intimate, timeless, understated, and free from hordes of tourists. Its wild and dramatic brutalist landscape conceals breathtaking beaches, picturesque pathways, and crystal-clear waters, enlivening all who surrender to its charms. The Chora is a labyrinth of characterful squares lined with chic boutiques, cafés, and tavernas covered in clouds of pink bougainvillea; at night, the town is abuzz with locals who gather to play cards and backgammon with a glass of wine in hand, but even in peak season it’s possible to get a table at the best restaurants in town. Voted the No. 1 European island in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Reader Awards and the No. 2 island in the world in Travel + Leisure’s 2021 “World’s Best Awards,” Folegandros offers the opportunity to reconnect deeply with both nature and yourself.
Santorini Airport (JTR)
Compared to its more well-trodden Aegean neighbors, Folegandros feels like a breath of fresh air – intimate, timeless, understated, and free from hordes of tourists. Its wild and dramatic brutalist landscape conceals breathtaking beaches, picturesque pathways, and crystal-clear waters, enlivening all who surrender to its charms. The Chora is a labyrinth of characterful squares lined with chic boutiques, cafés, and tavernas covered in clouds of pink bougainvillea; at night, the town is abuzz with locals who gather to play cards and backgammon with a glass of wine in hand, but even in peak season it’s possible to get a table at the best restaurants in town. Voted the No. 1 European island in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Reader Awards and the No. 2 island in the world in Travel + Leisure’s 2021 “World’s Best Awards,” Folegandros offers the opportunity to reconnect deeply with both nature and yourself.
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