Gundari: Folegandros’ first five-star hotel is good for the soul

Having opened in May, Gundari is Folegandros’ first five-star luxury resort. Embracing slow living, the low-lying 80-acre property on tranquil Folegandros’ southern coast is the brainchild of Australian Ricardo Larriera.

Reachable via dirt roads, the rustic, all-stone property is a soulful idyll in the Cyclades championing wellness, sustainability and gastronomy.

Where?

Secluded Folegandros, an island less frequented than its attention-grabbing Aegean counterparts, like Santorini, is well suited to travellers seeking a more authentic (and certainly less crowded) Greek island experience. Without an airport or port accessible to large cruise liners, Folegandros has remained something of a secret — though whispers of it have been loudening in recent years.

Reachable via daily ferries from all major destinations in the Cyclades, I travelled from Santorini (50 minutes away by fast ferry) and broke up my journey with an overnight stay at Andronis Arcadia (andronis.com) in Oia, Santorini (enjoying supper at their Pacman Restaurant at sunset). Flight times and a relatively restrictive ferry timetable pending, an overnight stay may prove a wise choice. For those who don’t want their plans to be dictated by these transport schedules, there’s also the option of a private helicopter transfer or private luxury boat, which can be arranged by Gundari.

Style

Athens design studio Block722 has created quite the Cycladic cool kid, embracing natural materials and understated detailing to achieve its ‘raw luxury’ aesthetic. Tonally muted, the low-lying property blends with the landscape through its use of exposed stone — in fact, all the stonework was created using rock excavated on-site. Sustainably minded planning sees low light pollution design adopted across the property and renewable solar energy is used for hot water and pool heating. Furthermore, Gundari is also a member of EarthCheck Certified.

Which room?

Comprising 25 suites and two villas, I stayed in an Executive Cave Suite which came with pinch me cliff-edge views, a private terrace, and a solar-heated pool. There are three categories of Cave Suite — Executive being the smallest, Superior is the largest, and all are reachable via descending staircases. In a nod to nostalgia (and slow living), Pioneer vinyl players are dotted across certain bedrooms. In-room, beautiful wooden headboards are flanked with delicate lamps designed by Céline Wright and beds are dressed in earthen-hued linen sheeting.

Bathrooms are stocked with Greek brand, OLIVE ERA, and stonework is once again a feature. Outdoor showers appear in about half the rooms, adding a playful touch. The expansive villas (there are two — one three bed, one four bed) house XL infinity pools as well as jacuzzis and are located a short distance from the hotel’s warren of suites.

Facilities

The compact, cliff-hugging spa looks out onto the azure water, offering an instant injection of serenity. Taking a holistic approach, treatments here infuse herbs and botanicals from the region. Spa director, Naomi Gregory has curated a treatment menu which includes a selection of massages — choose from The Relaxer, The Liberator, The Remedy, and The Nurturer. There’s also the option to enjoy rituals for two in the spa’s double suite. Plans for a larger spa facility are currently underway and due for completion in 2026.

An airy gym space (courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows) is located at the rear of the property; its outdoor veranda serves as a flexible floor space. A roster of visiting wellness practitioners offering meditation, energy healing, and yoga is currently being rolled out.

Food & drink

Food at Gundari has been imagined by chef Lefteris Lazarou, whose Varoulko Seaside restaurant in Piraeus, Athens earned him a Michelin star. Plating up a contemporary Greek menu, dominated by Mediterranean seafood, Orizon Restaurant is inspired by the water and seasonal produce of the Cyclades. Island-sourced 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 prawns – yum. Dining within the stone-walled courtyard as night descends is a mealtime crescendo.

Designed ‘as a hi-fi listening space, 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. There’s a wine bar in the works and the pool bar — serving fine spirits and light snacks — is swim up.

Extracurricular

Explore Folegandros’ sun-baked beaches via coastal trail. Beginning at Agali Beach, work your way along the coast, passing the tiny Galifos before reaching Agios Nikolaos where you can stop for lunch at Papalagi.

In Folegandros, life rotates around the Aegean. Diving and snorkelling excursions can be arranged by the hotel and private boat tours to nearby Milos and Sifnos are popular day trips. Guests can explore the island itself via electric bike and Fiat 500 Electric Cabrio — do ask the front desk for their pitstop recommendations (and a map!).

A visit to Chora, located 3km away, is well worth the short drive. Venture up the hairpin path to the Church of Panagia before dinner at Chic Folegandros. The concierge can arrange a guided historical tour of Chora and cooking classes with Yia Yia (Grandma) Irene at Irene’s Restaurant are also bookable via the hotel.

Best for…

Those seeking seclusion, quiet luxury, and the road less travelled.

Details

Rates start from £520 per night. gundari.com