by After opening in May, Gundari is Folegandros’ first five-star luxury resort. Embracing slow living, the low-slung 80-acre property on Folegandros’ tranquil south coast is the brainchild of Australian Ricardo Larriera.
Accessible by dirt roads, the stony property in the Cyclades is an ideal place to promote wellness, sustainability and gastronomy.
Where?
Secluded Folegandros, an island less frequented than its more attention-grabbing Aegean counterparts such as Santorini, is well-suited to travelers looking for a more authentic (and certainly less crowded) Greek island experience. With no airport or port accessible to the big cruise ships, Folegandros has always been a secret – although whispers about it have been growing louder in recent years.
Reachable by daily ferries from all major destinations in the Cyclades, I traveled from Santorini (50 minutes away by fast ferry) and broke up my trip with an overnight stay at Andronis Arcadia (andronis.com) in Oia, Santorini (supper enjoying their.PacmanName Restaurant at sunset). With flight times and a rather restrictive ferry timetable pending, an overnight stay could be a wise choice. For those who do not want their plans to conform to these transport schedules, there is also the option of a private helicopter or private luxury boat transfer, which Gundari can arrange.
Style
Athens design studio Block722 has created the cool Cycladic baby, embracing natural materials and understated details to achieve its ‘raw luxury’ aesthetic. Without sounding a tone, the low-rise property blends into the landscape through the use of exposed stone — in fact, all the stonework was created using rock excavated on site. Low light pollution design is adopted throughout the property with sustainable planning in mind and renewable solar energy is used for hot water and pool heating. In addition, Gundari is an EarthCheck Certified member.
Which room?
Comprised of 25 suites and two villas, I stayed in an Executive Cave Suite that came with a cliff-edge view, a private terrace, and a solar-heated pool. There are three Cave Suite categories – Executive is the smallest, Superior is the largest, all accessible via descending stairs. For the sake of nostalgia (and slow living), cutting-edge vinyl players are dotted across certain bedrooms. Inside the room, beautiful wooden headboards are flanked by delicate lamps designed by Céline Wright and the beds are dressed with bronze linen sheets.
Bathrooms feature a Greek brand, OLIVE ERA, and stonework is again a feature. Outdoor showers feature in about half of the rooms, adding a fun touch. The spacious villas (there are two – one three bed, one four bed) house infinity XL pools as well as Jacuzzis and are located a short distance from the hotel dressing room.
Facilities
The intimate, cliff-hugging spa looks out onto the azure water, offering an immediate injection of serenity. Taking a holistic approach, treatments here incorporate herbs and botanicals from the region. Spa director Naomi Gregory has curated a treatment menu featuring a selection of massages – choose from The Relaxer, The Liberator, The Remedy, and The Nurturer. There is also the option to enjoy a ritual for two in the spa’s double room. Plans for a larger spa facility are currently underway and due for completion in 2026.
An air-conditioned gymnasium 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
Chef Lefteris Lazarou dreamed up the food at Gundari, and Athens earned him a Michelin star at the Varoulko Seaside restaurant in Piraeus. Serving a contemporary Greek menu, dominated by Mediterranean seafood, Orizon Restaurant is 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 delicious Silo (Greek salad) with feta mousse, tempting calamari with basil pesto in a potato nest, and quinoa. , mango, and pomegranate salad with grilled prawns – yum. Dining inside the stone-walled courtyard is a treat as night falls.
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, with a list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails curated by the popular Line Athens . A wine bar is in the works and a pool bar – serving fine spirits and light snacks – is popping up.
extra curricular
Explore the sunny beaches of Folegandros on the coastal path. Starting 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 revolves around the Aegean. The hotel can arrange diving and snorkelling trips and private boat trips to nearby Milos and Sifnos are popular day trips. Guests can explore the island themselves via electric bike and Fiat 500 Electric Cabrio – ask the front desk for their pitstop recommendations (and a map!).
It is well worth the short trip to visit Chora, located 3km away. 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 Yia Yia (Grandma) Irene at Irene’s Restaurant can also be booked through the hotel.
He prefers…
Those looking for seclusion, quiet comfort, and less travel on the road.
Details
Rates start from £520 per night. gundari.com
