Discover Gundari: A New Luxury Escape on Greece’s Hidden Gem, Folegandros
Travelers seeking a quieter alternative to the bustling crowds of Santorini and Milos can look forward to the debut of Gundari this spring. Opening on the Cycladic island of Folegandros, this 30-room retreat combines modern luxury with untouched natural beauty.
Folegandros’ First Luxury Boutique Hotel
Set on a protected wildlife reserve along the island’s southeastern coast, Gundari is Folegandros’ first high-end boutique property. The name “Gundari,” which translates to “rocky place,” reflects its harmonious design inspired by the rugged landscape. Accommodations include suites and villas that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
The standout features are the three- and four-bedroom cliffside villas, each boasting nearly 6,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the cliffs and the Aegean Sea while relaxing in private, solar-powered infinity pools and hot tubs.
This summer, the property will expand with three additional clifftop villas and a wine bar, located in a restored farmhouse, as part of its second phase.
Architecture and Sustainability
Designed by the Athens-based studio Block722, Gundari embraces minimalist aesthetics, with unpolished marble floors, clean lines, and open indoor-outdoor spaces. The EarthCheck Certified property underscores its commitment to sustainability while offering a refined yet grounded atmosphere.
Culinary and Wellness Experiences
At the heart of Gundari’s dining experience is Orizon, a restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou. The menu highlights local ingredients, including fresh, sustainably sourced seafood and produce grown in the on-site organic farm. Guests can even handpick their own vegetables and herbs for a farm-to-table dining experience featuring dishes like sun-ripened tomato salads.
Additional amenities include a sunken swim-up bar, a cocktail bar, and a subterranean spa. The spa offers treatments by visiting wellness experts and features sound baths, energy healing, yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy rituals, along with herbal-infused facials and massages.
Unmatched Views and Accessibility
The 100-acre property is perched atop limestone cliffs, offering breathtaking sunset views of Milos to the west and Santorini to the east. Folegandros’ iconic whitewashed village, Chora, is just two miles away, making it easy to explore the island’s charming streets.
Explore Folegandros and Beyond
Guests can explore Folegandros using Gundari’s fleet of eco-friendly vehicles, which includes Fiat 500e Cabrios, an electric Mini Moke, and e-bikes. Activities on the island include visits to the hilltop Church of Panagia, snorkeling and scuba diving, and hiking on 35 miles of scenic trails.
For those seeking adventure, Gundari offers private speedboat excursions to nearby islands like Polyaigos and Sifnos, sunset cruises with cliffside dinners, and wine-tasting tours on Sikinos. A standout experience is a cooking class with “Yia Yia” Irene, a beloved local chef who shares the secrets of traditional recipes, such as rice-stuffed tomatoes.
Commitment to Conservation
Gundari is deeply committed to preserving Folegandros’ unique ecosystem, particularly the endangered Eleonora’s Falcon, a native bird species with fewer than 20,000 remaining globally.
Plan Your Visit
Gundari opens its doors on May 16 and is accessible via high-speed ferries from Athens’ Piraeus port or Santorini. Offering unparalleled luxury, sustainability, and cultural immersion, Gundari promises an unforgettable escape on one of Greece’s most serene islands.
