Review Author

Hotels Above Par

HOTEL SNAPSHOT

Set atop the wind-sculpted cliffs of Folegandros, Gundari is the kind of place you whisper about to your most trusted travel friends. As the island’s first luxury resort, it’s a revelation—a 27-suite sanctuary enveloped by 80 acres of protected wilderness and the endless blue of the Aegean. Founder Ricardo Larreira and designer duo Block722 have created something deeply attuned to the land: part wellness retreat, part design pilgrimage, and wholly unforgettable.

Design & Character

Forget Santorini’s sugar-cube aesthetic—Gundari trades whitewashed walls for copper cliffs and earthy hues that melt into the island’s raw terrain. Athens-based design studio Block722 wove in local stone, hand-carved timber, and unpolished marble to create a look that’s grounded yet undeniably luxurious. The design language whispers rather than shouts, with bioclimatic architecture that lets sea breezes and sunlight set the mood. It’s serene, soulful, and effortlessly cool.

The Rooms

Each of Gundari’s 27 suites and villas is an ode to minimalism and nature. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors frame hypnotic Aegean views, while private solar-heated infinity pools blur into the horizon. Three- and four-bedroom villas amp up the drama with nearly 6,500 square feet of indoor-outdoor living and cliff-hugging Jacuzzis. Inside, textures reign: linen, stone, and smooth wood, all in sun-baked shades that make every sunrise feel cinematic.

Food & Drink

Dining at Orizon—helmed by Greece’s first Michelin-starred chef, Lefteris Lazarou—tastes like a love letter to the Aegean. Think sea-fresh fish, Cycladic herbs, and produce plucked from Gundari’s organic farm. For a pinch-me moment, guests can even handpick ingredients for a private farm-to-table dinner as the sun slips into the sea. At night, the bar turns into a listening lounge inspired by Japanese jazz kissatens—vinyl spinning, cocktails flowing, stars twinkling.

Spa & Wellness Scoop

The subterranean spa channels ancient Greek healing rituals with a modern touch. Treatments use native herbs and mineral-rich tonics, while visiting practitioners lead sessions in meditation, energy healing, and yoga. The indoor mineral pool and cliffside deck set the stage for spiritual (and literal) elevation.

Amenities

Infinity pools, an organic farm, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a hi-fi listening bar for music lovers. Sustainability is woven into everything—from solar power to the replanting of 600 native species and the protection of the endangered Eleonora’s Falcon.

Location & Neighborhood

Just two miles from Chora—one of the most charming villages in the Cyclades—Gundari feels a world away. The island’s beaches, like Agkali and Katergo, are reachable only by hike or boat, adding to the allure. Here, you’ll find whitewashed lanes, cliffside tavernas, and a rhythm of life that hasn’t changed in decades. Folegandros isn’t just quiet—it’s timeless.

Fast Facts

Location: Folegandros, Greece

Vibe: Understated, soulful luxury

Rating: 5-Star

Room Count: 27 suites and villas

Pricing: Rates start at $600 USD per night.

Dining: Orizon Restaurant, Pool Bar, and Farm Dining

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Every suite’s infinity pool looks like it’s spilling straight into the Aegean.

Amenities: Spa, fitness center, organic farm, solar-heated pools, hi-fi bar, sustainability initiatives

Airport: Arrive via ferry from Santorini or Milos—worth every wave.