On a secret island in the Cyclades, Hotel Gundari opens in Folegandros

3 things to remember about Gundari

• Away from the mass tourism and crowds of Santorini or Mykonos, Gundari stands out as a confidential retreat on the island of Folegandros, with no airport or cruise terminal. Accessible after just a few kilometers of airstrip, this luxury hotel in Greece offers a feeling of being at the end of the world. Facing the sea, the Gundari's 25 suites (some of which are unusual and troglodytic) blend into the landscape, as does the bioclimatic architecture designed by Block722. Rough stone, solid wood and paper lighting create an atmosphere that's both raw and poetic. The larger rooms feature an outdoor shower, dressing room and even a pick-up truck with vinyl turntable.
• Each suite is equipped with its own sea-view pool, some overflowing, others discreetly integrated into the landscape. The hotel also boasts a large main pool and spa, while the Orizon restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine orchestrated by Lefteris Lazarou, Greece's first Michelin-starred chef. From September, a pick-your-own vegetable garden and a wine bar housed in a typical old island cottage will complete the offering. With its signature cocktails, slick soundtrack and discreet, efficient service, Gundari ticks all the boxes of the new island luxury.
• True to the spirit of Folegandros, Gundari doesn't try to do too much. It favors discretion over showmanship, comfort over excess, in a destination that is still little-known. The island is one of the most spectacular in the Cyclades, with sheer cliffs plunging into the Aegean and the village of Chora perched on the edge of a sheer drop. Couples in search of tranquility, hedonists on the run from bling and lovers of the raw Cycladic landscape will find this an unforgettable retreat. With two additional villas and 14 suites under construction, Gundari already promises to be one of the archipelago's most desirable hotels.

The Gundari Hotel tour in pictures

The main building, as if anchored in the rock, perfectly follows the natural relief

A discreet yet spectacular hotel, anchored in the cliffs of the wildest of the Cyclades

Rough, soothing interiors by Block722: wood, stone and paper as decoration

Each suite tells the same story: that of discreet luxury, focused on the essential

Private plunge pool for most suites

Locavore and plant-based cuisine by Lefteris Lazarou, served on the terrace

Morning calm at the Orizon restaurant, with the sea as the only soundtrack

Gundari

Petouses, Folegandros, Greece
25 suites (14 suites and 2 villas under construction) from 459 euros per night