The Greek Islands are experiencing a hotel boom. Here are some of the best luxury resorts recently opened or soon to open on these paradisiacal shores
Long hailed as a destination for sunning and relaxing, the spectacular Greek Islands will forever remain etched in the minds of those who visit. And in 2024, it seems every other day a new resort is opening its doors. Here are the ones that have caught our attention.
Gundari Resort
Set to open in May, Gundari Resort offers an escape on 32 hectares of the private Greek island of Folegandros. Frames views of the Aegean Sea are visible from the 27 suites and villas,set atop cliffs. Sustainability efforts of the resort include preserving the natural beauty of Folegandros, minimising the resort’s ecological footprint, maximising energy efficiency, working towards zero waste and ensuring low carbon emissions.
Guests to Gundari can enjoy a range of activities showcasing Greece in its purest form. In-house leisure activities include exploring nearby nature from the Gundari luxury boat, enrolling in an authentic Greek cooking class or culinary tours and diving and snorkelling in the caves, reefs and walls that surround Folegandros. Guided hiking trails on ancient paths or historic tours through the island and electric bikes or EV mini-Moke vehicles are also available to discover the island.
One&Only Kéa Island
One&Only Kéa Island, located a 30-minute boat ride from Athens, is an all-villa resort featuring 63 cliffside villas with one- and two-bedroom configurations and opening in May. Each villa offers contemporary design, an outdoor terrace with a private infinity pool and floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views over Kéa’s dramatic landscapes and the Aegean Sea. Five restaurants and bars are available at One&Only Kéa Island. The resort’s wellness offerings include an exclusive three-storey One&Only Spa offering treatments as well as intensive programs, rejuvenating beauty rituals, an indoor-outdoor fitness centre, a sea-view yoga pavilion and watsu therapy.
Activities at One&Only Kéa Island include yacht excursions, diving at historic wrecks, exploring secluded beaches, enjoying Panigiri celebrations, archaeology sessions, cycling and hiking to ancient ruins. Club One will offer activities for all ages, including tennis and padel. Bond Beach Club on the resort’s bay hosts a calendar of guest DJs along with a menu of locally-inspired bites and elevated cocktails.
40 private homes are also available for purchase. The exclusive freehold villas offer a choice of one to six bedrooms, with layouts spanning 180–3,020 square metres and boasting a range of luxurious amenities, including gardens, dining terraces, and cliffside swimming pools.
Numo Mykonos
Also opening in May, Numo Mykonos will overall embody the spirit of the Cyclades. Located on Kalafatis Beach, the resort draws design inspiration from the 60s and 70s with an added flair of modernity. ANEMOESSA serves the modern take on Mediterranean and local Myconian cuisine while MÀRE MÀRE Pool Bar offers locally inspired cocktails. The Etherea Boutique Spa offers holistic wellness and houses the Ensoma Fitness Area.
Santo Mine Oia Suites
The adults-only Santo Mine Oia Suites offers 37 private suites overlooking Ammoundi Bay. f The converted stone mine features minimalist designs mixed with traditional Cycladic architecture with elements nodding to Santorini’s mining past. Floor-to-ceiling suite windows frame sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Features of Santo Mine include private pools or Jacuzzis, a restaurant, a wine cellar, an outdoor gym and a spa with three treatment rooms.
King Jason Zante
Nestled among olive groves, King Jason resort opens this June exclusively for adults. Set on Zakynthos, King Jason features standalone overwater suites and a slow living philosophy. When it comes to eats, Mediterranean cuisine can be enjoyed at the restaurant Haroūb while Pisco focuses on Peruvian fusion fare. Purai Spa features activities like morning meditation, tea rituals and yoga.
91 Athens Riviera
For a Greecian experience in tune with nature, a stay at 91 Athens Riviera will bring luxury to 28 cabanas with king beds. Private decks are built into each cabana overlooking gardens and other flora. Amenities include a wellness and fitness facilities, pool and tennis club. Soma Spa offers an opportunity to unwind in four private treatment rooms, a hydro pool, sauna, hammam and a relaxation area. Dedicated hair, nail and beauty sections pamper guests by accentuating their natural beauty.
