Whitney Spielfogel
Nestled on the tranquil island of Folengandros, Greece, the newly unveiled five-star Gundari property is the epitome of peace and privateness. In contrast to its extra well-known island neighbors, Santorini and Mykonos, Folegandros has managed to take care of a low profile, making it an ideal vacation spot for vacationers in search of an off-the-beaten-path expertise. Folegandros is a hidden gem within the Cyclades archipelago, regionally identified for its unspoiled magnificence, genuine attraction, picturesque landscapes, and tranquil environment. The under-the-radar island offers the right backdrop for the just lately opened Gundari, a sanctuary that guarantees an unparalleled mix of consolation, magnificence, and pure magnificence. As one of many latest jewels within the Aegean, Gundari, which started welcoming its company in Could, is not only a spot to remain—it’s a serene expertise that embodies the essence of Greek island luxurious residing.
Whitney Spielfogel
Folegandros is reachable from many major ports in Greece, by way of high-speed ferry, making it an accessible vacation spot for vacationers. Whereas the island would not have its personal airport, the ferry connection offers a direct and scenic route from close by stops (a 3.5-hour experience from Athens’ Piraeus port or 1 hour from Santorini’s Thira, for instance). A number of operators, together with SeaJets and Zante Ferries, supply common providers, particularly through the summer season months when tourism to the Cyclades is at its peak. The ferry experience itself is a part of the expertise, with lovely views of the Aegean Sea and stops at different close by Cycladic islands like Milos or Sifnos alongside the way in which. When you arrive on Folegandros, you will dock on the small port city of Karavostasis, the place workers from Gundari will meet and transport you (figuratively and actually) to their heavenly property.
Gundari is located on a major coastal stretch, quarter-hour by way of automotive from the dock, providing breathtaking views of the attractive blue waters beneath, perched above an impressively excessive cliff. Gundari’s design is a masterful mix of conventional Greek structure and modern luxurious. The property options white stone facades, easy curves, and minimalist interiors that mirror the simplicity and magnificence of the Cycladic fashion. Giant home windows and expansive terraces are strategically positioned to maximise pure mild and showcase the beautiful sea views.
Whitney Spielfogel
The inside design of Gundari is a harmonious mix of recent sophistication and rustic attraction. Excessive-end finishes, bespoke furnishings, and thoroughly curated artwork items create an expensive, but snug, environment. Every house is designed to move seamlessly into the following, offering a way of being one with nature, openness, and tranquility. The colour palette is impressed by the pure environment, with shades of white, beige, and blue that evoke the fantastic thing about the island.
Gundari presents a collection of astonishing suites and villas, every designed to cater to the wants of discerning vacationers. The lodging vary from intimate one-bedroom suites to expansive multi-bedroom villas, excellent for households or teams of associates. Every unit encompasses a non-public terrace, providing uninterrupted views of the ocean and the encircling pure panorama. The rooms are outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities, together with plush bedding, spacious loos with double rainfall showers, and bespoke facilities (together with document gamers with curated music choices and regionally sourced toiletries). Every lodging additionally boasts a non-public infinity pool and distinctive sunbeds, the place company can get pleasure from a refreshing dip whereas taking within the panoramic island views, making it very arduous to peel oneself away from the comforts of this outside oasis.
Whitney Spielfogel
Eating at Gundari is a celebration of Greek delicacies. Two on-site eating places at Gundari, underneath the famend Michelin-starred chef Lefterous Lazarou, serve gastronomic delights impressed by the plentiful waters surrounding the island, and the seasonal produce of the Cyclades. Thalassa presents breakfast and lunch, accompanied by beautiful sights from the open-air terrace, that includes a menu that mixes conventional Greek flavors with fashionable culinary strategies. Dinner is then served at Orizon, the place company can savor contemporary seafood, regionally sourced greens, and a collection of fantastic worldwide wines whereas underneath a cover of stars. Along with these eating places, Gundari encompasses a fashionable lounge bar the place company can get pleasure from a wide range of cocktails, native spirits, and lightweight snacks. The bar’s relaxed ambiance makes it the right spot for a sundowner after a day of exploring the island.
Gundari is designed to supply a holistic expertise, with facilities that cater to each leisure and recreation. The property encompasses a beautiful Instagram-worthy infinity pool that appears to mix seamlessly with the Aegean Sea, in addition to a totally outfitted health heart. For these in search of final leisure, the Gundari Spa presents a spread of therapies impressed by historical Greek wellness rituals, utilizing pure, regionally sourced substances.
Whitney Spielfogel
The resort additionally presents a spread of bespoke providers, together with non-public yacht charters, guided island excursions, and customized excursions. Whether or not you want to discover the hidden seashores of Folengandros or embark on a day journey to a close-by island, the Gundari concierge staff is available to curate unforgettable experiences.
Folegandros is understood for its pristine, uncrowded seashores. Many are solely reachable by foot or boat, including to their secluded attraction. Agali Seashore is without doubt one of the extra accessible seashores (a fast 20-minute taxi experience from the Gundari lodge), with calm waters and some tavernas close by, and was a private favourite throughout my time on the island. A brief water taxi experience from Agali is Aghios Nicholas Seashore, a serene spot identified for its crystal-clear waters and laid-back environment. Located at Aghios Nicoholas Seashore is Papalagi, a wonderful seaside panoramic restaurant for these in search of to get pleasure from a meal after spending time on the sand and soaking within the solar. Its beachfront setting offers a tranquil environment, with the sound of the waves and picturesque views. Papalagi is well-loved by each vacationers and locals for its authenticity and ease. The mix of fantastic meals and a major location makes it a favourite eating spot on the island.
Whitney Spielfogel
Different standout eating experiences on Folengandros had been within the charming city of Chora, additionally the island’s capital, perched on a cliff, providing breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Chora, identified for its slim streets, whitewashed homes, bougainvillea-covered terraces, and vibrant native tradition, is a fast 15-minute complimentary drive from the Gundari Lodge. The city’s major sq., with its cozy tavernas, is a superb spot to loosen up and soak within the native vibe. Notable meals had been at Barbounaki, providing diners a pleasant combine of recent Greek delicacies with an emphasis on seafood, in a relaxed and scenic setting, and Eva’s Backyard, identified for its heat ambiance, conventional Greek delicacies, and picturesque courtyard. The family-run restaurant takes pleasure in providing a private contact, guaranteeing that company really feel at dwelling from the second they sit down.
Whitney Spielfogel
Gundari locations a robust emphasis on sustainability, aligning with the island’s rising dedication to eco-friendly tourism, and with practices that decrease its environmental impression. The property is designed to be energy-efficient, with photo voltaic panels, water-saving techniques, and waste discount initiatives. Using native supplies and partnerships with resident artisans not solely helps the group but in addition ensures that the property stays in concord with its environment. Gundari’s sustainable strategy makes it a wonderful selection for eco-conscious vacationers in search of luxurious with out compromising on their environmental values. Its dedication to preserving Folegandros’ pure magnificence units a robust instance for sustainable hospitality within the Cyclades, and past.
Gundari on Folengandros is greater than only a place to remain; it’s a vacation spot in itself. It’s the form of place that retains an untouched really feel, providing a way of exclusivity with out being pretentious. With its breathtaking location, luxurious lodging, and distinctive service, Gundari presents a singular alternative to expertise the unspoiled fantastic thing about certainly one of Greece’s most serene islands. A go to to this gem is a should earlier than it inevitably attracts bigger crowds. Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic getaway, a household trip, or a solo retreat, Gundari guarantees an unforgettable keep, the place each element is crafted to perfection.
Whitney Spielfogel
