Gundari Resort is the luxury retreat on Folegandros: 27 suites and villas on 80 acres of cliffside above the Aegean and every one of them has a private pool. It sits on the island's south-eastern coast, about 3 km from Chora, the clifftop village where Folegandros does its eating and evening strolling. The Athens studio Block722 designed it in a pared-back Cycladic style, with several cave suites set into the hillside so the sea fills the view from bed.
Folegandros is the Cyclades for couples who want space and quiet more than polish, with no airport, no big resort scene and no party crowds. Gundari brings five-star comfort to that setting without changing the island's character. Its restaurant, Orizon, is led by the Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, there is a swim-up bar for sunset and a vinyl-only listening bar for after dinner.
It suits couples who want a private pool, a spectacular view and a short ride into a traditional village. Choose a family-run studio in Chora instead if budget matters most.
Highlights at a glance
- 27 suites and villas, all with private pools
- Cave suites set into the cliff edge
- Orizon restaurant with chef Lefteris Lazarou
- Vinyl-only listening bar and swim-up bar
- 80 acres of quiet clifftop on the Aegean
Why Couples Love Gundari
The view does most of the work. Suites look straight out over the Aegean from the cliffside, with nothing but sea and neighboring islands on the horizon. Your private pool sits on your own terrace, so the most romantic moments of the stay happen without anyone else in sight.
The resort's scale helps too. With only 27 suites and villas spread over 80 acres, it never feels busy, even in August. Couples like the contrast between the calm of the resort and the life of Chora, a short drive away, where three tree-shaded squares fill with tables every evening. The design keeps things simple: white walls, natural materials and stone that echo the island's terraced hills. It feels like part of Folegandros rather than an import, which is exactly why people choose the island in the first place.
Suites and Villas to Book
Every category has its own pool and a sea view.
- Standard Suites and Junior Suites have about 35 m² inside and 25 m² outside, with a private pool.
- Executive Cave Suites are the same size but set into the cliff edge, with a cooler, cave-like interior.
- Deluxe Cave Suites (54 m² inside, 60 m² outside) and Superior Cave Suites (70 m² inside, 60 m² outside) add a large private pool and more terrace.
- The three-bedroom and four-bedroom Villas, with large pools and jacuzzis, suit families or friends traveling together.
For a honeymoon, a Deluxe or Superior Cave Suite is the one to book if the budget allows. The larger terrace and pool make a real difference when you spend whole afternoons at your suite. An Executive Cave Suite gives you the cave design at a lower price.
Food, Drink and the Spa
Orizon is the resort's restaurant, serving contemporary Greek cooking built on Cycladic seafood and seasonal produce under the Michelin-starred Greek chef Lefteris Lazarou. The setting faces the open sea and dinners run from sunset into starry nights. A vegan menu is also offered. Breakfast is served each morning.
Two bars set Gundari apart. The swim-up pool bar serves artisanal cocktails as the sun goes down. The hi-fi listening bar plays vinyl only, in a warm room inspired by the jazz cafés of Japan and it is a lovely place to end an evening. The spa bases its treatments on ancient Greek rituals with native herbs and tonics and visiting practitioners lead yoga, meditation and sound baths. Book treatments ahead in July and August.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Chora is the evening heart of the island. Walk up the zigzag path to the Church of the Panagia at sunset for the classic view, then eat in one of the squares. Try matsata, the island's handmade pasta and the local cheese pie called kalasouna.
By day, take a boat to Katergo, a beach that is easiest to reach by sea, or to the coves along the coast. Agali and Agios Nikolaos are popular beaches on the south-western side, connected by a coastal path. Ano Meria, the scattered farming village to the west, has a small folk museum and tavernas. Hikers can follow old mule paths across the terraced hills. Folegandros can be very windy in July and August, when the meltemi blows, so choose sheltered beaches on those days. The resort can arrange car hire, boat trips and island tours.
Getting There
Folegandros has no airport, which is part of its appeal. The easiest route is to fly to Santorini (JTR) and take a fast ferry of about 50 minutes, or fly to Milos (MLO) and take a ferry from there. Ferries also run from Piraeus near Athens, a longer journey of several hours.
Gundari is about 5 km from the port and 3 km from Chora. The resort can arrange private helicopter transfers from Athens or nearby islands, using a heliport about 2 km away and luxury boat transfers from Santorini, Milos, Paros or Sifnos. These are expensive but make a dramatic arrival. Ferry schedules change by season and wind, so build a buffer day before any flight home. Pack light, since ferry boarding is quick and luggage can be awkward.
Is It Worth It?
Gundari is one of the most expensive places to stay on Folegandros. Rates for a private-pool suite are comparable to luxury hotels on Santorini, though the island around you is far quieter. Prices vary by season and category, so treat any figure as approximate and check the official booking engine.
It is worth it if a private pool, a cliffside view and a calm resort matter to you and if you want Folegandros without giving up comfort. Pick elsewhere if you want to walk to dinner every night, since Chora is a short drive or taxi ride away. Couples on a tighter budget can stay in a family-run studio in Chora with a shared terrace for a fraction of the price. If you want nightlife, Mykonos or Paros are better fits.
Insider tips
- Book a Deluxe or Superior Cave Suite for a larger terrace and pool.
- Take a boat to Katergo beach on a calm morning before the wind picks up.
- Walk up to the Panagia church above Chora at sunset, then dine in the squares.
- Leave a buffer day before flying home in case ferries are delayed by wind.
