In search of unspoiled vistas and rugged coastlines? Barely a 30-minute speedboat ride from Athens, Keá is the nearest Cycladic island to the mainland. All the predictable descriptions apply: undiscovered, idyllic, bohemian, serene.
But unlike other Greek islands that are more craggy than lush, there’s a richness to Keá. It is likely a result of the abundant natural springs blanketing the island in vegetation, and earning Keá the nickname “Hydroussa” (water island) in ancient Greek mythology.
For many years, Keá was a closely guarded secret among Greeks. Now, thanks to a new One&Only resort, it is being discovered by discerning travelers from around the world.
With a year-round population of just 2,500, the island was previously so underdeveloped that One&Only held community town halls to win over locals and collaborated with the Ministry of Culture when excavating the land to build the hotel, a project overseen by archaeologist Petroula Tatsopoulou.
There’s an immediate drama in the resort’s cliff-hugging design. John Heah, an architect who has worked with Aman Resorts, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, and the Maybourne group, designed all 63 villas. With private pools and generous courtyards, individual rooms—alongside a smattering of two-plus-bedroom serviced residences—cascade down the island’s steep façade, stretching out like a village.
A colossal amphitheater-style reception area and a pair of turquoise infinity pools center the property, while the grandest—and largest—spa in One&Only’s global hotel portfolio steals the show. Amid the swaying pampas grass, the general design is contemporary, not modish.
On the beach, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve entered a romance novel’s vision of the Greek Islands. Protected from wind by the cliffs, inviting beds and thatched parasols preserve the resort’s understated approach to luxury.
The power of Greek hospitality can be found in the hotel’s signature restaurant, Atria, and in its Bond Beach Club, Èpicora Wine Bar, Kaiki Pool Bar, and Incognito speakeasy bar. As it should be, much of the produce is sourced locally (from Greece, the island, and also from the resort’s herb and vegetable gardens).
On Keá Island, the goal is simple: indulge in a slower pace of life and linger on the taste of smoky calamari as the day darkens into vivid shades of pink and plum. Here, it’s perfectly acceptable to order a feta salad with tomato, red onion, and cucumber every single day.
There will be ouzo-fueled afternoons, as well as high-octane fitness sessions alongside an hour-long massage in the remarkable three-story spa. There’s also an indoor-outdoor gym and padel and tennis courts. It’s an ideal place to shed any baggage or simply to walk out refreshed after having been plumped, primped, and politely pounded using products from the Ayurvedic-led brand Subtle Energies. Later, wade through the Watsu-therapy pool, then bask in the steam room, sauna, and hot tub.
If this isn’t how the ancient Greeks did it, then they were missing out.
Bridget Arsenault is a London-based writer
