Situated on the unassuming Greek island of Folegandros, ANEMI Folegandros stands out as one of the premiere boutique hotels for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path vacation. This retreat offers a breath of relief for visitors arriving from its tourist-heavy neighboring island, Santorini. Nestled along a desolate coastline of capes, bays, and beaches, Anemi provides a serene escape.
Upon arrival, guests will recognize the hands-off atmosphere. When staying in your little white dome, you’ll feel that it’s your private loft on the island that you’ve run off to for a relaxing weekend—sun-kissed by the Mediterranean air, sand, and sea. The staff is friendly and at your disposal whenever you need them, but they’re not hovering over you at all times.
Wandering through the manicured grounds, guests are first impressed by the show-stopping turquoise swimming pool, flanked by vibrant yellow umbrellas and sun chairs. Pristine, Cycladic-style abodes dot the property, making visitors feel as if they’re roaming around their own authentic Greek village.
Inside, a myriad of modern, minimalist aesthetics and Greek finesse blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. A saturated color palette of bright white, sunflower yellow, and stone gray creates stylish chambers. Bed headboards boast landscape photography taken around the island, adding a high-design feel, while verandas or private balconies give way to panoramic Aegean vistas.
While dining locally in Chora and Karavostasis—the island’s two main Cycladic villages—is encouraged, guests can rest assured that the Anemi Restaurant is also a wonderful option. The eatery captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with an all-day menu, serving dishes such as saffron fish soup, fried zucchini balls, and traditional cheese pie kataifi—a sister dish to baklava made with thinly shredded filo dough. In the morning, opt for in-room dining to sip Greek coffee or a Cappuccino Fredo from the comfort of your deck, with the sea breeze blowing through the air.
Staying active is effortless with the hotel’s variety of on-site activities, including a pro-grade tennis court, a half-outdoor basketball court, and an open-air fitness center equipped with high-quality training equipment. You can also join guided yoga classes held in the vineyard, which ideally sets the zen mood. For a more restful practice, healing sound baths can be arranged upon request, providing a perfect balance to your active days.
For those seeking to enhance their relaxation experience, the Andelea Spa offers signature facials and full-body therapies infused with Ariadne products—a Greek-born line of high-end skincare that embraces a refined approach to beauty science. Soothing blue-gray tones adorn the treatment and steam rooms, providing a calming contrast to the property’s energetic vibe.
Whether you’re exploring the island, indulging in gourmet cuisine, or rejuvenating at the spa, every moment at Anemi is designed to offer an unparalleled escape from the ordinary Greek island vacation.
Top Takeaways
Location: Folegandros, Greece
Address: Καραβοστάσης 840 11, Greece
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: A boutique hotel with a chic yet unassuming design offering the ambiance of a personal vacation retreat on this secret Cycladic island.
Food + Drink: Guests can expect traditional Mediterranean cuisine infused with modern flavors. After an evening of roaming around the town of Chora, guests can return to the poolside Yellow Bar for craft cocktails beneath the moonlight. Sip on the Athenian Spritz (Otto’s Athens Vermouth, Prosecco, and tonic) or the signature Theros (vodka, melon liqueur, green apple puree, ginger syrup, and lime juice) to experience the menu to its fullest.
Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool; Spa; Room service; Fitness center; Free WiFi; Very Good Breakfast; Restaurant; Bar
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: It’s undoubtedly the glittering turquoise swimming pool, which takes center stage and overlooks the Aegean Sea. If we had to pick a second, it would be the yellow accent color that decorates the grounds, adding this happy tone to the stay.
What’s Nearby? Chora, the main Cycladic village on Folegandros; Chochlidia Beach; Vardia Beach; Vicentzo Beach; Puntaki Beach; and Livadi Beach.
Any personal neighborhood recs? We highly recommend renting an ATV for the very affordable fee of 20 euros per day or finding someone to navigate one of the small traditional boats to explore Folegandros’ many splendid beaches, including Hochlidia Beach, Katergo, and Livadaki. Visiting Chora, the island’s capital, is a must for local tavernas and wine bars, such as Astarti, Aquarius Bar, and Pounta.
Rooms: 44, including 15 suites.
Pricing: Rates start at $242 per night.
Closest Airport: Since there’s no airport on the island, the nearest international airport you can fly into are Milos Island National Airport (MLO), Paros National Airport (PAS), or Santorini International Airport (JTR).
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