Review: One&Only Kea Island

As I made my way around the small but fascinating ancient site of Karthea, perched above twin coves on the Greek island of Kea, my flame-haired guide could barely contain her enthusiasm. 

It was to be expected; Petroula Tatsopoulou is an archaeologist. But she was the first one I met in Greece employed by a hotel. 

Following the opening of One&Only Aesthesis in 2023 on the Athens Riviera — One&Only’s debut property in Greece — the luxury hospitality brand cast open the doors of its second Greek resort in summer 2024. This time, in a sprawling, secluded location on a Cycladic island. 

I checked in to One&Only Kea Island in early June as the property, built from local stone and featuring contemporary whitewashed Cycladic architectural design, navigated its first full season. As an Athens resident for almost three decades, I’ve always ventured to the islands in June, when the days are long and temperatures are comfortable.

Stepping off the sleek black RIB boat that swooped my husband and I from the harbor town of Lavrio to the resort jetty in around 45 minutes, I felt like the world’s most-desirable secret agent. Those prone to seasickness should opt for a helicopter transfer or an hour-long ferry ride from Lavrio. 

Dining and Bars

Warmly welcomed by staff upon arrival, we were relieved of our bags and ushered to One&Only Kea’s casual chic beachfront restaurant, open for lunch. After my secret-agent boat ride, its name felt quite apt: Bond Beach Club.

With my toes sinking into the sand while I sampled dishes such as beetroot salad with feta mousse shaped like a giant rose, I swiftly shifted into Greek island getaway mode. This fresh take on a classic Greek summer salad quickly became a favorite, along with a citrusy shrimp quinoa salad. Lefteris Tsougkas, head chef of two Michelin- and one Green Michelin-starred Delta in Athens, curates the light Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu. 

I skipped the casual Kaiki Pool Bar, favoring Bond for its fare and location, which felt more in tune with the long, leisurely dining — mere steps from the sea — for which Greece is renowned. 

What I didn’t expect was a mind-blowing breakfast at Atria Restaurant. For the health-conscious, including those who have stayed at fitness-focused sister hotel brand SIRO, One&Only Kea’s herculean buffet spread of wholesome options is a dream come true. Deep red pomegranate juice, fresh figs, pepper-flecked cheese and honey counted among the delectable local products, along with thick Greek yogurt, a generous salad bar, fruit, dips, preserves, cold cuts, power shots and eggs made to order. The best and most peaceful seats in the house are the tables facing the sea. 

Dinner at Atria is a more formal affair. The restaurant offers sweeping Aegean views and focuses on elevated yet unfussy Mediterranean and Greek cuisine. We made sure to arrive in time to witness sunset with Greek-herb infused cocktails at the Kosmos Lobby Bar terrace. Echoing the classic fish taverna experience, the maitre’d invited us to select from the fresh fish on display, in front of the open kitchen. We opted for dishes including chargrilled octopus with fava and a beetroot and blackberry salad.

One&Only Kea encourages off-property dining and can make arrangements for guests. One evening, we dined on scorpion fish while watching the sun dip behind sailboats at taverna Nine Daughters, located in the coastal settlement of Vourkari. 

All-Villa Accommodations

Sixty-three standalone villas stud steep hillsides across a 65-acre plot. Ours was a one-bedroom Cliff Villa with a sea view. Open plan, with high ceilings, arches, a lounge area, a bedroom and twin white marble bathroom vanities, it was one of the most spectacular villas I’ve experienced. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with Greece’s incomparable sunlight and views of a soul-soothing Aegean. On the roomy terrace, I reclined on a sun lounger beside the infinity pool and watched as the meltemi winds whipped up the sea. 

One&Only recently introduced a one-bedroom Family Bay View Villa with a living room that can accommodate two children, a primary bedroom, a kitchenette, a pool and a lounge. Also new is the Four-Bedroom Grand Seafront Villa, with a playroom, an office, a kitchen, an infinity pool and a terrace. There are also Two-Bedroom Grand Panoramic Villas.

This resort is perfect for clients who desire seclusion and privacy. Distances are significant, and the terrain is hilly — therefore, not designed to be navigated on foot. Electric golf buggies move guests between accommodations and amenities. Each villa has a personal concierge, who is contactable via WhatsApp for restaurant, spa and gym bookings, as well as buggy requests. 

Immersive Cultural Experiences

One morning, we hopped into a gleaming khaki Land Rover, part of the hotel’s fleet, with George, who drove us to Karthea. We were accompanied by archaeologist Tatsopoulou, who keeps a close eye on excavation work at the property but also leads guests on private tours of the ancient site. We hiked down a rocky trail leading to a plateau where the restored site sits. Tatsopoulou spoke of her love for sites such as this, which provide unfettered access for visitors. 

Afterward, we cooled off with a swim above the remains of a sunken archaic port and clambered onto a speedboat that whisked us back to the resort. 

Later, we took an afternoon stroll around the island’s vibrant hilltop capital Ioulida with local guide Sotiria Antonopoulou, founder of Keos Culture. Inhabitants were busily preparing for a feast day celebration, but fellow visitors were few. We paused to peruse pottery painted with fish designs and chatted with the ceramicist in his workshop. While it is tempting to hole up at the resort, it’s these immersive experiences that allow clients to tap into Kea’s culture. 

Spa and Gym Facilities

Reflecting One&Only’s strong wellness focus, there is an expansive three-floor sea-facing spa with treatment rooms, an indoor-outdoor pool with relaxation areas, and steam and sauna rooms. At Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez, nails are nurtured with nourishing creams and left natural.

Next door is the fitness center, equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, and a yoga and Pilates space. Sea views inspired me to power through a muscle-awakening interval training session with a personal trainer, shortly before an Arabian prince was scheduled to work out. 

Spa treatment products are sourced from Australian Ayurveda-based holistic skincare brand Subtle Energies, whose founder, Farida Irani, developed treatments exclusively for the resort. I had the great fortune to receive a personalized consultation from Irani, who was visiting. Therapists were starstruck. 

Demonstrating reverence for the human form as he bathed my feet in preparation for signature body ritual Athena Divine, my therapist gushed about the mind-body philosophy underpinning the therapies. I floated out with clay-softened skin, a bright complexion and my spirit unburdened of urban stresses. 

For years, weekending Athenians would flock to their elegant cliffside villas in Kea. With the arrival of One&Only Kea, this unassuming island now serves as a tempting proposition for a revitalizing, high-end Greek getaway far from the crowds yet close to the capital.