Located a brief 30-minute boat journey from Athens, Kéa Island remains one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets. With a modest population of about 2,300, this pristine island serves as a beloved retreat for Athenians. This spring, it will also host the grand opening of One&Only Kéa Island, now booking guests for stays starting in May 2024.
Nestled atop a secluded cove along the island’s rugged western shoreline, One&Only Kéa Island offers guests privacy, serenity, and a genuine taste of Aegean culture. This marks the second Greek venture for the prestigious One&Only brand, following the successful launch of One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera in late 2023. Convenient direct speedboat transfers are available between the two luxury spots, creating an ideal travel duo for the upcoming European summer season.
The all-villa resort and exclusive community of Private Homes not only caters to romantic getaways and wellness enthusiasts but also to those escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a chance to immerse in the rejuvenating Mediterranean lifestyle. Guests can indulge in the finest local, seasonal fare at the resort’s elegant dining venues and uncover the island’s historical and natural beauty through tailored experiences. The One&Only Spa enhances this extraordinary experience with exclusive wellness treatments developed by Subtle Energies.
Sophisticated Aegean Design
The resort features 63 villas designed by renowned architect John Heah, positioned along the cliffside to ensure utmost privacy and breathtaking views of Kéa’s dramatic scenery and the Aegean Sea beyond. These modern sanctuaries are crafted from local white marble and feature curved atriums and expansive windows that bring the stunning vistas inside. Each villa opens onto a terrace complete with a private infinity pool and fireplace, elevating outdoor living to new heights.
The larger Two-Bedroom Cliff Villas are perfect for families or groups, comfortably housing up to four adults and two children, and boast luxurious marble bathrooms, a kitchenette, and a sunlit terrace dining area.
Adjacent to the bay, a select collection of 40 One&Only Private Homes is now on the market. These properties reflect contemporary Greek architecture and offer options ranging from one to six bedrooms, set on expansive plots for supreme indoor-outdoor living, complete with gardens, dining terraces and cliffside pools surrounded by sunken daybeds. Owners of these homes gain exclusive access to Kerzner property benefits worldwide and the full array of resort amenities.
Culinary Delights Rooted in Tradition
Kéa is one of the Cyclades’ most fertile islands, with a deep-rooted agricultural heritage that inspires the resort’s culinary offerings. The lively Atria restaurant serves authentic Greek dishes in a setting reminiscent of a village square, either inside or on the terrace overlooking the sea.
The Kosmos lobby bar transforms from a daytime setting for unique Afternoon Tea to an evening hotspot for sunset beverages. Meanwhile, Kaiki offers casual poolside fare, and Èpicora wine bar provides an intimate atmosphere for savoring fine wines and local delicacies. For a more exclusive experience, the hidden Incognito bar offers a selection of premium whiskies, rums, and cigars in a speakeasy-style ambiance.
Unique Island Adventures and Wellness Focus
The resort’s unique offerings immerse guests in the natural beauty and rich culture of Kéa, providing tailored experiences both on land and at sea. Being the nearest Cycladic island to Athens, Kéa’s pristine waters attract yachts from around the region. Located in the resort’s serene bay, Bond Beach Club delivers unparalleled sophistication and vitality, featuring a lineup of celebrity DJs, a dynamic menu featuring local ingredients, premium cocktails, and distinctive dining experiences right by the sea.
A short boat ride from the shore, divers can explore some of the Mediterranean’s top diving sites. The resort’s seasoned dive team leads experienced divers to explore four historic shipwrecks and marine parks encircling Kéa. Meanwhile, novices can learn scuba diving in the bay’s sheltered waters. Guests can also sail to secluded beaches on the island, only reachable by sea.
Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the island’s vibrant cultural heritage through various activities. These include participating in traditional Panigiri festivals at the resort, exploring archaeological sites, biking to the Agios Nikolaos Lighthouse, or trekking to the ancient Karthea ruins to see the temples of Athena and Apollo and a majestic amphitheater. In the hillside town of Ioulida, guests can stroll through quaint streets, browsing jewelry boutiques, art galleries, and shops offering local crafts.
The resort aims to establish itself as a premier wellness haven in the Cyclades with the new One&Only Spa. This three-level spa embraces sophrosyne—an ancient Greek concept of mind-body harmony. Located by the sea, the spa provides exclusive treatments developed for One&Only Kéa Island, drawing on Greek mythology and the therapeutic properties of natural ingredients. The spa also features comprehensive programs designed to rejuvenate and energize, along with holistic beauty treatments, an indoor-outdoor gym, a yoga pavilion overlooking the sea, and watsu sessions.
Nearby, Club One caters to guests of all ages with its tennis and padel courts, bicycles, and a teen zone equipped with a half-basketball court. For younger guests, KidsOnly offers an exciting array of activities inspired by the island’s famous shipwrecks. Children aged four to 12 can delve into marine-themed stories, participate in scavenger hunts, and enjoy educational activities focused on environmental preservation and the unique ecosystem of Kéa.
To find out more about One&Only Kéa Island, visit the links below:
One&Only Kéa Island
Web: oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island
Tel: +97144261099
Email: info@oneandonlyresorts.com
Instagram: @ookeaisland
Facebook: @ookeaisland