One&Only Kéa Island - a Secret Cycladic Island Hideaway on Athens’ Doorstep
images and words by One&Only Kéa Island
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Athens, Kéa Island is the Cyclades’ best-kept secret. With a permanent population of around 2,300 residents, this untouched gem is a favorite weekend getaway for Athenians, and the captivating location of One&Only’s latest opening, One&Only Kéa Island, now accepting reservations for summer 2024.
Perched above a protected cove on the beautifully rugged west coast, One&Only Kéa Island promises discretion, seclusion, and authentic Aegean living in its purest form. The second Greek resort for the ultra-luxury brand, it follows the successful opening of One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera in November 2023. With direct speedboat transfers available between the two resorts, they will form a bucket-list itinerary for the upcoming European summer.
An exceptional all-villa resort and exclusive community of Private Homes, One&Only Kéa Island invites romantics, wellness seekers, and city dwellers to connect with the revitalizing effects of the Mediterranean lifestyle. Guests can savor local, seasonal ingredients in the airy restaurants and bars and explore Kéa’s natural and cultural wonders via curated experiences. Grounded in the elements, the One&Only Spa is a holistic haven offering exclusive well-being rituals and immersive programs crafted by Subtle Energies.
Elevated Aegean Architecture
Designed by acclaimed architect John Heah, the resort’s 63 cliffside villas have been arranged to maximize privacy, while showcasing panoramic views over Kéa’s dramatic landscapes and the Aegean Sea. Offering a choice of one or two bedrooms, these contemporary retreats feature locally-sourced white marble, curved atriums, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing endless sea views. The light-filled interiors flow to outdoor terraces, where private infinity pools and fireplaces promise elevated alfresco living.
Crafted for families or groups of friends, the Two-Bedroom Cliff Villas can accommodate up to four adults and two children. Exceptional features include two marble-clad ensuites, a kitchenette for in-villa entertaining, and a dining area on the sun-bathed terrace.
On the opposite side of the bay is a limited collection of 40 One&Only Private Homes, now available to purchase. Inspired by modern Greek design, these exclusive freehold villas offer a choice of one to six bedrooms, with layouts spanning 1,800–30,200 square feet. Set on plots of land measuring up to 71,300 square feet, they offer seamless indoor-outdoor living, with gardens, dining terraces, and cliffside swimming pools surrounded by sunken daybeds.
Agrarian Inspiration
One of the most fertile islands in the Cyclades, Kéa’s agrarian roots stretch back thousands of years. Drawing inspiration from these rich culinary traditions, the resort’s restaurants and bars showcase seasonal ingredients and local producers. Echoing the lively ambiance of an authentic village piazza, Atria promises flavorful Greek cuisine in a convivial atmosphere, served within the airy dining room or on the sea-view terrace.
By day, Kosmos lobby bar welcomes guests for elevated Afternoon Tea with a Greek twist; as night falls, it is the place to be for sunset drinks under the vast open skylight. Overlooking the resort’s mirage-like main pool and the shimmering Aegean Sea, Kaiki serves relaxed bites and drinks throughout the day. Èpicora wine bar is a sophisticated setting for artisanal cheeses, local charcuterie, and an array of Greek and international wines, with intimate tastings led by the sommelier.
Hidden behind a secret door and with seating for just 20 guests, dark and discrete Incognito is a Cuban-accented speakeasy bar that boasts a collection of rare whiskies and rums, refined cocktails, and a humidor of vintage cigars.
Authentic Island Experiences
The resort’s exceptional experiences celebrate the natural and cultural wonders of Kéa, with bespoke adventures across land and sea. As the closest Cycladic island to Athens, Kéa’s waters are a magnet for yachts in the region. Situated on the resort’s tranquil bay, Bond Beach Club brings unrivaled glamour and energy to the island with a star-studded calendar of guest DJs, a vibrant menu of locally sourced ingredients, elevated cocktails, and one-of-a-kind culinary experiences on the water’s edge.
Just offshore, some of the Mediterranean’s most renowned diving sites await. Experienced technical divers can follow the resort’s expert team to four historic wrecks and protected marine parks that surround Kéa, while beginners can master the craft of scuba diving in the calm waters of the bay. Above the waves, sail to one of the island’s spectacular secluded beaches, accessible only by boat.
Guests can also delve into the culture and history of Kéa with lively Panigiri celebrations at the resort, archaeology sessions within the grounds, cycling to Agios Nikolaos Lighthouse, or hiking to the ancient ruins of Karthea, where the temples of Athena and Apollo and a grand amphitheater offer a fascinating insight into the island’s heritage. In the hillside town of Ioulida, wander through the picturesque village to discover jewelry boutiques, art galleries, and stores selling artisanal local produce.
Creating an unrivaled wellness destination in the Cyclades, the resort will also be home to an exceptional new One&Only Spa. In partnership with Subtle Energies, the three-story spa is rooted in the notion of sophrosyne (sof-ros-i-nee), the ancient Greek expression for balancing mind and body. The seafront sanctuary will offer signature treatments crafted exclusively for One&Only Kéa Island, inspired by Greek mythology and the healing benefits of natural active ingredients. The wellness retreat will also offer intensive programs designed to reset and re-energize, rejuvenating beauty rituals grounded in the Aegean elements of earth and water, an indoor-outdoor fitness center, a sea-view yoga pavilion, and watsu therapy.
Nearby, the cliffside Club One offers inspiring activities for all ages with tennis and padel courts, bicycles, and a dedicated teens’ area, complete with a half-size basketball court. For junior travelers, KidsOnly promises a fascinating program of creative classes and outdoor activities inspired by Kéa’s iconic shipwrecks. Little ones aged four to 12 can engage with the treasures of the deep via storytelling, scavenger hunts, and enlightening experiences that focus on sustainability and the island’s unique flora and fauna.
To drive the opening, One&Only has appointed Jerome Colson as General Manager. Drawing on over 20 years of hospitality experience and more than 10 years with the brand, Colson brings unrivaled passion and expertise to the fore. “I am thrilled to be leading the opening of this extraordinary resort. There is something very special about Kéa, and we are committed to honoring that in a way that is true to the island and its people. From our curated experiences and world-class diving opportunities to the vibrant local cuisine, the resort is a celebration of the Aegean lifestyle and Kéa’s authentic agrarian roots.”
Situated on Kéa Island, the resort is a 30-minute boat ride from Lavrio Port in Athens and a 15-minute helicopter ride from Athens International Airport. Private boat transfers are also available between the resort and One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera upon request. One&Only Kéa Island will begin welcoming guests in May 2024.
Guests of Huffman Travel enjoy extra VIP amenities when staying at One&Only Kea Island, including:
Complimentary daily breakfast
$100 Resort Credit
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Flexible check in/out times (subject to availability)
Complimentary internet