Gundari, Folegandros, Greece

Posted in Projects on 21 July, 2024

Lead architect Elena Milidaki talks to SPACE about respecting the unique Cycladic landscape of Folegandros.

Nestled within 80 acres of breath-taking, untamed nature on the secluded island of Folegandros, this luxury eco-resort promises an unforgettable escape. Gundari is perched high on dramatic cliffs and is designed to offer sweeping views of the Aegean Sea.

Off the well-worn beaten path in the Cyclades, Folegandros is an atmospherically rich and authentically Greek island whose wild landscape includes stunning beaches, picturesque pathways and crystal-clear waters. The new resort is located within a wildlife nature reserve on Folegandros’s south-eastern coast, close to Chora – the heart of the island’s thriving local community – yet far enough away to offer blissful seclusion.
Comprising 27 bio-climatically designed suites and villas, all with private, solar heated infinity pools which seem to tumble over the cliff into the sea, Gundari’s offerings include a cliff-edge pool with swim-up cocktail bar, large gym and an organic farm.

Photographs courtesy of Block722

Responsible for the architecture and the beautifully paired back interiors, is acclaimed Athens based architectural studio, Block722. Sharing the design inspiration and concept behind the resort, Lead Architect, Elena Milidaki began by telling us about the resort’s extraordinary location.

The resort’s design melds seamlessly into the rocky landscape, both inside and out

“Gundari has been designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape and dramatic cliffs of Folegandros. This integration enhances the visual appeal and fosters a deeper connection between guests and the environment,” she said. “The use of natural materials, the thoughtful placement of structures, and innovative design elements all contribute to this harmonious blend. I imagined terraced villas nestled into the cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, and open-air common areas inviting guests to immerse themselves in the island’s beauty. In such a setting, I envisioned a resort that celebrated both tranquillity and adventure.”

Reflecting on the resort’s island setting, Elena also revealed the challenges that faced Block722 during the five-year long project. She explained: “The original design brief was to create an eco-friendly resort that embodied a deep sense of responsibility towards nature, the unique Cycladic landscape, and the island’s rich cultural heritage. Building a resort on a small, secluded island presented a unique set of challenges that required careful planning and resourcefulness. Transporting materials, equipment, skilled workers, and craftsmen was a complex procedure, but our main concern was to preserve the natural beauty and have minimal impact on the landscape. The construction process had to cause minimal disruption to the local flora and fauna, as well as to the local community and culture.”

The entire building complex incorporates natural materials extensively. Stone was used in the construction of some of the buildings and walls that follow the natural landscape. Delicate wooden structures act as connectors between the sturdy stone lines and serene wall surfaces, bringing to life the transitional spaces in between. With the building work complete, the focus turned to the interior design and the finished result is a beautifully pared back, minimal space.

“The Cycladic tradition is known for its minimalist aesthetic, which creates inviting and open spaces,” Elena said. “Our studio embraced this philosophy, using simple forms and a neutral colour palette inspired by the natural environment. Each hue reflects the island’s inherent beauty and tranquillity. Earthy tones in soft beiges, greys and warm browns mirror the island’s rocky cliffs, while the warm beige marble floors evoke a sense of stability and connection to the land.”

Stone, wood, clay and glass add texture and warmth to the scheme, and bespoke furniture – all designed in the studio – mingle with vintage finds. A curated collection of artworks, ceramics and music complements the ambiance.

The resort’s gastronomic offering was created by Greece’s first Michelin starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, who units the fruits of sea and land with a passion for refined Greek cuisine. Many ingredients are sourced from Gundari’s organic farm, offering a farm-to-plate experience. There are three dining spaces, including the main restaurant and two bars.

At the subterranean spa, ancient Greek rituals blend with Folegandros’s native herbs and tonics to create a special wellness experience. The spa provides sound baths, energy healing, yoga and meditation workshops delivered by a selection of visiting practitioners.

Gundari also offers an extensive range of experiences, including private boat trips, scuba diving and snorkelling adventures, hikes through 56km of ancient trails, electric biking tours, and cooking classes with the island’s favourite grandmother. Colourful electric small utility vehicles allow guests to discover the magic of Folegandros in playful style.

Preserving the island’s tranquillity and environment has been central to every decision made by the founder and CEO of Gundari, Ricardo Larriera. Before construction started, more than 600 seedlings were collected, nurtured and then returned to regenerate the land with indigenous plants.

All stonework incorporated into the property’s design was created using rock excavated on-site. Ricardo has taken a personal stake in the threatened Eleonora’s Falcon, one of the fastest birds in the world and native to the island. The Gundari Eleonora’s Falcon conservation project aims to regenerate populations to healthy levels, while giving guests an opportunity to be involved.

Gundari is a member of EarthCheck Certified.

Join our mailing list

Click here to Join
  Join our mailing list