Arrival at the hotel was impressive. The hotel villas are scattered over two hills, and between them is a fantastic beach. The golf cart transported us to the main building. The hosts, General Manager Jerome Colson and Resort Manager Christina Plethara, ensured we had a magical introduction to the unique experience of staying at a One & Only.
The view from this spot exceeds all expectations; all one can see is the endless blue of the sea, which, somewhere in the distance, becomes one with the sky. The design by architect John Heah made sure to create frames everywhere where the location and the views are highlighted no matter where you are in the complex. In the main building, one finds places to relax, such as the main bar, which is only casually called Kosmos, and places to work, although who wants to miss even a moment of that escape and spend it in front of a screen? The library, the Atria restaurant, the swimming pools, a stunning garden where the delicious breakfast is served with raw materials from the island of Gia, the wider Cyclades region and beyond, and the genuinely unique Incognito speakeasy bar. Perhaps the most well-hidden secret of the complex is a complete collection of drinks and cigars that give another dimension to the phrase "let`s have a nightcap".
After the reception, arrival at the villa or the house that one could easily consider a dream house. Correct orientation, huge windows and glass surfaces on the ceiling allow light to bathe every spot and offer unobstructed views of the sea, which becomes one with the private infinity pool. A large comfortable lounge, a very well organised Villa bar that is capable of turning every guest into an excellent mixologist, anatomical mattresses, walk-in wardrobes, a large bathroom, and a host of amenities that cater to your every need to a degree of extravagance are what every guest experiences. It is tough to decide to leave the amenities provided by these spaces and open the door to discover the dozens of other amenities offered by this destination hotel.
The journey to the spa by golf cart is just a few minutes; however, it is enough to transport you to another genuinely serene world. Faithful to the same architectural lines with a desire to blend into the landscape rather than impose itself, the spa building, with its indoor and outdoor spaces, gardens full of jasmine trees and many relaxing corners, is a reason to be in Kea. A range of signature treatments combined with high-standard facilities ensures that our batteries are rejuvenated and recharged. The indoor swimming pool, combined with various complementary facilities such as a sauna, steam rooms and more, can keep you here for hours.
A few meters away, the resort`s lush beach club and the diving centre pose vital questions: Should you dive in and enjoy the seabed, let time flow lazily alongside the waves, or spend time sampling various cocktails and dishes that smell summer? Tables, sparsely placed under impressive trees, a few meters away from the sunbeds that the waves wet them on the warm sand and the deep blue waters that I have only seen in "secret" beaches of the Aegean Sea remind you of the uniqueness of Greece and prove that there is a development that respects the environment.
Upon arriving at the resort, I was sure I would experience the famous One & Only version of hospitality that made such a dynamic entry into our country with two hotels within a few months. I didn`t know how many aces are hidden in this new gem that opened just a few weeks ago and is already hosting the world`s elite. A multi-skilled team of people for just 63 villas spread over an impressive area that aims to highlight to Greeks and introduce foreign visitors to the unique magic of the Cycladic landscape and the Aegean Sea while offering services that few hotels can match.
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