One&Only Kea Island

First sign of problems, the resort is built on an island not far from the cradle of civilisation but no one has ever built on the site when it was available for centuries - it is built in a wind trap. Luckily friends had told us how to request a room sheltered from the wind. We arrived after the boatman had called 30 mins before to liase at their dock on a very hot day - no one there and it is just a big hot rock with no shade, facility or staff. The resort has the villa type rooms built up and around a very, very steep hill rising from a bay with their beach club to the main buildings and restaurant at the top, so they have a fleet of electric buggies to get around. However the fleet was utterly inadequate and all the guests were always waiting, waiting, waiting. The main hotel looks quite exciting, but on a hilltop when they have the front door open they sometimes have wind blowing through the vast multi-story hallway and laying waste to the bar arrangement and the spaces for guests to catch the view. The rooms are well-designed and equipped, albeit with very ordinary supplies not maintained and ours wasn’t really properly prepared when we arrived. There is something strange about keeping out of the wind and having a view of absolutely nothing more than other hotel buildings, further building sites of hotel villas and the barren hillside opposite as there isn’t a natural tree on the hill, just rocks. So to make up for it the rooms and facilities should be ones focus but the housekeeping team wasnt keeping pace with what was needed. The food is the only redeeming feature of the hotel. Nice staff but dinner can take longer than you expect. Lunch at the beach club under truly staggeringly loud DJ music which could not be quieter when we asked because guests dance - not one guest danced on the days we were there. We were so happy to leave after 3 nights. While staying there you can go to restaurants on the island but the resort’s location is a mountain climb on treacherous roads which are mainly tracks - it is not close to anything but in a barren rocky landscape that no one else has ever used excpet the local goats.

The views are amazing, only bettered by the incredible staff. Thank you Adel, Sophia and Yume. The arrival and departure was seamless, breakfast was fantastic and the main restaurant first class.

From the moment we arrived at One&Only Kea Island, we felt transported into another world. The setting is breathtaking and the architecture that blends seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty The service was simply flawless. It never felt forced or scripted , just warm, personal and incredibly professional. Our villa was stunning: spacious, beautifully designed, with an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean that made it almost impossible to leave. What makes this resort truly special, though, is the atmosphere. It is luxurious, yes, but in a way that feels relaxed and authentic. You can completely disconnect, enjoy the great spa, or dive into activities like tennis, diving , or exploring the island. One&Only Kea Island is not just a hotel, it is an experience. Worth every minute, and we can’t wait to return.

Exclusive resort in beatiful nature. Staff throughout the resort under managment Mr. Jerome is always willing and ready to fulfill all your wishes. Luxury villas with private, excellent restaurants , wonderful spa with great massages, fully equipped gym. And to top it all off, beatiful private beach with BOND BEACH CLUB. The price fully corresponds to the quality, we recommend the hotel. Ivana + Libor Polak

Thoughts on this for the review? My partner and I stayed at the One&Only Kea Island for three nights, and it was truly exceptional. The property is stunning, with individual villas built into a rolling landscape, so every room has breathtaking views of the bay. We were even upgraded upon check-in, which set the tone for a fantastic stay. The staff were outstanding: professional, warm, and incredibly attentive. Our stay manager, Anna, went above and beyond to anticipate our needs and ensure everything was seamless. Communication through WhatsApp made everything smooth and easy. Because the resort is so spread out, you’ll need to use buggies to get around. They take about 10 minutes to arrive unless you schedule in advance, so it’s worth planning your movements a little. Once settled, though, the flow of the property makes sense. The beach is perfect on sunny days, while the pool is wonderfully peaceful. Dining was excellent at both restaurants (beach club + Atria in main building), though we especially loved Atria. Cocktails on the patio before dinner and at the speakeasy afterward became a ritual, and the breakfast each morning was simply divine—something we looked forward to every day. There’s no shortage of activities either. We took a private padel lesson and noticed plenty more to do/explore but didn’t have time to do. Overall, this new property feels both luxurious and full of potential. We wouldn’t hesitate to return and are excited to see how it blossoms in the coming years.