Anemi Hotel, Folegandros

Anemi Hotel makes a pretty sight of whitewashed buildings set against a rocky landscape — but the first good impressions are only the beginning of an eminently stylish experience.

One must be at least somewhat comfortable with minimalism to appreciate the landscape of the Cyclades—stark cliffs, stark sky, stark sea—and the region’s architecture, with its white walls and simple, squared forms, was minimalist before the concept had a name.

It’s a formula that can’t miss, just about anywhere in the Greek islands, but Folegandros, a relatively remote little speck of a place, offers up some of the most breathtaking emptiness in the whole archipelago.

The hotel

Anemi’s forty-four rooms, while extremely comfortable, are a studied (and decidedly modern) arrangement in spare luxury.

The bright whiteness of the bedroom is offset only by large-scale artworks over your bed and the view of the bay of Karavostasis beyond your verandah.

Restroom fixtures are beautifully utilitarian with modern tile work worthy of your vacation photo album. All rooms are equipped with kitchens and can make for a luxurious home away from home, and a couple of suites also boast private personal swimming pools, which make leaving almost entirely unnecessary.

Cycladic pace

But the island’s beaches and cliffs will inevitably draw you out, and after a day spent in this vast outdoor luxury, Anemi’s restaurant will likely draw you back. Mediterranean flavors in modern arrangements can really only get better when enjoyed slowly beneath your own private trellis, maybe even with your toes dipped in a saltwater pool.

So begins the cycle of the Cyclades, and with the help of Anemi’s minimalist décor, minimalist demands, and maximalist luxury, you’ll be happy to linger for quite a while.

Main text courtesy of Tablet Hotels, edited to fit the format.

in our opinion

What we love

• The architecture: integrating with the surrounding natural landscape and updating the old Cycladic building anatomy to contemporary aesthetic sensibilities, the designer created a place equally authentic and contemporary;
• The minimalist design emphasizes the tranquil island atmosphere of Folegandros, thanks to expertly arranged interiors with furniture from Eames, Vitra, and B&B Italia;
• The furnishings may be contemporary, but the rooms capture local character: designed individually, their interiors utilize rustic wooden ceilings and traditional Greek decorative objects—while unique photos by Margarita Nikitaki that frame the beds set the summery mood;
• Amazing Aegean sea views, with absolutely stunning main infinity pool;
• The hotel's location on Folegandros, a relatively unspoiled island.

What you should know

• Anemi Hotel is open seasonally, for five months a year only (from May);
• Folegandros does not have an airport but can be reached by ferry from Athens as well as from several islands. The journey from Athens takes about 3 hours and from Santorini (Thira) less than an hour.
• WiFi is available, free of charge;
• Pets are welcomed at no extra charges, just make sure you inform the hotel in advance and your pooch will be offered with a basket and food bowl;
• The nearest sandy beach is some distance away: 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes walk, but the sea as such is never far—a rocky beach is just 300 meters from the hotel.

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