ANEMI Folegandros

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.

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.

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.

Please note: ANEMI Folegandros is open seasonally, from May through September.

How to get there:
Folegandros does not have an airport, but there is regular ferry and high-speed boat service from Athens, as well as limited service from Santorini and several other islands. Ferries from Athens to Folegandros take approximately 6 hours, while the same trip by high-speed boat takes about 3.5 hours. From Santorini (Thira) it’s about an hour by high-speed boat. Please be aware that most of the ferry routes, including service from Santorini, have only one departure per day; be sure to check schedules in advance and plan accordingly.