F Zeen, Kefalonia
All teeming gardens and hidden walkways, this soulful family-owned adults-only resort packs an extraordinary amount into its hilltop location above Lourdas beach on the south coast of Kefalonia. Walk up one path and you’ll stumble on a hidden yoga shala, stumble down another and you might find yourself in the fragrant chef’s garden or at one of the F Zeen’s three freshwater pools. Wellness is a big deal here, from the daily schedule of classes to the Minoan massages in the gym, and the nutrition-packed dishes served up in the resort’s rustic restaurant.
Lourdas Beach Road, Kefalonia, Livathos, 28083; fzeenretreats.com
Oku, Kos
Kos’s easterly location at the mouth of the Gulf of Gökova, just off the Turkish coast, makes it an ideal autumn getaway. Many of its resorts, like the princely Oku, open right through to the end of October. Situated on the north coast of the island, Oku blends straight-lined whitewashed villas with bohemian-style communal spaces, all hammocks and hammams, wood umbrellas and cane canopies.
Sikamini, Marmari, Kos, 85, Kos 853 00; okuhotels.com
Bohème, Mykonos
Mykonos in the summer can be a traffic-clogged nightmare, but during the shoulder season when there is space to breathe, you can see why everyone flocks to the island and its many whitewashed inside/outside hotels. Bohème is an understated classic of the genre, with a kidney-shaped sun-trap of a pool and candlelit walled herb garden. Ideally located a two-minute walk from Mykonos Town, its polished concrete floors and glorious port-side views make it a perfect base for exploring the island.
Mykonos Town, Mikonos 846 00; bohememykonos.com
Rooster, Antiparos
Antiparos is the Cyclades’ best-kept secret. Ruggedly beautiful and relatively quiet, it doesn’t have an airport, so its beaches still feel a little wild and free, and there’s a glorious still-to-be-discovered quality to the place. Despite all this unassuming authenticity, the island is home to one of the Aegean’s loveliest resorts, The Rooster. Opened in 2021, it marries the rustic charm of the island with serious upscale luxury, all alfresco showers and private pools for each of its 17 residences.
Livadia Bay, Antiparos 840 07; theroosterantiparos.com
Gundari, Folegandros
The high-speed ferry to Folegandros takes an hour from Santorini, but in terms of vibes this tiny island – with its dramatic landscapes, whitewashed Orthodox chapels and singularly slow pace – is a world away from its glitzy neighbour. The place to stay is Gundari, which specialises in “raw luxury” – surely right for an island of scattered goat herds and sun-scorched hilltops. The architecture exults the local stone and it’s just added two new villas, perfect for groups and families.
1, Petousis 840 11; gundari.com
Sani, Halkidiki
Sani is like nothing else. Five hotels spread over 1,000 acres of forests, beaches and wetlands, all set in a sublime Halkidiki bay. The focus here on family entertainment and everything is done to an almost hilariously high spec. The football academy is run by Chelsea FC and the tennis academy by Rafa Nadal. The survival school is by Bear Grylls. There are 14 bars and 26 restaurants with food ranging from simple pizzas to elite-level sushi. It does a festival in the summer for which it books acts like Grace Jones and Buena Vista All Stars. It’s just that kind of place.
Kassandra, Halkidiki 630 77; sani-resorts.com
David Annand is editorial director of Secret Trips
