ANEMI Folegandros

ANEMI Folegandros, a Michelin Key Selected property on the untouched island of Folegandros, Greece, consistently receives high praise for its serene atmosphere, exceptional design, and outstanding service. It is recognized for offering a luxurious and relaxing escape that seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Cycladic aesthetics.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

ANEMI Folegandros is widely regarded as a superb destination, consistently earning high guest review scores, including a 9.4 rating for overall satisfaction. Guests frequently describe their stays as "brilliant," "perfect," and an "incredible experience," highlighting a strong positive sentiment. The hotel is often considered one of the best on Folegandros, offering a stylish and tranquil experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly enamored with the hotel's stunning design, featuring minimalist architecture with Cycladic influences that blend harmoniously with the island's landscape. The beautiful main infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea is a major draw, providing a spectacular setting for relaxation. The friendly and competent staff consistently receives accolades, with many guests praising their helpfulness and professionalism. The hotel's privileged location near the port and its comprehensive facilities, including a fitness center and tennis court, are also frequently mentioned as key highlights.

3. Room Quality

The 44 rooms and suites at ANEMI Folegandros are designed with a minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic, featuring modern furnishings, crisp white tones, and subtle colorful details. Rooms are described as comfortable and spacious, equipped with amenities such as flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD players, mini-bars, and Nespresso machines. The bathrooms are noted for their spaciousness and include slippers, bathrobes, and hairdryers. Many rooms offer verandahs with views of Karavostasi Bay, and some suites further enhance the experience with private swimming pools, making for a truly luxurious "home away from home" experience.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, SEA SENSE, serves creative Mediterranean cuisine in a stylish setting, emphasizing fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, finely marinated meats, and traditional delicacies prepared with local products. Breakfast is highly rated (guest review score: 8.1) and features a buffet with continental, vegetarian, and vegan options. A standout breakfast item mentioned by guests is the "Folegandros bun," a unique bagel-like pastry with honey, tropical fruit, and cheese. While the restaurant food is generally considered fantastic, some guests note that it can be more expensive than other local dining options.

5. Service & Staff

The service at ANEMI Folegandros is consistently described as exceptional. Guests highlight the staff as "friendly," "competent," "superb," "very helpful," "accommodating," and "professional." From ferry pick-ups to assistance throughout their stay, the team goes above and beyond to ensure a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The hotel also offers convenient services such as limo and helicopter arrangements.

6. Location & Accessibility

ANEMI Folegandros boasts a prime location just a few meters from Karavostasi Port, offering easy access to ferry arrivals and departures. It's within walking distance of Vardia beach and approximately 400 meters from Hochlidia beach. The scenic main town of Folegandros (Chora) is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) away, with a convenient shuttle bus service provided by the hotel. Folegandros itself is celebrated as a tiny, unspoiled Cycladic island known for its breathtaking views and pristine beaches. The island does not have an airport; access is primarily by ferry or high-speed boat from Athens (3.5 to 6 hours) or Santorini (45 minutes to 1 hour). Free on-site parking is available for guests who choose to rent a car or ATV.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests feel the overall experience justifies the cost, some have expressed concerns regarding the pricing, particularly for food and beverages within the hotel. Specific criticisms include high costs for items like a large plastic bottle of water (€4) and a club sandwich (€20), which were significantly more expensive than alternatives found elsewhere on the island. This has led some to question the value for money in certain areas, suggesting the pricing structure might be more aligned with destinations like Mykonos rather than the laid-back charm of Folegandros. However, the quality of facilities and service are generally seen as commensurate with the price point.

8. Common Complaints

The most frequently cited criticism revolves around the inflated pricing of food and beverages within the hotel, which some guests found excessive compared to local establishments. Another minor complaint mentioned by a guest was the "monotonous" music selection (American rock, pop, and country) played in the bar and pool area, which reportedly detracted from the ambiance. One review also suggested that while rooms were spacious and clean, the interior design didn't always fully live up to the high price point when compared to other emerging resorts on the island, and the breakfast/dining area setup could be improved.

Sources

1. booking.com
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6. youshouldgohere.com
7. myboutiquehotel.com
8. greatsmallhotels.com
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