One & Only, Kea
One & Only Kea Island is a secluded luxury resort perched on a 161-acre cliffside in the Cyclades, featuring 63 private-pool villas topped with living green roofs. The only hotel on Kea with its own helipad, it offers swift 15-minute flights from Athens, seamless concierge-arranged transfers, and unparalleled privacy amid olive groves and Aegean panoramas.
Design & Atmosphere
One&Only Kea Island is a secluded ultra-luxury resort that artfully blends into the untouched landscape of Kea, one of the closest Cycladic isles to Athens. Perched on a 161-acre clifftop estate with sweeping Aegean Sea views, the resort’s all-villa design uses earthy stone walls and olive groves to harmonize with nature. Impeccably designed by renowned architect John Heah, the cliff-hugging villas embrace high-end minimalism – think soft neutral tones, marble finishes, and expansive glass for indoor-outdoor flow. Each spacious one- or two-bedroom villa (of the 63 total) boasts its own infinity pool and sun deck, so guests enjoy panoramic sea vistas in complete privacy. The atmosphere is exclusive and tranquil – an island sanctuary that feels remote yet is conveniently near Athens, offering “the best of Greek island living” without the crowds. From its design inspired by local materials to its Cycladic village-like layout, One&Only Kea exudes barefoot luxury and a sense of place that immediately lowers your pulse and indulges your senses.
Amenities & Experiences
This glamorous getaway delivers every five-star amenity imaginable. Gourmet dining is a highlight: there’s the chic Bond beachfront club for casual Mediterranean fare and Atria for organic farm-to-table Greek cuisine. Come sunset, sip craft cocktails under the open-sky atrium of the Kosmos Lobby Bar or seek out the hidden Incognito Speakeasy for rare whiskeys and fine wines. Days here can be as active or relaxing as you wish. Swim in the resort’s main cliffside infinity pool or on the tree-shaded private beach cove, where attendants pamper you with plush loungers. The expansive One&Only Spa spans three levels, a sanctuary inspired by the ancient Greek concept of sophrosyne (moderation and harmony). Indulge in holistic treatments, from massages with local herbs to thalassotherapy, and take a dip in the indoor-outdoor heated pool amid sea and countryside views. Adventure abounds with water sports – snorkel or scuba dive to nearby shipwrecks (including the Britannic, sister ship of the Titanic) led by the resort’s dive. A 1960s wooden yacht is on hand for private sailing trips or sunset cruises. With tennis courts, a half basketball court, and a high-tech fitness center, wellness and recreation are fully covered. Every experience – whether a private beach picnic or stargazing by your villa’s fire pit – is delivered with thoughtful, world-class service.
Privacy & Suitability
Offering unparalleled exclusivity, One&Only Kea Island is ideal for discerning luxury travelers – from honeymooners to high-profile guests. Couples find it exceedingly romantic: each villa is a self-contained oasis with secluded terraces and plunge pools perfect for two. Quiet pathways and intimate dining nooks set a dreamy mood for anniversaries and honeymoons. At the same time, the resort is well suited to families. Two-bedroom cliffside villas exceed 1,900 square feet and provide ample space for parents and children to relax in comfort. The resort’s KidsOnly club and OneTribe teens club keep younger guests engaged with nature adventures, crafts, and games, all supervised by dedicated staff. Multi-generational groups can reserve the Grand Villa – a four-bedroom residence – for a lavish private retreat. Service is ultra-personalized: each villa comes with a dedicated host (available via 24/7 WhatsApp) to arrange excursions, dinner reservations, or chauffeured buggy rides around the property. This attention to detail, along with discrete security and private entrances, also makes the resort popular among celebrities and VIPs seeking anonymity. In short, One&Only Kea delivers an exclusive haven for anyone who values privacy, be it Hollywood A-listers escaping the spotlight or couples seeking solitude in a sumptuous setting.
Helicopter Access
One&Only Kea Island features its own private helipad, allowing guests to arrive directly and in style. Most visitors reach Kea via ferry or yacht, but helicopter transfer is the most spectacular and time-saving option. In fact, it’s just a 15-minute flight from Athens International Airport to the resort’s helipad. This means no lengthy ferry schedules or airport layovers – you can step off an international flight in Athens and be whisked straight to Kea’s shores in minutes. The resort’s concierge can arrange private helicopter charters that land right on property, so you’ll be greeted upon touchdown and escorted by your host directly to your villa. For those not traveling with their own aircraft, nearby Athens offers charters, or guests can connect via the One&Only’s sister property in Athens (One&Only Aesthesis) which also facilitates helicopter transfers. With a helipad on-site, One&Only Kea has become a convenient weekend escape for jet-setters – it’s closer than some mainland resorts despite being on an island. As the brand’s second outpost in Greece, the resort was designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring even short stays are feasible thanks to the quick air connection. Of course, traditional arrivals are welcome too (there’s a resort boat dock), but nothing beats the drama and ease of arriving by helicopter at this exclusive hideaway.
Advantages of Helicopter Arrival
Arriving by helicopter elevates the luxury experience at One&Only Kea to another level. Firstly, it offers ultimate privacy and convenience – you bypass busy ferry ports and airport crowds, landing directly within the resort’s grounds. This is a major draw for high-profile guests or anyone valuing discretion. The speed is a bonus: the scenic 15-minute flight spares you a 2-hour ferry ride, meaning more time lounging by your private pool or enjoying the beach. As you soar over the Aegean, you’re treated to breathtaking aerial views of the Cyclades – a preview of the beauty awaiting you. The helicopter approach to Kea provides unforgettable vistas of the island’s rugged coastline and the resort’s cliffside villas perched above turquoise waters. It’s essentially a sky tour and transfer in one. Upon landing at the resort’s helipad, you’ll be greeted with cold towels and refreshments, ensuring a seamless welcome. Helicopter arrivals also enable day-trip hopping – from One&Only Kea, you could charter a chopper to explore nearby isles or even pop over to Mykonos or Santorini for the day, then return by evening. Overall, flying in grants a sense of VIP arrival, speed, and exhilaration that perfectly complements the resort’s ethos of indulgence. It sets the tone for an extraordinary stay from the very first moment.
Awards, Affiliations & Sustainability
Opened in summer 2024, One&Only Kea Island is already making waves as one of Greece’s top new resorts. Travel experts have lauded its debut – it’s been called “potentially Greece’s best new luxury hotel”. As part of the prestigious One&Only Resorts brand (known for ultra-luxe properties worldwide), it upholds impeccable standards in service and quality. The resort is also notable for its commitment to heritage and sustainability. In partnership with Greece’s Ministry of Culture, the site underwent extensive archaeological excavations before construction. Ancient artifacts were discovered and preserved, and every stone unearthed was repurposed in the resort’s building, ensuring the natural terrain remained intact. This eco-conscious approach means the architecture literally grew from Kea’s earth, minimizing impact on the environment. The property uses energy-efficient systems and electric vehicles for guest transport, aligning with sustainable luxury practices. While brand-new, the resort is poised to earn accolades; it’s already a Forbes Travel Guide preview pick and is expected to join lists like Travel + Leisure’s “Best Hotels in the World.” One&Only Kea is also a member of Virtuoso, offering elite travelers exclusive benefits. In essence, this resort combines the cachet of a world-class luxury brand with genuine respect for local culture and nature – a balance that bodes well for its future award recognitions and reputation as a leading sustainable luxury retreat in Greece.
Impressions
Our Fleet
See our fleet and find your perfecthelicopter in Greece
REQUEST YOUR QUOTATION
Tell us what you would like to experience in Greece and charter you private helicopter tour to see all of it. We make your travel plans flexible and joyful.
Request quote.png)