Greece’s Best-Kept Secret for Scuba Diving

Getting to Kea, Greece, is an experience in itself. The Hoper helicopter lifts off from the outskirts of Athens, and within minutes, the urban sprawl gives way to azure waters. The 15-minute flight over the Aegean Sea reveals the scattered gems of the Cyclades, but it’s the approach to the island that truly captures the imagination.

As the aircraft makes its way toward the island’s rugged west coast, One&Only Kea Island comes into view, its 63 villas folding into the landscape in a blend of hand-cut stone and Grecian marble. Taking cues from centuries-old craftsmanship, the architecture weaves graceful archways and airy atriums into its design, hinting at the island’s Byzantine past while letting the Mediterranean light flow in and set the mood.

Stone paths are bordered by olive trees, and infinity pools shimmer above the rocky coast, creating a connection between villa, land and sea. It’s evident the resort’s architect, John Heah, understood something fundamental about this place: True luxury doesn’t compete with nature—it converses with it.

Divers know the island for what rests offshore, where four wrecks—including the storied HMHS Britannic, sister to the Titanic—slumber beneath the blue. For decades, bureaucracy made these underwater sites elusive. But in 2022, the Kea Underwater Historic Site launched and opened the wrecks to carefully managed diving. Two years later, One&Only Kea Island made its debut.

The resort’s dive center, KeaDivers, operates under the guidance of Yannis Tzavelakos, a Greek conservationist who treats sites with a blend of reverence and innovation. Seasoned divers can join expeditions to three shipwrecks (the Britannic, the Burdigala and the Patris) and an aircraft, a German Ju 52. These outings are technical, meticulously managed and designed for the well-prepared. For the less experienced, PADI-certified courses offer gentler immersion in Kea’s aquatic world.

Related Reading: One Week in Komodo Reminded Me Why I Dive

A Mediterranean Gem

Throughout the resort, whitewashed walls, organic curves and natural materials honor Cycladic traditions. These time-tested elements are elevated with contemporary touches that feel inevitable rather than imposed. Stone pathways meander through olive groves and native vegetation, reinforcing the ancient village vibe while ensuring absolute privacy.

Each villa feels like a private refuge where ancient Greek architects might have retreated to contemplate the sea. Carved into clifftops with infinity pools that seem to pour directly into the Aegean, they blur the line between human comfort and natural wonder. Sunny terraces offer generous living spaces that invite the Mediterranean inside.

Villas feature custom furnishings crafted by local artisans and modern amenities that hide discreetly within the design, appearing when needed but never intruding on the serene atmosphere.

Island Indulgence

Dining is a celebration of Kea’s terroir and sea. Working with local fishermen and farmers, the kitchen has created a supply chain measured in nautical miles rather than continents. The main restaurant, Atria, channels local tradition with cosmopolitan flair. Its menu highlights seasonal seafood, garden produce and olive oil.

Bond Beach Club captures the relaxed energy of Greek summer, perfectly combining sunrays, gentle breezes and an unhurried rhythm. Here, guests spend lazy afternoons with toes buried in warm sand, sipping cocktails infused with island herbs and fruits that ripen under the Aegean sun. Epicora is the wine bar, where the sommelier can recommend local vintages and rare spirits. For something with a hint of mystery, Incognito speakeasy hides behind unmarked doors and channels classic Havana through Cuban-inspired cocktails.

On a hilltop above the beach club is the spa, which operates on a simple philosophy: True wellness comes from harmony between body, mind and environment. Treatments blend Ayurvedic healing traditions with botanicals sourced from the island’s hillsides, creating deeply therapeutic and connected experiences.

A New Chapter in Ancient Waters

Away from the resort, Kea remains an island loved by Athenians and mostly untouched by mass tourism. There are ancient villages, tiny cafes, Byzantine churches and hiking trails that crisscross the hillsides where time slows and conversations seem to last a little longer. Book an outing with One\&Only’s resident archaeologist, who leads explorations of the island’s history, uncovering relics and stories that have been preserved in soil and stone for thousands of years.

Kea’s renaissance is no accident. This perfect blend of heritage, adventure and undiluted comfort found at One&Only Kea Island heralds a new chapter for travelers seeking depth as much as decadence. Here, the present is studded with echoes of past voyages. In every breath, every shadow above a wreck and every sun-warmed stone, Kea feels at once astonishingly new and satisfyingly ancient.

Related Reading: Three Unexpected Greek Islands to Visit

Need to Know

Accommodations

There are 63 villas with marble en suite bathrooms, sea-view terraces and private infinity pools.

Luxe Standout

The three-story spa with Watsu therapy pools, cold plunges and treatments using indigenous botanicals creates the perfect recovery sanctuary for technical divers and relaxation seekers alike.

When to Visit

The resort is open spring to fall.

Getting There

Fly 15 minutes by Hoper helicopter from Athens to the resort’s private helipad or take the scenic 45-minute luxury speedboat transfer from Lavrio port. A longer car-and-ferry option is also available.

Contact

One&Only Kea Island

oneandonlyresorts.com/kea-island

Keadivers

keadivers.com

Hoper Helicopter

flyhoper.com