It never takes much to tempt me back to the Mediterranean, especially when Greece is involved. It’s a part of the world I return to again and again, drawn by the light, the food, the history, and that easy rhythm of life. So, when the opportunity came up to experience One&Only Resorts’ three flagship properties in the Mediterranean region, I didn’t hesitate for a second.

One&Only may have launched in 2002, but in that short time it’s built an impressive global reputation, with 14 luxury properties establishing the group amongst the world’s most prestigious hotel brands.

My journey began at One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro, a stunning property set on 1.8 km of Adriatic coastline in the heart of Boka Bay, and from the moment I arrived the setting felt utterly inspiring. Think stone colonnades, terracotta rooftops, and palm-lined gardens leading down to a private beach, and it’s all elegantly Mediterranean with just the right touch of glamour. One of the highlights was the Chenot Espace spa, a state-of-the-art facility blending Chinese medicine and Western science. I opted for a personalised wellness session and left feeling completely rebalanced in body and mind. Along with the wonderful spa there are fabulous pools, restaurants, and a beach club, all topped off by amazing state of the art rooms, which were full of light and offered glorious views.

From Dubrovnik , we flew to Athens and made the quick 30-minute drive to One&Only Aesthesis, tucked away in a 21-hectare pine forest along the Athenian Riviera. With its mid-century modern architecture, vintage design flourishes, and golden-sand beach, this resort oozes old-school Riviera charm. The Guerlain Spa here is exceptional—equal parts clinical precision and sheer indulgence. And the experiences on offer felt beautifully curated: yacht cruises to the Cyclades, walking tours of ancient Athens, even stargazing under that deep Grecian sky. Again the rooms are beautiful, consisting of many bungalows with private gardens and pools. Adjacent to the hotel and owned by the group is Manko, a beautiful restaurant which has become Glyfada’s hot spot, comprising beach club, cocktail bar and of course superb dining. There is also a great choice of restaurants and shopping in Glyfada should you really want to leave the hotel!

The final leg of my trip took me to One&Only Kéa Island, which is in the Cycladic group and is in fact the nearest island to the mainland. A 30 minute car ride takes you from Athens airport to the port of Lavrio, from where you have the option of a ferry or a rather fabulous private boat transfer to the island itself. Perched on a secluded bay in the Cyclades, this very special all-villa hideaway is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pine forests. Each of its stunning 63 villas has its own infinity pool with sweeping sea views so you won’t easily be tempted beyond the front door, but no one should miss the resort’s Bond Beach Club, which offers laid-back elegance, bold Mediterranean-Asian cuisine and a resident DJ who will have you dancing barefoot in the sand as evening falls!

Guided excursions include an expertly curated tour of the beautiful hilltop town of Loulida, which is so rich in art and culture that it gave rise to the island’s nickname, ‘Little Paris’. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some wonderful hotels over the years, but Kéa Island genuinely took my breath away.