4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace (Athens, Greece)

December 20, 2023

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Wednesday newsletters all the time function a lodge or flight assessment.

As we speak: 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace (Greece)

On the delicate Athens Riviera, on the tip of a pine-clad peninsula, 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace gives the perfect of each worlds: a laid-back seaside escape simply half-hour from the historic metropolis middle. Friends can uncover the wonders of historic civilization on the Acropolis, then return to 4 Seasons to unwind and chill out. Astir Palace got here to life within the Nineteen Sixties, as the world gained tempo as a seaside resort, drawing a crowd that spanned from Greek royalty, to Hollywood glitterati and elite jetsetters, and reopened as a 4 Seasons property in 2019 following a $700 million USD renovation. Consisting of two completely different buildings, the fabulous property options 8 eating places and bars, three swimming pools, a spa middle with 10 therapy rooms, a health middle and an expansive shoreline comprising three personal seashores. Astir Palace ranks among the many greatest luxurious lodge I’ve ever stayed at.

Have you ever ever stayed at 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace in Athens? In that case, what was your expertise? Go away a remark.

4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace options in my prime 10 lists of the greatest luxurious motels in Greece and the greatest 4 Seasons Inns & Resorts on the planet.

On this assessment (extra data and photographs beneath my YouTube video):

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace is ready on a powerful, lush peninsula within the coronary heart of the Athenian Riviera, some of the coveted areas in Greece. Due its elegant location, the lodge is a good alternative for vacationers who wish to expertise the perfect of historic and trendy Greece, weekenders from Athens or the area, households in search of a vacation that may be each fun-filled and academic, and {couples} who’re honeymooning or renewing their lives collectively in one of many world’s most romantic locations. Along with the five-star lodge, the peninsula, stretched throughout 30 hectares (75 acres) of pine-dotted and scenic landscaped gardens, additionally includes upscale retail & eating choices, in addition to high-end seafront residences. The lodge is conveniently situated 25 km (16 mi) south of Athens and 24 km (15 mi) from Athens Worldwide Airport.

Earlier than 4 Seasons took over administration of the property, Astir Palace had already been considered one of Greece’s most iconic motels for greater than 50 years. As an entity, Astir was first created within the late Nineteen Fifties, gracing the magnificent pine lined peninsula of Laimos in Vouliagmeni. Two years later, in 1961, the cabanas of Astir began internet hosting visitors, whereas within the golden decade of the Nineteen Sixties a waterskiing college – a novelty on the time for Athens – was opened. On the similar time Astir Seaside of Vouliagmeni – maybe the perfect swimming spot in Athens – turned established as a preferred assembly level. In 1967 the lodge Arion was created adopted by Nafsika in 1979. 4 many years later, the landmark resort on the Athens Riviera turned a 4 Seasons property after an in depth $700 million USD overhaul which concerned a top-to-bottom renovation of the lodge’s amenities.

Drawing inspiration from the unique property’s historic glamor, the ultra-luxe lodge incorporates a magnificent design. Following its multi-year renovation, the property’s light-filled areas exhibit a contemporary, up to date look that stylishly spills outside, with plentiful use of pure supplies all through. Okay-Studio dealt with the architectural features of the renovation, whereas Meyer Davis and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio labored alongside it on the inside design. One of many components that makes 4 Seasons Astir Palace distinctive from a design perspective is the distribution of the lodge amenities over two separate buildings, referred to as Arion and Nafiska (which operated as two unbiased motels previous to the renovation). Each lodge wings function a definite design that defines them: Arion’s look is extra subtle and geared toward {couples} and singles, whereas Nafiska’s decor feels extra relaxed and household oriented.

The Arion constructing – with its modernist structure and retro-chic design – gives a laid again vibe and distinctly subtle environment. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by the foyer’s minimal aesthetic, lovely flower preparations, and a delicate colour palette of sandy hues. The foyer’s elegant lounge bar has large floor-to-ceiling home windows which open to an expansive terrace with a number of lounge areas, providing lovely sea views. In comparison with the Nafsika constructing, the Arion wing has a extra intimate really feel, combining trendy class with relaxed resort fashion. Arion is dwelling to 101 uber-luxurious rooms and suites, two of the lodge’s eating places -including the signature Michelin starred venue – together with the spa and indoor pool (extra on that beneath).

At quick strolling distance from Arion is the Nafiska lodge wing, whose arrival courtyard is situated on the constructing’s prime flooring, offering magnificent views over the Mediterranean Sea. On arrival, visitors are welcomed by a lit water function and an Antony Gormley sculpture with a backdrop that resembles a forest of illuminated pillars. Nafsika’s energetic foyer incorporates a darker colour palette in comparison with Arion, creating a gorgeous distinction with the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. At Nafsika, the lodge amenities cascade down from the foyer on the highest flooring to the immense swimming pool space beneath. Azure sea views dominate each single one of many constructing’s 133 rooms and suites – a few of that are geared up with a non-public pool. Nafsika can be dwelling to the social hub Avra Lounge and Terrace, two eating places, the health middle and several other luxurious boutiques.

4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace gives a variety of uber-luxurious lodging, that are situated in three distinct resort areas: 101 rooms and suites within the Arion constructing, 133 rooms and suite within the Nafsika constructing, and 61 hillside bungalows that are set in their very own tranquil, pine-clad enclave overlooking Astir seaside on the peninsula’s northern tip. Initially constructed within the early Nineteen Sixties, the spacious sea- and garden-view are good for visitors searching for more room and privateness, and maybe a little bit nostalgia for the reason that bungalows retain the identical glamorous attract at the moment as they did. That includes a contemporary look and up-to-date facilities for at the moment’s vacationers, all bungalows have a non-public villa really feel and include swimming pools or furnished terraces. The realm the place the bungalows are situated options its personal idyllic shoreline with seaside, and is only a 5 min stroll from the Arion constructing (24/7 buggy service is supplied).

Throughout my keep at 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace, I used to be upgraded to the exceptional Arion Royal Suite, some of the unbelievable suites I’ve ever stayed at throughout all my years of touring all over the world. Situated within the Arion constructing on the ground-level, proper subsequent to the foyer, the 310 m2 (3,336 sq.ft.) Arion Royal Suite is the lodge’s second largest suite. The regal suite featured a big residing & eating room, open kitchen, TV room, workplace space, walk-in closet, two spacious bedrooms with kingsize beds, and two ensuite marble bogs, every with twin vainness sinks, deep soaking tub and separate bathe. The large suite embraced the outside with floor-to-ceiling home windows, an expansive furnished terrace and a non-public pool overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Arion Royal Suite is likely one of the lodge’s so referred to as signature suites, whose visitors profit from unique companies and facilities, together with meet-and-greet airport service and a devoted private assistant.

Helmed by Govt Chef Bertrand Valegeas who brings greater than 1 / 4 century’s expertise in kitchens everywhere in the world, 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace’s culinary providing is as numerous as Greek tradition. The sprawling property options 4 eating places and three lounges & bars:
- Awarded one Michelin star, Pelagos is known as after the Greek phrase for ocean and set throughout the Arion constructing (on the foyer degree). The restaurant gives a forward-looking interpretation of advantageous eating utilizing contemporary seasonal produce of the Mediterranean Sea. Signature dishes embody langoustine tartare with caviar sauce and Dover sole meunière with saffron hollandaise and Kalamata olives.
- Set beneath the Arion constructing and open seasonally, is Taverna 37, a enjoyable and vibrant seafront taverna which showcases native Greek specialties. It’s a terrific and informal spot to share mezzes and salads, grilled lamb, rooster souvlaki and fried calamari.
- Providing a energetic Latin American vibe, Helios is a poolside restaurant situated beneath the Nafiska biulding. The menu contains zesty ceviches and tiraditos, piquant tacos, guacamole, grilled meat cuts and refreshing margaritas.
- Situated throughout the Nafiska biulding, Mercato Restaurant brings to life the vibrance of an upscale Italian trattoria. Every morning, the venue gives a buffet breakfast (complemented by à la carte dishes) whereas at evening, it serves genuine Italian dishes in a sublime indoor area and beneficiant terrace overlooking the Athenian Riviera.
- Situated subsequent to Mercato, Avra is a real vacation spot bar with placing sea-view venue, providing seasonal cocktails, advantageous consuming, elevated bar snacks and reside DJs.
- Astron is a light-filled lounge bar within the foyer of the Arion constructing. An important spot for mingling with buddies, Astron gives trendy drinks, a wide range of desserts, scrumptious bar snacks and an in depth champagne record.
- With golden-age glamour, the lodge’s unique cigar lounge – situated subsequent to the foyer within the Arion wing – pairs the world’s most interesting cigars with uncommon cognacs, whiskeys and a craft cocktail record.
- Apart from its personal culinary ideas, the lodge additionally gives easy accessibility to different marquee eating places on the Astir Peninsula together with Nobu’s Matsuhisa Athens and the steach restuarant Beefbar Athens

One in all 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace’s greatest promoting factors is its monumental personal shoreline, which seems out over the shimmering blue waters of huge, well-sheltered Vouliagmeni Bay. Two personal golden sand seashores are strung collectively by a 300 m (1000 ft) seafront boardwalk, which connects the Arion and Nafiska buildings. On prime of that’s the space with the bungalows, which options its personal personal seaside (subsequent to the general public Astir seaside) in addition to a number of quiet coves, lapped by the calm waters of the bay. All seashores in addition to the boardwalk and the coves function dozens of comfy solar loungers, greater than sufficient to accommodate all visitors even throughout instances of excessive occupancy. Alongside the boardwalk, beneath the Arion constructing is is a watersport middle which gives a myriad of watersports from windsurfing to sea kayaking plus a sundown sail each night.

Dotted alongside 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace’s boardwalk are three swmming swimming pools, two of that are situated outside. The biggest, Olympic-size swimming pool is present in entrance of the Nafiska constructing. Seemingly floating on the tranquil waters of Vouliagmeni Bay, the big pool is surrounded by loads of stylish sunbeds and umbrellas. Open to visitors of all ages, the Nafiska swimming pool is particulary widespread amongst households with youthful youngsters and youngsters. A second out of doors swimming pool is discovered on the spa degree of the Arion constructing. This adults-only, infinity pool will not be as massive because the Nafiska however is gives a extra tranquil and serene ambiance in addition to beautiful sea views resulting from its elevated place. Complimentary sunscreen is obtainable at each swimming pools in addition to facilities all through the day (e.g. ice pops, frozen fruits, and ice tea photographs). The third, indoor lap pool is situated throughout the spa advanced (extra on that beneath).

Taking to coronary heart the sage phrases of Hippocrates – “Remedy typically, deal with typically, consolation all the time” – The Spa at 4 Seasons Astir Palace Resort Athens gives a complete menu of remedies and companies attuned to trendy life. Impressed by historic Greek traditions, the Fountain Home is the spa’s hydrotherapy adults-only zone and options state-of-the-art amenities that embody an aroma steam grotto, hammam, vitality pool and chill showers. An arcade-like hall, which is illuminated by daylight filtered by way of picket ceiling slats, leads visitors to the therapy rooms. Signature remedies created particularly for the spa embody the two-hour Iremia Stillness Restoration Ritual (“a blissful, nurturing therapy for bodily or emotionally exhausted souls,” recommends Lefebvre); the 90-minute Epanorthosi Inexperienced Caviar Restore that addresses problems with ageing and environmental harm to the pores and skin; and the Frodida Physique Ritual (60, 90 or 120 minutes), which is rigorously tailor-made to particular person desires and wishes by the Spa’s caring therapists.

Again within the Nineteen Sixties and Nineteen Seventies – neglect Mykonos – Astir Palace was the place to see and be seen (and that’s nonetheless the case). The final well-known visitor of Astir Palace earlier than it transitioned to a 4 Seasons Resort was USA President Barack Obama. However the record of the world-renowned figures which have graced its suites & cabanas, eating places & bars, and seashores & gardens is lengthy: Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, Francois Mitterrand, Boris Yeltsin, Mikhail Gorbachev, Giscard d’Estaing, Helmut Kohl, Frank Sinatra, Jacqueline Bisset, Brigitte Bardot, Telly Savalas, Paul Newman, John Wayne, The Beatles, Charles Aznavour, Isabella Rossellini and Pierce Brosnan are simply a few of them. It’s stated that at Astir Palace, the King of Saudi Arabia Ibn Saud would hand out gold watches as ideas when he would guide a complete flooring on the lodge for himself and his royal entourage. Aristotle Onassis, Ioannis Latsis and Constantinos Karamanlis, in addition to nearly everything of the Greek elite together with the celebs of the Greek movie trade have been as soon as amongst its common clientele.

Astir Palace is managed by 4 Seasons, most likely the perfect identified luxurious lodge model on the planet. The Toronto-based firm has remodeled the hospitality trade in a story of continuous innovation, exceptional enlargement and a single-minded dedication to the very best of requirements. 4 Seasons was based in 1960 by the younger architect Isadore Sharp, however the true breakthrough of the model got here within the seventies with the opening of the 4 Seasons London. Though the corporate went public in 1986, the Sharp household – together with a bunch of like-minded traders reminiscent of Invoice Gates and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal – took the corporate personal once more in 2007 to guard the integrity of the model effectively into the long run. 4 Seasons presently manages greater than 120 motels and resorts worldwide. The corporate additionally gives personal jet journey onboard its personal Airbus A321 (with all Enterprise Class structure), and can quickly launch personal ultra-luxe yacht itineraries.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

Though Astir Palace is a widely known iconic lodge inside Greece, it doesn’t have the identical worldwide status because the motels on the favored Greek Islands. That’s as a result of most worldwide vacationers to Greece will skip the Athens Riviera and head to the Greek islands for his or her trip. Nonetheless, the Athens Riviera is a glamorous space and the 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace is a spectacular property that’s far superior to any lodge discovered on the Greek Islands. It’s a vacation spot in itself, providing an unbelievable array of eating places, bars, swimming pools, and seashores. Additionally, it’s a real seaside resort and never only a place to remain in a single day in Athens: the capital’s vacationer sights are close by however many visitors hardly depart the ultra-luxe 4 Seasons property after coming into its unbelievable and spectacular resort grounds.

Though the grounds of 4 Seasons Resort Astrid Palace have palatial dimensions, the lodge is not a palace, opposite to what its identify might recommend (and I’m not certain the place the identify comes from). As already talked about, the lodge is comprised of two massive lodge buildings, partly hidden within the pine bushes alongside the shoreline. The 2 buildings should not significantly engaging from the surface and their condo-alike exteriors don’t evoke the ideas of a palace (though the interiors function a stunningly smooth and trendy design).

MY VERDICT

Location: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Pool: 10/10
Rooms: 10/10
Meals: 10/10
Breakfast: 10/10
Spa: 10/10
Service: 10/10
Wow issue: 9/10
Worth for cash: 9/10
General expertise: 9,7 (distinctive lodge!)

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks at 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace when reserving by way of Virtuoso (e.g. room improve, every day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Get monetary savings: learn right here my ideas for getting the perfect deal at a luxurious lodge like 4 Seasons Astir Palace Resort (and/or obtain many free perks).

Get monetary savings: get complimentary VIP perks at 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace when reserving by way of Virtuoso (e.g. room improve, every day breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit score).

Room tip: {couples} and singles will favor the serenity of the Arion constructing, whereas households will really feel extra at dwelling at Nafsika.

Learn my ideas for making ready your journey in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The most effective instances to go to Athens are spring (March to Might) and autumn (September to November), when the climate is sweet, delicate and sunny. As well as, crowds are thinner at these instances and lodge and airfare offers are simpler to return by than in summer time. Although chilly, Athens’ winters are comparatively delicate and dry, thanks partly to Greece’s Mediterranean location, and can be a pleasant time for a metropolis journey. Summer time is from June by way of August, and brings insupportable warmth, hordes of vacationers, and excessive room charges to the Greek capital, so exploring city is each uncomfortable and costly throughout this time.

HOW TO GET THERE

Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Worldwide Airport (ATH) is a 30-min drive from 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace. Click on right here for an inventory of airways that provide direct flights to the Greek capital.

PHOTOS

Beneath is a number of my photographs of 4 Seasons Resort Astir Palace. To view extra photographs (together with dinner at Michelin-starred restaurant Pelagos), click on right here.