Tucked into the pine-covered Vouliagmeni peninsula, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, is where timeless Riviera glam meets modern luxury. Once a playground for the likes of Jackie O and Sinatra, today it’s a serene escape just 30 minutes from Athens, with 8 restaurants and bars -including the Michelin-starred Pelagos- plus private coves, two pools, a spa, tennis courts, a private beach area and watersports. Whether you're sipping cocktails at sunset at their excellent Avra bar or diving into the crystal-clear Aegean Sea which unravels in front of your feet, let the relaxing vibe take you with it.
The mood? Effortlessly glamorous
Location perks? Enjoy private beaches, sea views, and easy access to upscale seaside suburbs, ancient ruins, and natural thermal springs.
Budget range? Not for the faint of wallet
There are few places that make you forget how close you are to the chaos of Athens, and even fewer that make you want to. But the Four Seasons Astir Palace doesn’t just offer an escape; it offers a version of Greece that feels both familiar and completely new. Nestled on the sun-warmed shores of the Athenian Riviera, the hotel feels like a rediscovered secret.
I checked into the Nafsika wing and greeted by the kind of soft breeze that flirts with your senses on a warm day: a mix of salt, pine, and distant jasmine. The property’s scale is impressive –multiple wings, lush gardens, private beaches- yet its design whispers rather than shouts. Nafsika is the more contemporary, open-hearted sister of the property. My room, with an amazing sea-view, was all clean lines and quiet luxury. A floor-to-sealing sliding glass door opening to a wide balcony, where the Aegean rolls out in cinematic widescreen. Inside the room, a large bed with one of the most relaxing mattresses I have ever slept on, locally sourced bath amenities, a curated minibar with Greek treats and beautiful art covered the walls, similar of which you can find in the rest of the property.
Right in front of the hotel, on the ground floor, you can choose between the freshness of the cool sea-water, or the much warmer pool. There are also watersports activities you can enjoy, or just relax on your sun lounge chair and treat yourself with a cold cocktail or beverage at the pool bar. As a matter of fact, the property has 8 different restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-stared Pelagos. Among them is also the Taverna 37, which is the closest you can get on a traditional Greek tavern by the sea. It sits closer to the Arion wing, only a small walk from Nafsika and you’re there. Rattan chairs, blue-and-white tablecloths, and the kind of view that makes you forget your phone on the table. As for the food, you can expect fresh fish and seafood, different kinds of mezze you can choose from, seasonal Greek salads but there are also meat choices as well. Don’t forget to have a glass of Greek wine while gazing to the sunset. On Saturdays, they even have live Greek music!
And once your meal is over, return back to Nafsika where evenings have a rhythm of their own, and Avra Bar, perched just off the main lobby, is its beating heart. The design flirts with Art Deco, interesting furniture, high ceilings and soft lighting, but the energy is contemporary. It’s elegant, but cool, and the view from the balcony is breathtaking all day long. The cocktail list, apart from the classics, leans inventive and seasonal, and I tried quit a few of them. I started with the Orange, a Mediterranean twist on a spritz with pistachio essence and orange blossom that somehow managed to taste like summer in liquid form. Other bold choices would include goat cheese, pine and pecan, in the most interesting mixes. Do not miss their special events and the live DJ sets every Friday-Sunday.
The staff are warm and genuinely kind, not because they’re trained to be, but because they want to be and it shows. You’re not just being served; you’re being looked after.
Neighbourhood
The area offers a serene coastal vibe with pine forests, chic marinas, and trendy seaside tavernas. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls, watersports, and exploring nearby natural wonders like Lake Vouliagmeni or the ancient Greek Temple of Apollo Zoster.
Nearby
- Matsuhisa Athens by Nobu: World-renowned Japanese-Peruvian flavours, blending exquisite sushi and creative dishes. A top spot for sushi lovers seeking a sophisticated dining experience.
- BeefBar: Offers premium steaks like Kobe and Wagyu with stunning Aegean views. Stylish and relaxed, it’s a must-visit for meat lovers in Vouliagmeni.
- Cine Akti: An open-air cinema where you can enjoy classic films under the stars, accompanied by the scent of night-blooming jasmine and fresh cooked pop corn.
Time Out tip:
Head to the nearby Lake Vouliagmeni early in the morning to enjoy its warm, mineral-rich waters before the crowds arrive.