The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel in Athens sits on a peninsula 25 kilometers from the city center, blending mid-century glamour with modern luxury. Once a playground for royalty and Hollywood stars in the 1960s, the resort helped transform Vouliagmeni into Greece’s premier coastal destination. The £600 million refurbishment in 2019, overseen by designers Martin Brudnizki, K-Studio, and Meyer Davis, not only restored its mid-century elegance but also secured three Michelin Keys and a spot on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list at number 17.
The hotel spans three areas: Arion, the original building wrapped in fragrant evergreens, offers quiet retreat; Nafsika, newer and more social, holds the main pools, beaches, and a children’s crèche; and the low-slung 1960s bungalows provide the most seclusion. Every room in Nafsika features floor-to-ceiling windows and lavender-scented terraces overlooking the Aegean, with views described as IMAX-rivalling, while Arion’s interiors lean into classic elegance with discreetly hidden televisions and bespoke bedding. The bungalows, tucked among pines, deliver old-Hollywood charm while maintaining complete privacy.
Design here is sharp, with Martin Brudnizki and K-Studio shaping spaces that nod to mid-century modernism. The cocktail bar Avra serves precise drinks like the Pine, a Boatyard gin cocktail with mandarin and dry vermouth, while Pelagos, named for the Greek word for ocean, focuses on locally sourced seafood. Nikos Tachmazis, a former bar leader in London and Milan with experience at Bar Termini and The Artesian, oversees the cocktail program, emphasizing seasonality and creativity drawn from his international background. The bar’s terrace is designed to capture the Aegean breeze, enhancing the drinking experience.
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The resort’s dining scene is equally varied. Helios offers South American-inspired bites alongside ceviche by the pool, while Mercato serves Bloody Marys tableside with 1970s soul music playing in the background. Taverna 37 provides local wines like Assyrtiko, and the hotel also hosts Matsuhisa and Beefbar outposts. Evenings glow along the Aegean shoreline, where helicopter arrivals and yacht dockings remain common, reinforcing the resort’s status as a magnet for discerning travelers.
Activities revolve around the two main buildings. Nafsika is the livelier option, with bars, pools, and a full-service gym, while Arion is quieter, housing the spa, Pelagos restaurant, and Taverna 37. The bungalows, tucked among pines, deliver old-Hollywood charm with their 1960s-inspired design. Rooms start at £520 per night, and the resort’s 2025 Michelin recognition reflects its polished blend of history and contemporary luxury.