Where Athens Meets the Aegean

Athens is usually approached through its ancient monuments, museums and densely layered neighborhoods, but the Greek capital has another identity along the coast. South of the city center, the Athenian Riviera follows the Saronic Gulf through marinas, beaches and seaside communities where Athens begins to feel decidedly Mediterranean.

One&Only Aesthesis sits within Glyfada, one of the Riviera’s most established coastal districts, on a 21-hectare waterfront site approximately 30 minutes from central Athens. The resort combines the rhythm of a beach stay with relatively easy access to the Acropolis, city museums and the restaurants and galleries of central Athens.

That duality is its greatest advantage. A traveler can spend the morning walking through ancient Athens and return in time for an afternoon beside the sea, or treat the property primarily as a resort and venture into the city only when something genuinely warrants leaving the coast. Private pools, low-rise bungalows, expansive gardens and a long waterfront create a sense of separation that is unusual this close to a European capital.

Asteria Reborn

One&Only Aesthesis opened in November 2023, but the site’s resort history reaches back to the 1950s. The original Asteria complex was conceived during a period when Greece was deliberately developing a new image for international tourism, and the beachfront facilities, cabanas and bungalows became part of the emerging glamour of the Athenian Riviera.

The original modernist development was created by architects including Emmanouil Vourekas, Prokopis Vasileiadis Dekavalas and Konstantinos Georgiadis and became associated with the cosmopolitan social life of postwar Athens. By the time the current redevelopment began, portions of the historic complex had fallen into disuse after decades of exposure and changing patterns of tourism.

Rather than erase that history, the new resort uses the original Asteria footprint and design language as its starting point. Existing architectural traces were preserved or reinterpreted, while local stone and other materials were reused where possible. The result is not a recreation of a 1950s beach club, but a contemporary resort built around the memory of one.

Mid-Century Modernism, Reworked for the Riviera

The architectural team brought together A6Architects, AUDO and K-Studio, with interiors by Muza Lab and landscape design by Greenways. Their shared approach was to retain the low-slung, landscape-oriented character of Asteria while adapting it for contemporary resort living.

Buildings sit relatively low within the site, allowing pine trees, olive trees, gardens and the sea to remain visually dominant. Long rooflines, shaded terraces and sliding glass walls extend living spaces outdoors, while timber structures and local Greek stone and marble connect the new work to both the original development and the wider Mediterranean setting.

Muza Lab’s interiors continue the mid-century references without becoming overly literal. Natural timber, woven leather, stone, muted colors and sculptural furniture are offset by contemporary artwork and stronger moments of color. Traditional Greek screens also inform exterior elements that filter sunlight while maintaining privacy.

The landscaping is equally important. Rather than designing the property around large formal gardens, the planting uses Mediterranean species to soften the architecture and allow bungalows, villas and pathways to settle into the coastal environment. This is a resort where the distinction between room, terrace, garden and shoreline is intentionally blurred.

Rooms, Pool Bungalows, Suites and Villas

Rooms & Bungalows

Aesthesis Room: At 516 sq. ft., the resort’s central room category accommodates two guests and is available with garden or sea views, combining an indoor sitting area, freestanding bath and rain shower with floor-to-ceiling doors opening onto a shaded balcony or terrace.
Aesthesis Family Room – Sea View: At 1,034 sq. ft., this family configuration connects two sea-view Aesthesis Rooms to accommodate four guests, providing two balconies and separate sleeping spaces close to the resort’s principal restaurants, pools and beachfront.
Aesthesis Bungalow with Pool: At 441 sq. ft., these standalone accommodations are available with garden or sea views and add a private pool, outdoor shower, daybed and alfresco living space to the resort’s signature indoor-outdoor bungalow design.
Aesthesis Family Bungalow with Pool: Starting at 882 sq. ft., this four-guest family option creates separate sleeping quarters alongside private pool gardens, outdoor dining and lounging space and marble bathrooms with freestanding tubs and rain showers.

Suites

One-Bedroom Suite with Pool: At 743 sq. ft., this garden-view suite accommodates up to four guests and combines a bedroom with generous living areas, dining space, private pool, open-air shower and an outdoor setting designed for longer stays.
Two-Bedroom Suite with Pool: At 1,647 sq. ft., this two-bedroom suite accommodates up to five guests and is offered in garden or beachfront settings, with separate living areas, a full kitchen, dining space, private pool and substantial outdoor entertaining areas.
Three-Bedroom Suite with Pool – Beachfront: At 2,024 sq. ft., this beachfront suite accommodates up to seven guests with three bedrooms, a private pool, open-plan living space, full kitchen, outdoor showers and direct access toward the beach.
Five-Bedroom Suite with Pool – Beachfront: At 3,402 sq. ft., this large beachfront configuration connects accommodations to create five bedrooms for up to 12 guests, making it particularly useful for multigenerational families or groups seeking private pools and shared social spaces without moving into completely separate villas.
Riviera Suite with Pool – Seafront: At 904 sq. ft., this two-guest seafront suite is one of the more intimate choices for couples, pairing a private pool and expansive terrace with direct perspectives across the water.
Family Suite with Pool: At 1,486 sq. ft., this interconnected suite arrangement accommodates up to seven guests and combines multiple sleeping areas with private pool gardens and shared indoor-outdoor spaces designed around families traveling together.

Signature Villas

Villa Nostos: At 1,722 sq. ft., this two-bedroom sea-view villa accommodates up to five guests and operates as a self-contained retreat with a private pool, landscaped gardens, outdoor living and dining areas, full kitchen and immediate proximity to the water.
Villa One: At 5,586 sq. ft., the resort’s signature two-bedroom beachfront villa accommodates up to five guests and includes two primary suites, a large private pool, rooftop and beachfront living areas, private gym, gourmet kitchen, wine cellar, open-air bathrooms and extensive entertaining space.

Private Villa Rentals

One-Bedroom Villa Thea: At 1,010 sq. ft., this private one-bedroom villa is designed for two guests and combines sea views, an ensuite bedroom, freestanding bathtub, alfresco dining and a rooftop jacuzzi within landscaped gardens.
Two-Bedroom Private Villa: Starting at 1,582 sq. ft., this four-guest villa adds a gourmet kitchen, private outdoor spaces and either pool or jacuzzi features to a residential layout suited to families or two couples.
Three-Bedroom Private Villa: At 2,594 sq. ft., this six-guest option outer-connects one- and two-bedroom villa accommodations to create additional privacy while retaining shared living areas and expansive sea-facing outdoor space.
Four-Bedroom Private Villa: At 3,165 sq. ft., this eight-guest configuration combines two two-bedroom villas, creating multiple private sleeping zones, pools and outdoor areas for larger families or groups traveling together.
Six-Bedroom Private Villa: At 4,747 sq. ft., this 12-guest arrangement links three two-bedroom villas and provides three private pools, jacuzzis, terraces, gourmet kitchens and garden walkways, offering considerably more independence than a conventional multi-bedroom hotel suite.

The accommodation decision at Aesthesis should begin with how much privacy and outdoor space a guest actually wants. The centrally located rooms are convenient for travelers who intend to use the resort’s restaurants and pools extensively, while the standalone bungalows create a stronger sense of retreat. Suites work particularly well for families needing shared living space, while the private villas make the most sense for longer stays, multigenerational trips or guests who want to spend significant time dining and relaxing within their own accommodation.

Seven Ways to Eat and Drink by the Sea

ORA by Ettore Botrini: The resort’s principal all-day restaurant is led by Greek-Italian chef Ettore Botrini and serves contemporary Mediterranean cooking shaped by his Greek and Italian heritage, with seasonal local ingredients, Aegean seafood and an open-air Riviera setting.
Manko: This Peruvian-inspired restaurant and beach club combines ceviches, sashimi, grilled dishes, cocktails and a poolside setting with music and DJ programming that allows the atmosphere to move from relaxed daytime dining into a livelier evening scene.
Sumosan Athens: Returning as a seasonal dining concept, Sumosan brings contemporary Japanese cooking to the waterfront through sushi, sashimi and modern Japanese dishes paired with cocktails and an energetic evening atmosphere.
Trigli: This Greek taverna-style concept focuses on sharing plates, meze and fresh fish in a quieter seaside setting that draws its identity more directly from traditional Greek coastal dining.
Alelia: Surrounded by olive trees, lavender and Mediterranean herbs, this cocktail bar takes its name from the Greek words associated with olives and salt and pairs locally influenced drinks with Greek cheeses, cured meats and light snacks.
Minima: Overlooking the resort’s main pool and the sea, Minima provides relaxed Mediterranean poolside dining with salads, seafood, burgers, Greek wines, cocktails and lighter dishes suited to long afternoons beside the water.
Terrazza Campari: This seasonal rooftop bar centers on the Italian aperitivo ritual, pairing Campari-led cocktails with sunset views across the Aegean and a more social early-evening atmosphere.

The dining program is broad enough that guests do not need to leave the resort every evening, but we would still be selective. ORA is the natural starting point for understanding the resort’s Greek-Mediterranean identity, while Trigli provides a more traditional coastal counterpoint. Sumosan and Manko bring considerably more energy, particularly in summer, and are better treated as distinct evening plans rather than simply somewhere to stop for dinner.

Greece’s First Guerlain Spa

One&Only Aesthesis is home to Greece’s first Guerlain Spa, bringing the French house’s skincare and treatment philosophy into a setting shaped specifically around the Athenian Riviera.

Alongside Guerlain’s established facial and body treatments, the spa offers rituals created for this resort. The Nymph of the Athenian Riviera uses rose quartz and the Rose Chérie fragrance in a treatment inspired by feminine beauty, while Nurturing Strength uses warm glass spheres filled with aromatic oils in a massage drawing on classical ideas of strength and equilibrium.

More technology-driven options include LED light therapy and cryosauna experiences, while longer wellness programs can combine massage, personal training and spa access. Guerlain skincare programs focus on lines including Orchidée Impériale and Black Orchid, and the beauty offering extends into hair, makeup, and Bastien Gonzalez hand, foot and nail treatments.

Younger guests are not entirely excluded: Guerlain’s child-focused “Sweet as Honey” treatment introduces gentle scalp, hand and foot massage.

Beyond the spa, Club One is the resort’s active hub. Tennis and padel courts are supported by professional coaching, while the fitness center uses Technogym equipment and offers personal training. Yoga and Pilates take place overlooking the gardens, and coastal running, cycling and traditional Greek dance add variety for guests who prefer movement outside a gym.

From the Acropolis to the Open Water

Aesthesis works particularly well for travelers who want Athens without making every day an urban sightseeing day.

The Acropolis and central Athens can be reached for privately guided visits, while the resort can arrange more specialized cultural experiences including fashion and jewelry walks, contemporary gallery visits and family-oriented interpretations of ancient Athens.

The coastline opens a completely different itinerary. Yacht trips explore the Saronic Gulf and nearby islands, while shorter journeys can include Aegina, Moni or the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Sunset sailing makes particular sense here because guests can leave the coast in the afternoon and return after the day-trip traffic has subsided.

Closer to the resort, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, e-foiling, waterskiing and wakeboarding add more active options. The main Aesthesis pool and beach are open to all ages, while Mystiko Beach is reserved for adults seeking a quieter section of shoreline.

On land, guests can hike Mount Ymittos, follow coastal running and cycling routes or spend time exploring Glyfada itself. Vouliagmeni Lake, fed by thermal springs and surrounded by limestone cliffs, is also close enough to combine with a leisurely half-day along the Riviera.

We would not try to treat Aesthesis as simply “Athens with a beach.” The better approach is to alternate city and coast: one substantial cultural day in Athens, followed by a slower day on the water or at the resort.

A Riviera Resort That Works for Families

One&Only Aesthesis has a dedicated KidsOnly program for children ages four to 11, with the club designed around gardens, outdoor play and a large treehouse village rather than an indoor activity room alone. Programming incorporates nature, games and creative activities, while the wider resort provides easy access to beaches, pools and family water sports.

Families also benefit from accommodation designed specifically around connectivity. The Aesthesis Family Room joins two sea-view rooms, while the Family Bungalow and Family Suite add private pools and more independent sleeping areas. For larger groups, the three-, four- and six-bedroom private villa configurations allow grandparents, parents and children to remain together while maintaining meaningful separation.

Outside the resort, Athens can be approached differently for younger travelers. Private Acropolis experiences use myths, stories, games and activity materials to explain the city’s ancient history, making a cultural day considerably more engaging than a conventional guided lecture.

For families, we would prioritize one of the dedicated connecting categories rather than simply booking adjacent rooms and hoping the layout works. With so much time naturally spent around the pool, beach and terrace, having a proper shared outdoor space can change the rhythm of the entire stay.

Sustainability Built Into the Landscape

The restoration and redevelopment of Asteria incorporated sustainability from the architectural planning stage rather than adding environmental programs only after opening.

The resort has achieved LEED Silver certification and SITES certification, reflecting both building performance and landscape management. Approximately 200,000 Mediterranean plants were introduced across the site, selected in part for their relatively low water requirements, while existing trees were carefully removed and replanted where construction required intervention.

Local stone and Greek marble form part of the material palette, and much of the resort’s construction uses timber. Living green roofs on larger residential structures provide insulation while visually integrating the buildings with the gardens.

Operationally, single-use plastics have been eliminated, an on-site water bottling and recycling program is in place, and EarthCheck monitoring tracks electricity, water, gas consumption and carbon emissions. The resort has also established consumption-reduction targets tied to occupancy.

For guests, perhaps the most successful aspect is that these measures are not visually separated from the resort experience. Shade, planting, low-rise buildings and the preservation of the coastal landscape are simply part of how Aesthesis looks and functions.

Accessibility Across a Low-Rise Resort

Accessible guest rooms are available at One&Only Aesthesis, and the resort publishes several specific features for guests with mobility requirements, including widened doorways, lowered amenities, roll-in showers and emergency call systems in adapted room configurations.

Because Aesthesis is spread across a large waterfront site with multiple building types, private pools, outdoor paths and beach environments, we would still confirm the exact accommodation location before booking for any traveler with significant mobility requirements.

The important details are not limited to the bedroom itself. We would ask the resort to confirm step-free routes to the requested restaurants, spa and pool areas; bathroom specifications; access to terraces; distances between facilities; and whether buggy transportation is appropriate for the guest’s individual needs. Beach access and any specialized airport transfer requirements should also be addressed before arrival rather than left until check-in.

Arriving on the Athenian Riviera

Athens International Airport: The resort is approximately a 30-minute drive from Athens International Airport under favorable traffic conditions, making a private road transfer the most straightforward arrival for most international guests.
Private Aviation: Athens International Airport accommodates private aviation as well as scheduled international services, allowing private-air arrivals to use the same primary airport before transferring by road to Glyfada.
Central Athens: One&Only Aesthesis is approximately 30 minutes by car from central Athens in lighter traffic, although journey times can increase substantially during busy periods.
Private Chauffeur: For most guests, particularly those arriving after a long-haul flight or traveling with children and multiple bags, we would arrange a private chauffeur transfer directly to the resort rather than introduce additional transport changes after landing.

We would keep the arrival afternoon uncomplicated. Once checked in, the coast, pool and spa provide an immediate transition into the destination, while the Acropolis and central Athens are better saved for the following morning when energy and timing are easier to manage.

A Different Way to Experience Athens

One&Only Aesthesis addresses a problem that has long shaped luxury trips to Athens: the city is culturally compelling, but many travelers have traditionally treated it as a brief stop before leaving for the islands.

Aesthesis creates another option. It allows guests to remain connected to Athens while building the stay around water, gardens, private pools and a genuine resort rhythm. The city does not disappear; it simply becomes one component of a broader trip.

The property will appeal most to travelers who appreciate contemporary architecture, private outdoor living and resort facilities but do not want to sacrifice access to major cultural sites. Couples can retreat into a pool bungalow or Riviera Suite, families have unusually strong connecting and multi-bedroom options, and larger groups can create residential-style stays within the villa collection.

Its connection to the original Asteria development is also important. The resort’s strongest design decisions come from acknowledging that this coastline already had a hospitality identity rather than approaching the site as an empty piece of land.

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