Why The Athenian Riviera Is The Chic Place To Book

In the 1960s, the Palace consisted of three buildings and several bungalows – Four Seasons have retained just two as well as the bungalows. Nafsika is the beating heart of the hotel, the livelier of the two and probably more suited to families should you have extended family in tow. Interiors are sleek and bathed in natural light – think clean lines, soft neutral tones, contemporary furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass. There’s a large pool and poolside dining, as well a slew of designer boutiques and a state-of the-art gym. Arion, with its more soothing tones, is perfect for couples or those seeking some old-school glamour. Interiors nod to the hotel’s 1960s heritage with darker woods, marble feature walls, soft velvets and mid-century touches. There’s an adults-only pool, a fabulous spa and the more formal of the resort’s restaurants. It’s also home to three of the most lavish suites we’ve seen. 

If you’re after total privacy, opt for one of the bungalows (where Obama has stayed) that are dotted throughout the grounds. Set amid pine groves, they offer a serene escape with a pared-back aesthetic – expect whitewashed walls, soft blues, warm woods and natural stone. The terraces, some with small pools, lead directly onto the coastline and secluded coves.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are spread across the two buildings – no matter which you book, all have outdoor spaces, ranging from private balconies to huge wrap-around terraces with private pools, and most look out over the sea. As you’d expect from any Four Seasons resort, they are stylish and super comfortable, done up in neutral tones – think light woods, leather headboards and rattan furniture, all bathed in lots of natural light. There are lots of tech touches like iPads (to order room service, book tables etc), vast TVs disguised as mirrors, and button-controlled blinds and curtains. The marble bathrooms are like mini spas with fluffy dressing gowns, deep tubs, rain showers and full-size Diptyque toiletries. If you want to blow the budget, the Arion Riviera suite will set you back about £15,000 per night. For this, you’ll get the most stunning views – whether from the outdoor pool and rooftop terrace, the bath or the floor-to-ceiling windows in the sitting room. The vast bedroom features two walk-in closets and the suite also has an office, private spa facilities, including a steam room, sauna and gym, and the rooftop garden can accommodate ten for dinner. 

The hotel has eight restaurants. The day tends to start on Nafsika’s terrace (or indoors) at Mercato for one of the best breakfast buffets we have seen, laden with Greek delicacies (the creamy yoghurt with thyme honey is a must), croissants and other freshly baked pastries, cold meats, cheeses and seasonal fruit. A la carte options can also be ordered. For something a little more intimate, you can head to beachside Taverna 37, set below the Arion building. For lunch, we’d recommend ceviche and mouthwatering tacos, washed down with margaritas, at poolside Latin American-inspired Helios. In the evenings, head to Avra before dinner for seasonal cocktails followed by Greek food at the casual Taverna 37, Italian at Mercato or, for something special, Pelagos (Greek for ocean) is the resort’s star. Headed up by Italian chef Luc Piscazzi, the Michelin-starred restaurant’s Mediterranean tasting menus are inspired by the sea and full of culinary surprises, like the caviar-topped linguine which is served chilled – reminiscent, Piscazzi told us, from his childhood when he’d raid the fridge at night and eat the leftover pasta.

There’s no chance of getting bored here. Whatever your interests, the concierge can arrange most things, including a guided tour of Athens, taking in the city’s iconic landmarks, from the world-famous Parthenon to the Acropolis Museum, and the picturesque neighbourhood of Plaka; a helicopter trip, soaring over Unesco World Heritage Site Meteora's mesmerising rock formations and ancient monasteries where 600-year-old Byzantine buildings cling to towering cliffs; swimming in nearby Lake Vouliagmeni (a natural thermal spa surrounded by lush greenery); a local bike ride; a luxury boat trip to nearby Hydra and Spetses; an olive oil tasting; and a pottery workshop. If food is your thing, the 'Market to Table' experience is a must. We joined the hotel’s head chef and shopped for ingredients at Athens' Kallithea Market – think tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, handfuls of herbs as well as freshly-caught sardines, clams and octopus. Back at base, we helped the chefs prepare lunch and sat down to a feast of small dishes with local wines. Another trip worth doing is the hour’s drive to Cape Sounion at the southern tip of Attica where the Doric temple erected during the Golden Age of Pericles and devoted to Poseidon, the Olympian God of the Sea, presides over the Aegean Sea. You can also play tennis and padel onsite (a pro is on hand for expert coaching), try your hand at watersports, indulge in the most soothing holistic spa treatments, or simply laze by the pools or on one of the three sandy beaches.

Rates at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens start from €700 EUR (£608) per night (for a Nafsika Sea View Room), including breakfast.