Whitney Spielfogel
The Athens Riviera is having a serious moment – and if it feels like everyone on your Instagram feed is there right now, they probably are. Just a short drive from the city center, this stretch of coastline offers a sun-soaked mix of crystal-clear coves, chic beach clubs, and luxury resorts that rival the French Riviera but with an unmistakably Greek soul. With new hotels, buzzy restaurants, and stylish seaside spots popping up, it’s no wonder this area has become the go-to summer escape for travelers in the know. It’s where laid-back Aegean beauty meets modern glamour—and the world is catching on.
Whitney Spielfogel
The One&Only-Aesthesis on the Athens Riviera is a brand-new ultra-luxury resort nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Glyfada, just a 30-minute drive from Athens’ bustling city center. Officially opening its doors for Summer 2024, this serene sanctuary seamlessly blends mid-century glamour with modern sophistication, reimagining the golden age of the Athenian Riviera while offering guests an immersive experience that celebrates both natural beauty and refined elegance.
Whitney Spielfogel
Spread across 128 acres of protected pine forest, the resort’s architecture pays homage to 1960s Hollywood-meets-Athens glamour, effortlessly blending retro elegance with contemporary sophistication. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including elevated guest rooms in the main building, charming bungalows, and expansive private residences set by the beach or tucked into the lush, fragrant grounds. Each space is thoughtfully designed with natural materials, soothing color palettes, and expansive terraces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, inviting in the soft sea breeze and dappled sunlight. Many accommodations feature private pools, outdoor showers, and sweeping views of the Aegean, creating a sense of secluded luxury. The result is an atmosphere of relaxed opulence where every detail – from handcrafted furnishings to locally inspired artwork – reflects the beauty and spirit of the surrounding landscape.
Whitney Spielfogel
Days at One&Only Aesthesis begin with a beautiful, well-appointed buffet breakfast that feels more like an indulgent feast than a typical morning spread. In addition to the bountiful selection of fresh fruits, artisanal breads, and Greek specialties, guests can enjoy exceptional à la carte options—still unforgettable is the perfectly prepared strapatsada, a rustic Greek scrambled egg dish bursting with ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs that lingers in memory long after the last bite. Lunch by the pool is equally delightful, served in a serene setting with views of the sparkling water and shaded by swaying pines. The menu offers elevated classics, but the Caesar sandwich—crispy, flavorful, and impossibly satisfying—is hands-down the best I’ve ever had. As the sun sets, dinner at Ora is a true highlight, with inventive Mediterranean cuisine that celebrates local ingredients; the standout dish is an exquisitely prepared eggplant creation—rich, silky, and perfectly balanced—that easily ranks as the most delightful version I’ve ever tasted. Each meal feels like a thoughtful, sensory journey that reflects the culinary spirit of the region.
Whitney Spielfogel
A true haven of wellbeing, One&Only Aesthesis is home to Greece’s first Guerlain Spa, where personalized treatments and luxurious rituals are thoughtfully inspired by the timeless beauty of the Athenian Riviera. Here, every detail invites relaxation and renewal, from the serene therapy rooms to the glamour studio offering expert hair and makeup transformations, a bespoke nail salon, and even a state-of-the-art cryotherapy room for the ultimate rejuvenation. For those craving movement and vitality, Club One awaits with professional tennis and padel courts, a fully equipped TechnoGym fitness center, and energizing group classes like yoga and Pilates, all set against the soothing backdrop of beautiful blue and sparkling Agean Sea. The resort thoughtfully welcomes guests of all ages, catering to its tiniest visitors with the enchanting KidsOnly club, sparking imagination with nature-inspired adventures, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and playful explorations in a whimsical treehouse village and gardens. Whether basking in the quiet luxury of the adults-only pool, enjoying family time by the expansive main pool, or splashing in the dedicated shallow kids’ pool, every guest is sure to find their own perfect corner of paradise at the One&Only Aesthesis.
Whitney Spielfogel
Beyond the resort’s pine-scented serenity, One&Only Aesthesis invites guests to discover the soul of Athens through thoughtfully curated experiences that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Imagine wandering the ancient stones of the Acropolis on a private tour, the city’s storied past coming to life just for you—or stepping into a sun-dappled atelier to craft your own pair of bespoke Greek sandals, guided by the skilled hands of a local artisan. For those drawn to beauty in every detail, there are jewelry-making workshops where you can create a personal keepsake inspired by the myths and magic of the Aegean. And when the call of the sea beckons, guests can set sail aboard sleek yachts to explore hidden coves and secret beaches, where the water shimmers like liquid sapphire and the world feels blissfully far away. Whatever your heart desires, the hotel’s attentive concierge team is on hand to effortlessly arrange every detail, turning daydreams into unforgettable memories with ease.
Whitney Spielfogel
One&Only Aesthesis is more than just a resort… it’s a harmonious blend of luxury, culture, and nature—a destination unto itself that captures the essence of the Athenian Riviera. Conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from Athens International Airport, it offers an effortless transition from arrival to relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a serene retreat, a family escape, or an immersive cultural adventure, this seaside haven promises an unforgettable stay that feels both intimately secluded and vibrantly connected to the spirit of Greece. With its idyllic coastline setting, it’s also the perfect base for launching dreamy Greek islands escape, blending Riviera tranquility with the timeless charm of the Cyclades.
Whitney Spielfogel
