Fora’s Four Seasons Greece Guide: The Insider's Take on Four Seasons Athens

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

The Four Seasons Astir Palace sits on the Lemos Peninsula in a glitzy area known as the Athens Riviera. The property is often referred to as the Four Seasons Athens due to its proximity to the city (driving from Athens proper takes anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on traffic)... but it's worth noting that the hotel is a destination in itself, rather than a city hotel. Think of it as NYC to the Hamptons: while the Four Seasons is not the best place to stay if you're sightseeing in Athens, it boasts a dazzling setting on the Greek coast that makes for a relaxing (and conveniently located) coastal getaway. We're talking private beaches, infinity pools and towering cliffs flanking views of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

Our two cents? Check in to the Four Seasons as your last stop in Greece. Whether you stay in Athens proper to check off the Acropolis at the start of your trip or before you venture here (to the Athens Riviera), the hotel's peaceful atmosphere is perfect for R&R following island hopping and city adventures. The Four Seasons is also closer to the airport than Athens proper (again, we’re all about the convenience).

By the way, when you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Reach out today to learn more & book.

Located in the uber-trendy neighborhood of Vouliagmeni, famous for its woodland-meets-bay location and lavish beachfront homes, this five-star luxury Four Seasons hotel is as beautiful as it is historic. Before it was a Four Seasons, the 1960s modernist property was known for hosting legends like Frank Sinatra and Aristotle Onassis. Later, the hotel underwent a major renovation and opened to guests as the Four Seasons Astir Palace in 2019. The hotel also has the notable distinction of being the first and only Four Seasons hotel in Greece.

The Four Seasons Athens is made up of three distinct properties: Nafsika, Arion and Bungalows & Suites, each with their unique vibe. Nafsika is the most luxe option and Bungalows & Suites are more affordable (but this is Four Seasons, after all, so the rates are relative). Arion lands in the middle. But you can't go wrong, as all accommodations across these three properties are thoughtfully designed. Your Fora Advisor can not only steer you to the best accommodation for your travel style, but can level-up your hotel stay with killer perks. Read on for a few more reasons we love the Four Seasons Athens.

Ready to travel? (Always.) Connect with Fora to plan and book your getaway today.

P.S: Love the Four Seasons? Us too. This guide is for the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, but if you're heading across the pond and want to live it up at another Four Seasons hotel, we got you. Check out San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel (for a White Lotus moment) or the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel in the South of France. Now, back to Greece...

1. You’ll never have to (or want to) leave

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Guests are spoiled for choice with on-site activities & restaurants. For dining, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, with Japanese-meets-Peruvian fare, Latin American cuisine and quintessentially Greek dishes. Don't miss the Kyma Pool Bar, with its poolside gelato stand. Couples: if you want to enjoy a truly romantic meal, arrange a private dining experience upon check-in for you and your partner. Meanwhile, Aristotle’s Bar & Cigar Lounge promises a classy affair with fine whiskeys, cognacs and world-class cigars. And the Michelin-starred Pelagos promises elevated Mediterranean cuisine (yes please).

Days at the Four Seasons Athens are spent poolside, or beachside at one of the resort’s three private beaches (need we say more?). The on-site activities are impressive: active options include hitting around at the tennis courts and working out at the fitness center. There’s a variety of water sports on offer, too, from sea kayaking to paddle boarding & wakeboarding.

Slower-paced activities (aside from beach-going & pool-lounging, of course) include pottery lessons or a treatment at the on-site spa, which is the perfect way to ease into vacation mode. Treatments here are holistic and bespoke, incorporating iconic Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and rosemary.

If you’re traveling with little ones, the Kids' Club is is top-notch. For more family travel inspiration, check out our guide to the best Greek islands for families.

2. Ultra-special adventures

Another reason we love the Four Seasons Athens? The day trips and excursions are the crème de la crème.

Let’s say you want to enjoy an olive oil tasting (this is Greece, after all). Or, get on the water with a boat tour of the Athens Riviera. The hotel offers tours that visit other islands, like Hydra and Spetses, for lunch. If wine tasting is more your speed, the concierge can arrange a private tour and tasting at a local wine museum. Customized experiences like cooking classes and neighborhood tours (including of Vouliagmeni) can be arranged. The Four Seasons Athens also has special excursions that will enthrall children, from a visit to the Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Center to a family-friendly tour of the city’s historic center. 

Looking to explore Athens? The hotel has you covered. (Though again, if you're traveling to Athens for the day, traffic could make it a significant four-hour round-trip.) The hotel can organize transportation and set you up with a knowledgeable travel guide for a tour of the Acropolis and other must-visit sites. If ancient Greek mythology is more your passion, the hotel can whisk you away to Poseidon’s Temple or the complex of Delphi.

3. Accommodations to suit every type of traveler

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

The Four Seasons Athens offers a ‘three resorts in one’ experience. (And while we love this variety, choosing the best accommodation can be a daunting task. This is where your Fora Advisor comes in. They can help you find the very best option for your travel style, and unlock killer hotel perks in the process.)

Across all three Four Seasons hotels, rooms are spacious, private and utterly stunning — granting you unparalleled views and access to pools and private beaches. Options range from sleek guest rooms & suites to standalone, ocean-facing bungalows with private pools.

For groups and families, we love the suites with private terraces overlooking the pine trees. One of our favorites is the ocean-facing Arion Royal Suite, which can easily accommodate up to four adults. The suite has a private outdoor pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, two full marble bathrooms, two king-sized beds and two rollaway beds. 

The bungalows are the original setting of the property, and are packed with character & charm. You can opt for a bungalow with your choice of sea views or woodland views, both of which afford you a private terrace and infinity pool. (P.S: The Four Seasons Athens is one of the best resorts on Greece for couples and is a fantastic choice for a Greece honeymoon.)

Fora Perks:

• When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
  

Ready to travel? (Always.) Reach out to book with us today.