For decades, the peninsula jetting out from the shoreline in Vouliagmeni, forty five minutes south of Athens, has been a Mecca of some of the world’s most elite global travelers.
From heads of state to Hollywood celebrities, the property known simply as “the Astir” has been closed for several years of renovations— more than €650 million ($736 million) worth, to transform it into a Four Seasons— the first in Greece.
Greek architects AETER and K-studio worked with international partners like Meyer Davis and Martin Brudnizki Design Studio to transform the public spaces and rooms, with no detail spared.
Fun Facts about the Astir’s Past… and Future
U.S. President Barack Obama was the last guest of the Astir Palace before it closed its doors for renovations.
When King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia would visit Greece, he only stayed at the Astir and would book an entire floor at Nafsika for himself and his entourage. He shared gold watches as tips with the staff of the hotel.
The general manager of the new Four Seasons is a Greek Canadian named Sam Ioannidis who is responsible for opening numerous Four Seasons properties throughout the world and considers the Athens project a true homecoming, returning to the birthplace of his father.
There was always room for Aristotle Onassis at the Astir. It is said that he was the only guest who could call the hotel and have a room ready for him upon his arrival, even during peak season and at a moment’s notice. He was such a frequent visitor that hotel management never wanted to disappoint him and always kept rooms open— just in case he’d need one.
Speaking of Aristotle, the new Astir will boast several new restaurants and lounges, including Mercato, an Italian-inspired trattoria with a market featuring premium Italian products, as well as several Greek-inspired tavernas, seafood restaurants and a cocktail and cigar lounge called… Aristotle’s.
The property will boast 3 private beaches, 2 public swimming pools indoor pool, a Tennis academy and Basketball court, a fully supervised kids club, a series of water sports programs and scenic jogging trails around the hotel area, which has just been upgraded with the planting of thousands of new trees, shrubs and plants.
Look Inside the new Four Seasons
Check reservations for your Summer 2019 holidays at the new Four Seasons by clicking here.
