One&Only Aesthesis

Want to enjoy the beach and the city? You can do exactly that at this resort, which is located on a 50-acre reserve—there’s over a mile of beachfront property—and only requires 30 minutes to reach Athens’ city center. That means you’ll be able to explore the iconic Acropolis or Parthenon in the morning and then relax with a drink on the private beach or by the pool in the afternoon. Situated in the Glyfada neighborhood—part of the great Athenian Riviera—the resort is only half an hour from the international airport. The hotel can also arrange private transfers from the airport.

First, some history: The resort is located in the same place as the former Asteria Beach Club, a famed celebrity and artist hub back in the 60s and 70s. The current mid-century vibe takes cues from that period but is updated and made modern in a way that feels at once welcoming and relaxing, with lots of native timbers, local marble, and a coastal color palette. The detailed design also features numerous sustainable elements, like living green roofs on certain residences.

Speaking of, the resort offers three types of accommodations: Bungalows, residences, and villas. With a strong emphasis on merging indoor and outdoor living, the bungalows each have a private pool and gardens, and many come with water views. Larger groups may want to consider the residences, which have either two or three bedrooms, or one of the two villas, which offer everything from an outdoor dining area and fire pit to a beachfront pool and a dedicated host.

One&Only does elevated luxury so well—and that’s fully on display here. We love how open and warm the resort feels, right from the get-go.

That spirit continues throughout the property, particularly in the vibrant dining scene. You’ll find multiple options here, all under the guidance of executive chef Frederic Le Gac, who has partnered with culinary powerhouses like three-Michelin star Spanish chef Paco Morales for a six-month pop-up as well as Ettore Botrini of Michelin-starred Botrini Restaurant fame. Botrini created the menu for the resort’s signature Mediterranean restaurant, Ora by Ettore Botrini, where dishes are made for sharing and ingredients are locally sourced.

Rounding out the dining experience are the pretty Alelia bar, the poolside Minima bar, and the nighttime spot, Thimsi. Also good to know: Coming in the spring of 2024 is Manko, which will feature another restaurant dining and beach destination.

Beyond food, there’s plenty to do here—both on and off the resort. There are multiple pools, as well as a main beach and the adults-only option, along with diving, snorkeling, and yacht rentals. Be sure to check out Club One, which centers on all things fitness and lifestyle, including a fitness center, tennis and sports courts, and the KidsOnly club.

Also incredible: The resort’s Guerlain Spa—the country’s first. (Check out our F1S Tips for must-try treatments.) The hotel can also arrange for some incredible activities off-property—from private tours of iconic Greek locations to workshops, like jewelry or Greek sandal making.

If you book through F1S, you’ll receive daily breakfast for two, a $100 resort credit, as well as an upgrade on arrival and early check-in/late check-out, if available.