Grecian Getaway: From the Athenian Riviera to the Cyclades

Mere moments after you’re wheels down at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport Athens, you’ll be welcomed by your host for a VIP meet and greet. After your expedited customs experience, hop into your private transfer for a quick half-hour transfer to One&Only Aesthesis. Tucked away on the glamorous Athenian Riviera just a stone’s throw from Athens’ legendary landmarks, this mid-century-inspired seafront resort features 127 keys including rooms, bungalows, residences, and villas. Discover an untold world of nostalgia and mid-century glamour at this captivating coastal hideaway that harks back to the golden days of the Athenian Riviera. Breathing new life into the effortless sophistication of a bygone era, the resort offers locals and international travelers a chance to experience the magic of Athens.

Upon arrival, you’re sure to be swept up in the views of the sapphire waters of the Saronic Gulf;  this fabled land is framed by fragrant lavender fields, majestic forests, and striking oleanders, evoking the feeling of a private island right in the beating heart of Greece. As soon as you check into your accommodations, the reassurance that this a place where you can truly be at ease is sure to set in — whether it’s trail running through the forest, enjoying revitalizing treatments at the property’s world-renowned Guerlain Spa, or savoring a glass of crisp white wine and freshly grilled seafood as the sun dips below the sea, anything is possible at One&Only Aesthesis.

Settle in with cocktails at Thimisi where the enchanting sunset of the Aegean Sea provides a captivating backdrop to sip on a spritz. With the vibrant cosmopolitan buzz of the ’60s and ’70s glimmering in the summer air, the Athenian Riviera whispers of the past. Carved out of native stone and seamlessly fusing indoor and outdoor spaces, the resort’s beachfront bungalows capture the convivial spirit of the Hollywood Grecian era. This coastal-chic aesthetic elicits far more than memories alone – for many Greeks, it will transcend time and transport them to the paradise of their youth.

This evening, dinner will be at Ora by Ettore Botrini, offering a culinary journey that spans the rich tapestry of Mediterranean flavors inspired by Chef Botrini’s nomadic upbringing across Corfu, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, Spain, and beyond. The name ‘Ora,’ meaning ‘hour’ or ‘time’ in Greek and ‘now’ in Italian, reflects the essence of the chef’s Greek and Italian heritage. You can expect a menu brimming with nostalgia for soulful family meals where dishes are meant to be shared. Enjoy a delightful array of offerings, including traditionally cured meats, Corfu-style bourdetto made from locally caught fish, and the opulent ‘Triumph of the Sea,’ a decadent shellfish pasta. Toast to your first night in paradise!

Begin your first morning in Greece with a hearty Mediterranean breakfast. Be sure to try our favorite dish, the strapatsada, a delightful blend of scrambled eggs with ripe tomatoes, crumbled feta, and fresh oregano. Afterward, depart from One&Only Aesthesis and discover the Athenian Riviera with the help of a yacht charter. As you set foot onboard, you’ll be welcomed by Champagne and al fresco bites to ensure you’re maximizing your Grecian getaway to the fullest. Opt for a full or half-day cruise as you explore the Greek Islands spread across the Argo Saronic Sea.

Alternatively, if you prefer a more history-filled day, work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to plan a private guided experience of the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. From competition between gods to monumental architecture, early medicine, and theater festivals, this tailored tour is a comprehensive cultural tour designed to give parents and children alike the best possible experience of the Greek capital’s ancient heritage. With visits to some of the city’s most important ancient monuments, it offers a glimpse of life in a bustling metropolis of the ancient world and touches on key themes like democracy, art, the ancient gods, and, of course, the Athenians behind it all.

Upon your return to the resort, be sure to carve out time to sit by the statement-making pools. You can dive into the glamorous beach and pool club, or if the kids are in tow, enjoy a leisurely swim in the sea-facing main pool adorned with loungers and parasols. Each pool promises a unique atmosphere to revel in. Freshen up for pre-dinner drinks at Alelia, an on-property bar set amid ancient olive trees, fresh herbs, and blooming lavender. Here you can test out cocktails infused with olives and herbs inspired by the region’s fragrant flora. Head out for dinner at Ithaki Restaurant in Vouligmeni for a local dining experience.

Today is all about choosing your adventure. For the wellness lover, we recommend a few hours spent at the stunning Guerlain Spa on property at One&Only Aesthesis. Indulge in a personalized facial treatment meticulously tailored to your unique needs. After a thorough evaluation, a Beauty Expert will formulate bespoke blends to address the specific requirements of your skin. Whether it’s purification, hydration, re-densification, or regeneration, experience a treatment with limitless customization options. Alternatively, opt for a treatment including a footbath with delicate flowers, a scalp and body massage performed with rose quartz stones, and the exquisite and tender scent of Rose Cherie.

For the adrenaline junkie, we invite you to take a breathtaking glance over Athens by way of helicopter! Soar above the historical scenery of Athens on an unforgettable the stunning capital of Greece. Check out the renowned landmarks and the stunning coastline of Athens while seeing some of the most beautiful ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and Poseidon’s Temple from the Air. Fly over the Acropolis and the archaeological site from above. Witness the Ancient Agora market and the Panathinaikon Stadium, and admire the Lycabettus Hill to the impressive Olympic Stadium. Take in the Piraeus port and ogle towards the idyllic Athenian Riviera and see the sandy beaches, the turquoise waters, and secluded bays of the Attica coastline, checking out the Piraeus port, Kavouri, Sounion, and Poseidon’s Temple.

This evening, delight in a stargazing experience at Mystiko Beach with delicious cuisine and beverages. Your host can organize a visit on-site from the collaborating astronomist and arrange a two-hour stargazing workshop. You’ll also have the opportunity to do a sky observing tour with a telescope to be transported to the moon, stars, and planets. End the night in awe of all this storied part of Greece has to offer.

After a dreamy stay at One&Only Aesthesis, today you’ll depart for the next and final stop on your Grecian getaway itinerary. Your transfer by private rib boat will depart from Lavrio Port and send you directly to the resort’s private pier. Perched above a protected cove, One&Only Kéa Island brings the wonders of the Aegean to life in full color. Artfully built into the cliffside, this property’s chic all-villa setup maximizes privacy and panoramic views over the endless sapphire sea. Check into your very own one or two-bedroom villa where Greek white marble, locally sourced stone, and expansive windows create light-bathed sanctuaries. Outdoors, your infinity pool, terrace, and fireplace invite you to embrace an elevated alfresco lifestyle. Be seduced by the slower pace of island life from your spacious open-plan villa, which earns its name with sparkling, wrap-around sea views.

This afternoon once you’ve settled in, indulge in a culinary adventure with a lunch experience at Bond Beach Club where fusion cuisine blends flavors from around the world with local Greek ingredients. Enjoy innovative dishes and tantalize your taste buds with a unique dining experience by the sea. If you’re ready to stretch your legs after travel, explore the island’s scenic coastline in the afternoon aboard e-bikes. Traverse the picturesque landscapes and follow the coastal route to reach the iconic lighthouse. Enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling sea and rugged terrain as you soak in the natural beauty of Kéa.

Soak up the last drops of sunshine with sunset cocktails at Kosmos Lobby Lounge. Conclude the day with a memorable dining experience at Atria, where gastronomic excellence awaits. Delight your palate with gourmet cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients, complemented by exquisite wines and impeccable service. Immerse yourself in the elegant ambiance of the restaurant and savor the flavors of Greece in a sophisticated setting.

Begin your active day on deck with breakfast at Atria Restaurant. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely hour or two at the exclusive Bond Beach Club to soak up the early morning sun and take a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Lounge on comfortable sun beds and take a moment of repose upon your sun-kissed lounger. 

Before lunch, it’s time to embrace the essence of adventure on Kéa Island with a hike through the ancient ruins of Karthea. You’ll begin this experience in Stavroudaki where a dirt road meets a stone-paved path leading you to one of the most important and historic landscapes in the Cyclades. Hike the path that crosses Vathypotmos where you’ll see the entire flora and fauna of the island revealed in front of your eyes. At the end of this route, you’ll find the Acropolis of Karthaia which is home to the temple of Athena and the temple of Apollo. Following the exploration, refresh your spirit with invigorating swims and captivating snorkeling escapades in the crystalline waters, where vibrant marine life dances beneath the surface. Cap off your afternoon with a picnic prepared by your hosts.

Once back at the resort, surrender to serenity at a luxurious spa retreat as the sun reaches its zenith. Your late afternoon treatment will reveal skilled hands and soothing treatments transporting you to a realm of blissful tranquility, rejuvenating both body and soul amidst the island’s natural splendor. Once you refresh for dinner, look forward to international wines and artisanal local cheeses at Èpicora Wine Bar. Toast to the day’s escapade and savor each sip amidst the convivial ambiance.

Begin your final morning in Greece by immersing yourself in the island’s rich heritage with a curated exploration led by a knowledgeable curator in Ioulida. Wander through cobbled streets lined with ancient architecture, where every corner reveals a story waiting to be told.

After delving into the island’s past, treat your taste buds to a symphony of authentic flavors during a leisurely lunch at a local family taverna. Here, culinary delights intertwine with tales of tradition, offering a taste of Kea’s vibrant cultural tapestry. As the day draws to a close, bid farewell to the island with an enchanting evening at Panigiri. Immerse yourself in the lively festivities of local tradition, where music, dance, and laughter fill the air, creating memories to treasure long after you’ve said goodbye to the shores of Kea.

After an experience-filled escape through Greece, today, it’s time to head home. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor has sorted out all the logistics for your return via Athens. Depart knowing you made memories to last a lifetime, and that this certainly won’t be your final trip to Greece.