Located in the breathtaking Athens Riviera in the former Astir Palace, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a beacon to the past firmly planted in the future. New York firm Meyer Davis spearheaded the refresh, which consisted of combining two Brutalist marvels, the 123-key Arion Hotel (and its adjacent cabanas) and the 162-key Nafsika Hotel into one unified property while still retaining their distinct characteristics. “We wanted the properties to have different personalities because they were born as two separate buildings, each with their own identity and histories,” says Four Seasons vice president of design Dana Kalczak. “There is a thread of stylishness and sophistication common to both, but each has a specific ambiance.”
In the Arion, the guestrooms have a retro-chic aesthetic with modern, clean lines and a soft color palette that references stunning views of the sea. Nafiska is a warm counterpart, with light wood juxtaposing inviting white tones. Additionally, in Arion’s 58 remodeled Bungalows, generous natural lighting and stone bathrooms immerse guests in their Mediterranean surroundings. Some even include plunge pools to further connect with the landscape.
Multiple F&B options are offered, including all-day Italian trattoria Mercato (from London designer Martin Brudnizki), the beachfront Taverna 37 specializing in local fare, and poolside Latin American grill Helios (both designed by local K-Studio), among others. The highlight, according to Kalczak, is the Meyer Davis-crafted central bar at Arion. “It has such a strong presence in the lobby and instantly becomes a magnet for the opening crowd,” she says. “The views are amazing, and the design of the space showcases both that and the mastery of the mixologists.”
