What it is

A serene 303-room retreat on 75 lush acres facing the Aegean, with a folkloric spa that Aphrodite herself would love.

What it isn't

Adults-only. Yes, each room could make the cover of Elle Decor, but kids are just as pampered as parents here, from the poolside gelato stand to the supervised Kids Club.

What we think

It’s not always easy to delight guests in Greece, where every view is a jaw dropper worthy of Instagram. But, no surprise, Four Seasons more than wows at their new Greek property, just a 30 minute drive from downtown Athens. Perched along the water like a siren, the hotel is a top-to-tails revamp of a 1960s icon beloved by luminaries (everyone from Brigitte Bardot to Paul Newman were guests), made showstopping again thanks to Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, among others. Interiors are streamlined and refined, with subtle nods to nautical life (sea fan coral here, shiplap ceilings there). It’s well worth booking a sea-view circa 1961 bungalow for access to your own private terrace on the water—perhaps the very bungalow President Barack Obama stayed in during his 2016 visit.

You're here because

Not to sound petty, but where boldface names flock, you follow. Plus, traveling takes it out of you, and Four Seasons service is as consistently restorative as it gets, whether you need yacht catering or a vial of bubble bath delivered posthaste.

The Moment

It was difficult to pick this evening’s cocktail hour spot among the seven restaurant options on the grounds, but when you peeked into Aristotle’s cigar lounge—named after frequent hotel guests Mr. Onassis and his wife, Jackie—your heart skipped a beat. You curl up in a leather wingback as soft as a decades-old baseball glove, and ask for the signature drink: a barrel-aged Manhattan so smooth, you almost shed a tear.

Restaurants & Bars

PELAGOS - The property's signature restaurant specializing in sophisticated Greek seafood – innovative yet inspired by the traditions of the Aegean.

MERCATO - Open all day. A stylish Italian trattoria with espresso and fresh pastries and light salads, home-made pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas in the evening.

TAVERNA 37 - Fun and vibrant, the beachfront taverna is open seasonally and showcases local Greek specialties. Share mezzes and salads, grilled lamb, chicken souvlaki and fried calamari.

HELIOS - A Latin American grill located poolside and serving tapas, tostadas and burgers, along with frozen margaritas and pisco sours. Sunset brings a live DJ – with Latin musicians later at night.

ASTRON LOUNGE & TERRACE - Simple and casual, the lobby lounge is an all-day destination offering everything from traditional Greek breakfasts and light lunches to afternoon tea, cocktails and lounge classics for dinner.

AVRA LOUNGE & TERRACE - Right on the waterfront, this elegant lounge is peaceful during the day and playful in the evening. Sample international favorites and comfort foods, along with our own Italian specialties.

ARISTOTLE'S - On-property cigar lounge featuring the world’s finest cigar, rare cognacs, whiskeys and a craft cocktail list

Location

On a pine forested peninsula just 30 minute drive from downtown Athens proper (note: staffers will happily arrange your transfer by limousine or even helicopter to the Four Seasons helipad.) Just a few minutes up the coastline: glass-clear Lake Vouliagmeni, touted for centuries as a cure-all.