Athens, with its rich layers of history and sun-soaked vibrancy, was the perfect setting for a retreat into pure luxury. For interior designer Tamsin Johnson, stepping into One&Only Aesthesis was like finding a sanctuary where ancient Grecian elegance meets modern design.
The resort’s natural beauty, set along the Athenian Riviera, provided both inspiration and relaxation. From sun-drenched afternoons by the pool to evenings exploring the seamless blend of classical and contemporary interiors, Johnson reflects on how the space and atmosphere left an indelible mark on her creative journey. Here, she shares her postcards and personal insights from this Grecian getaway.
The softest of landings
Landing in Aesthesis after a long schlepp is just perfect. Tucked against the water in Glyfada, you have your own private beach and the whole resort is a complete excision from the intensity of Athens, you don’t even detect the city. To be able to access the seas easily and privately is just so special after a long haul. The welcoming was fluid and exactly as needed after a travel, it was seamless. Generally the service is immaculate, faultless. Nothing is laboured, nothing is too difficult.
The suites
We had a double interconnecting room with a private courtyard at the back, which was great with children. At the front we had a private pool with sun lounges which faced the beautiful sun-drenched landscape, framed by a back-drop of Athens. The timber-panelled rooms are private and generous with a layout like the ideal one bedroom apartment. They have a kitchenette, a separate powder room and an entry that connected the kids to our room so we could easily escape if anyone wanted a jetlag nap after the flight from Australia.
Club One fitness
We had daily tennis lessons with an ex-pro from Athens, while the kids were engrossed with the pretty impressive ‘KidsOnly Club’ which has a treehouse village (jealous) – in fact, we had to drag them out of there to explore ancient Athens (the Acropolis etc.) and all the incredible museums, which, by-the-way, the hotel can curate tours for you if you wish.
The food (of course)
There are three great restaurants, so you aren’t going to get overexposed during your stay, and they were all fantastic. We chose to spread them out over three dinners and make use of the great restaurants in Athens during the day. This allowed us to have slow starts and deal with the lag and settle the kids in, which is a rare luxury when travelling. Manko was magic Peruvian food and the view takes in the sunset, you can eat with your feet in the sand which feels just right for Greece. Ettore Botrini’s ‘Ora’ is contemporary Mediterranean and was beautiful too.
Spa by Guerlain
This is rather slick. The spa tailors treatments for you and the Grecian ‘ritual’ scalp and body massage was pretty earth moving…
(I did fail to mention that I was a bit miffed I couldn’t fit in the traditional Greek Sandal-making workshop).
Looking for more Greek travel tips? Check out our list of 7 under-the-radar Greek islands to visit this European summer, or 12 of the most luxurious hotels to book when visiting Santorini.
