The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
As city breaks go, you can’t go wrong with choosing Athens as your European destination. Aside from the ancient sites such as the world-famous Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch, you can watch the changing of the Greek Parliament Guards – on a Sunday at 11am there is usually a weekly parade. Or travelers can take a day trip to Mount Parnitha – a densely forested mountain 19 miles north of the capital where you’ll find the abandoned Tatoi Royal Estate – a fascinating piece of Greek history to explore in a stunning environment so near to the city. For an alternative to spending time at the beach such as the exclusive Astir Beach Resort on the Athenian Riviera, try out Vouliagmenis Lake – a rare geological lake one hour from the city center and formed after the roof of a cave fell, creating a unique thermal spa experience with waters replenished both by the sea and underground freshwater thermal springs. The lake contains garra rufa fish, making it a natural skin exfoliation experience.
Athens has so much to offer the visitor, so where should you base yourself when choosing to visit this eclectic metropolis?
Located right in the pulsing heart of Athens, this new kid on the block is a design boutique hotel with a mixture of only 19 rooms/suites over three levels. It lends itself a really personal feel and oozing that filoxenia – friendliness towards strangers – that encapsulates the Greek culture. Asomaton derives from the Greek meaning ‘without a body’, and its uniqueness lies in its history and design.
Over a century old, it was constructed from wood and stone in the early 1900s, initially to function as a carriage wheel repair shop – a place to shoe your horse. It went on to become an elegant townhouse then fell into a derelict, abandoned empty shell for over 20 years.
In collaboration with the Greek Ministry of Culture and the young, hip group of forward-thinking developers, Asomaton took three years to develop into what you will see today, opening in August 2019.
With a mixture of 19 rooms and suites over three levels, the building with its original stonework, Acropolis view from the rooftop terrace where some suites are located and where breakfast can be taken, plus the stunning open to the elements corridors and small greenery area all lend to the atmosphere of Asomaton. The piece de resistance is the small pool/spa area in the Reception. Be sure to bring your costume any time of the year for a stay here, and spend half an hour relaxing your aches and pains from a day of hard shopping in the warm waters and jacuzzi.
Last but not least, it’s hard not to miss the ‘Dot Pop’ art of PHILIP TSIARAS that adorns the walls – a Greek international artist living and working in New York City with more than 80 one-person exhibitions. Images ranging from the Parthenon, Marilyn Monroe to famous Greeks such as singer Maria Callas and Jackie Onassis, Asomaton could also be considered an art exhibition in itself. A truly unique place to base yourself in this historic city. Do check the website for special offers.
The sister hotel to Asomaton, 18 Micon Street is literally a 5-minute walk away in the hip central Athens district of Psirri – alive with bars, cafés and street art galore.
Another property offering Acropolis views from its upper floors, the name of the hotel comes from Mikon, a 5th Century BC Athenian painter and sculptor. The building was once the storehouse of one of the first tool traders in Athens and his success in the 1950s led to the construction of a trading store – now a hotel.
The design of the hotel and its total of 15 rooms/suites reflect its storehouse past with a funky ‘industrial’ vibe created from its exposed pipes. The hotel has focused on the fundamental elements of construction – cement, wood and brick, yet with that intimate boutiquey hotel feel.
Breakfast is eaten in the Reception / main sitting relaxation area, and one floor down in the basement, guests can chill out after checkout in the Decompression Lounge with its couches and funky designs. Here hotel guests can rest, leave luggage to explore the area and even take a shower before heading to the airport.
Travelling with children? No problems. 18 Micon Street has a two bedroomed family suite with a balcony that can accommodate up to five people.
Part of the Hip Hotels chain, both Asomaton and 18 Micon St offer a unique and affordable place to stay when exploring the capital.
For a real treat and luxurious stay, The Four Seasons Astir Palace is located along the Athens Riviera by the sea, a mere 30 minutes from the center, and near to Vouliagmenis Lake.
The 74-acre property has been operating as a hotel since the 1950’s – although only since March 2019 as a Four Seasons, in its previous guise hosting A-listers such as Barack Obama and Jackie Kennedy in its day.
The 200 rooms and 42 suites are spread across two buildings and forest bungalows – perfect for complete privacy. With its sea views, and forest walks, you’ll feel as if you’re on a Greek island, yet a mere half an hour from the city center.
With its pools – some private depending on the suite or bungalow booked – sports facilities such as tennis/basketball courts, and with private and in-room dining to a choice of sophisticated restaurants, it’ll be hard to drag yourself away.
