In a scene worthy of the TV sequence Succession, a jet-black helicopter flutters throughout the sky to land on the deck of a gleaming white superyacht aptly named Goals. Owned by Greek transport billionaire George Prokopiou, the 350ft vessel is usually seen anchored off Glyfada, a seashore on the coronary heart of the Athenian Riviera.
Whereas many people are drawn to Greece’s myriad islands, this 40-mile strip of pines and sand – stretching south from Piraeus to Cape Sounion – provides a distinct however equally attractive proposition.
These shores aren’t any stranger to glamour. Within the early Nineteen Sixties, what was then generally known as Asteria, the Greek phrase for ‘star’, attracted one other native transport tycoon Aristotle Onassis, who would come right here with American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas.
In the present day, the Athenian Riviera is having a renaissance that was ignited 4 years in the past with the debut of the 4 Seasons Astir Palace Lodge in Vouliagmeni. This upgraded and enlarged an elite getaway relationship from 1959.
Now there’s a contemporary, post-pandemic power as new hotspots open this summer season.
Nigel Tisdall says that the Athenian Riviera, a 40-mile coastal stretch of land, is having a ‘renaissance’
Historical and fashionable: Nigel checks into the One&Solely Aesthesis resort on Glyfada seashore
Additional north, Ellinikon, the positioning of Athens’ previous airport, is the most important city regeneration undertaking in Europe. Driving previous the development website, I can see why this has been dubbed ‘Dubai-on-the-Med’.
On completion, it’s going to characteristic the 650ft residential Riviera Tower, which would be the tallest constructing in Greece, together with a 400-berth marina, on line casino, coastal park and three inns, together with one by Mandarin Oriental. Whereas that glittering daybreak is a few years off, the wealth, magnificence and excessive society that defines any profitable riviera is already a lot in proof on the One&Solely Aesthesis resort on Glyfada seashore.
Right here, low-rise bungalows and residences with mid-century interiors come framed in very good gardens planted with wildflowers and desert grasses. Elegant hosts in pale peppermint uniforms supply WhatsApp-driven butler service, whereas three swimming pools are worthy of a Slim Aarons’ photoshoot.
Nigel reveals that nightly charges in summer season at One&Solely Aesthesis begin at £1,613
Nigel recollects leaping from a speedboat into the ‘bewitching blue sea’
If there are grumbles, it might be the dearth of privateness for some rooms and the shallow water – it is advisable to wade a great distance out for a correct swim.
So who checks into an ultra-luxurious resort the place nightly charges in summer season begin at £1,613? ‘We get many from the UK,’ says normal supervisor Yann Gillet, who labored in Cannes on the French Riviera.
After practically a decade of austerity and reforms, the Greek financial system is selecting up with tourism arrivals anticipated to hit a file excessive this 12 months. Prosperous Athenians are flocking right here to take pleasure in a £111-a-head Sunday brunch that includes dwell music and a bountiful buffet of oysters, charcoal-grilled lamb and almond cake drizzled with honey. The Greek capital is only a 30-minute drive north, in beneficial site visitors, and with a wealth of historic websites and museums, it’s unimaginable to not have a rewarding time.
Athens, house to The Acropolis, is only a 30-minute drive north of the Riviera
No go to is full with no climb as much as the two,453-year-old Acropolis with its 360-degree view over the capital. It hardly issues you’re certainly one of 23,000 each day guests – it’s much less crowded after 5pm – as this can be a true marvel of the world.
Again at One&Solely Aesthesis, there’s a lot to take pleasure in after a tough day’s sightseeing, from hit-the-spot mango margaritas to a serene Guerlain Spa. Households are well-served by a complimentary children’ membership, providing artwork courses and junior Olympics.
Dinner could possibly be at Manko, a Peruvian-style seashore membership that opens subsequent month, or if you’re in celebration temper, take a taxi south to Vouliagmeni and the beachfront restaurant Papaioannou.
The opposite important is to get out on the water, cruising the Saronic Gulf to snorkel beside the island of Aegina or simply pull right into a cove then leap out of your speedboat into that bewitching blue sea.
After I clamber again on board, feeling refreshed and exhilarated, a good-looking crew member is prepared and ready with a bowl of strawberries and a glass of Greek glowing wine. I think about Ms Callas skilled one thing related.
