On the glimmering Athenian Riviera, the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens brings Mediterranean glamour into a new era. Located on the southernmost tip of the Vouliagmeni peninsula, about 30 minutes from Athens, the hotel has long been celebrated as one of the Riviera’s crown jewels, bringing jet-set allure into the contemporary world.
Spanning 75 acres of pine-fringed coastline, the property is at first spacious and calm. With 303 rooms and suites, it feels both expansive and intimate, its architecture and interiors reflecting a chic, modern minimalism that echoes the natural surroundings. As you wander throughout the property, the Aegean, too, is ever-present through colors, textures, and materials rooted in Greek identity. Seen through floor-to-ceiling windows, framed by terraces, and complemented by artworks, design pieces, and furniture that enliven the space, Astir Palace also shines against private beaches and crystal-clear swimming coves.
Inside Four Seasons Astir Palace
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Culinary exploration is central to the Astir Palace experience, too, with eight distinct restaurants and bars designed to reflect the diversity and depth of Mediterranean dining. Anchoring the program is Pelagos, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Luca Piscazzi, where seasonal Greek ingredients and regional influences are transformed into refined, contemporary expressions of Mediterranean cuisine. Elsewhere, guests move fluidly between traditional Greek flavors, Italian classics, and relaxed seaside fare, each venue offering its own atmosphere while maintaining the hallmark quality and precision of Four Seasons dining.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Wellness unfolds with equal intention at the hotel’s spa, a retreat inspired by ancient healing traditions and the teachings of Hippocrates himself. Featuring eight treatment rooms, private spa suites, and beachside cabanas overlooking the Aegean, the spa blends holistic therapies with modern techniques, inviting guests to slow down and restore both body and mind. Beyond the spa, the peninsula’s natural beauty encourages movement and exploration—from swimming in turquoise waters and visiting the nearby thermal Lake Vouliagmeni, to fitness classes, tennis, and water sports along the coast.
Culture, Craft, and Cuisine in Athens
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Art and culture are also woven seamlessly into the guest experience. On-property artworks—including the intricate handmade paper works by artist Stratis Tavlaridis—establish a quiet dialogue between mythology, memory, and contemporary practice. Complementing this is a robust program of experiences designed to connect guests with Greek heritage, from olive oil tastings and pottery workshops to boat excursions along the Riviera. Just beyond the hotel, curated walking tours invite guests to step into Athens’ layered history, tracing a path from the Acropolis and Parthenon to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
The hotel’s proximity to the newly opened Astir Marina, home to a carefully curated mix of Greek and international luxury boutiques, is also of note. Alongside the hotel’s own on-site shops featuring local designers and artisans—like coveted jewelry from Maggoosh—the marina underscores Astir Palace’s role as a cultural and lifestyle destination in its own right.
Whitewall spoke with the chefs, designers, artisans, concierge leaders, and artists shaping this multifaceted destination to hear how they’re focused on creating a sense of place with culturally rich experiences in gastronomy, art, design, and wellness.
Greek Cuisine For a Global Audience
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WHITEWALL: Apostolos, you’re the Executive Chef of Four Seasons Astir Palace. How through this role do you balance traditional Greek cuisine with a contemporary twist?
APOSTOLOS DIMOU: I oversee the entire culinary operation, from our laid-back beachside taverna and poolside service to high-end banquets and elegant fine dining. We run multiple restaurants here, each with a unique identity, and the challenge—I call it fun, actually—is to make each one feel like its own destination while keeping that signature Four Seasons quality across the board.
As a native Greek who’s been abroad for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of seeing our cuisine through the eyes of the world. That’s allowed me to respect and preserve the heart of Greek cooking, the simplicity, the quality of ingredients, the stories behind every dish, while giving it a fresh, modern interpretation. You’ll still find a proper moussaka or a grilled fish, but maybe it’ll be plated like a piece of art or paired with a wine you didn’t see coming. In the end, we aim for the same result: your yiayia would approve… and so would your Instagram followers.
WW: Tell us a bit about offering experiences outside of the kitchen, like going to the market, and hosting a cooking class. What is the importance of activities like this for visitors? Your cuisine?
AD: Indeed, the magical adventures outside the stainless steel jungle we call a kitchen! Cooking is not just about recipes, it’s about connection. So when we take guests to the local market, it’s not just to show them where the tomatoes come from, it’s to let them feel the rhythm of Athens, hear the bargaining in Greek, smell the herbs, and maybe argue passionately over which Olive Oil is best (there’s only one right answer, of course The one coming from North Greece!).
Hosting cooking classes is my way of taking off the chef’s jacket for a moment and becoming a storyteller. I love showing guests that Greek food isn’t complicated, it’s just honest. And when they cook with us, laugh with us, and then sit down to enjoy what they’ve made, there’s this beautiful moment, this is what Greek hospitality is. It’s not just foo, it’s philoxenia, our love for making strangers feel at home. Also, if they learn to make tzatziki properly, that’s one less person out there committing yogurt crimes. A win-win.
Dining at Pelagos
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: Luca, you’re the Chef of Pelagos, which has earned a Michelin star. What do you think earned it that?
LUCA PISCAZZI: A Michelin One Star rating indicates the restaurant is worth a stop for an exceptional dining experience, which is an honor and one that the team worked so hard to achieve. One star is awarded to restaurants for using top-quality ingredients and for preparing high-standard meals with distinct flavours consistently, which is something Pelagos prides itself on. Our goal with Pelagos is to lead guests on a journey into Greece’s finest ingredients. I’ve traveled throughout Greece’s islands for flavor and ingredient inspiration, which then translates back into my menu and dishes, like with my seasonal Pelagos on Tour menu. At Pelagos, we contribute to Greece’s evolution as a world-class dining destination, offering the highest standards of service. How does the natural environment around you impact your dishes? Does it guide your dishes ingredient-wise, or inspire you?
We take inspiration from the aromatic herbs and fruits that grow on the peninsula, as well as a strong focus on seasonality. Seasonality, colors and the fresh produce of the season is what drives our cooking and changing menu. I am focused on innovatively and sustainably showcasing seasonal local produce from the land and, particularly, the sea that surrounds us.
Maggoosh’s Elevated Jewelry Design
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
WW: Margarita, your jewelry brand Maggoosh is sold at the hotel. What would you say the design ethos is? How does that guide your design process?
MARGARITA CHRISSAK: Maggoosh is grounded in fluidity, divine femininity, and artistic expression. I draw inspiration from organic forms like sea shells and flowers or the emotive power of music and dance, rhythm and repetition. I think of jewelry as something intimate and alive, shaped by the body and the way it moves. My upbringing between the beaches of Greece and my longstanding connection with India, where I regularly spent time since I was a child, informs the aesthetic and symbolic language of the brand. Above all, Maggoosh pieces are designed to awaken the senses—to invite wearers into a deeper connection with their natural beauty and inner power. Each piece is a reflection of freedom and personal expression, meant to be worn effortlessly.
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
WW: Your label includes a selection of fine jewelry pieces made of rare gemstones and precious metals. Can you tell us about selecting these materials, and how they reflect your vision?
MC: Artistic integrity and craft are essential to everything we do. Every Maggoosh piece is handcrafted in Greece using 18 karat gold or 925 sterling silver, often with carefully chosen semi-precious stones. I work closely with local artisans in Athens—some of whom still use hand-making techniques that are becoming increasingly rare. Their workshops are hidden gems, and preserving these traditions is incredibly important to me.
My jewelry pieces are often characterised by the use and interplay of chains, that create a feeling of fluidity, lightness and dynamic movement, echoing the kinetic energy of dance. The materials themselves carry meaning—gold and silver for their timeless beauty and strength, stones for their raw elegance. I value the tactile, soulful aspect of making: whether it’s hand-carving stones, photographing campaigns on film with my sister Athena, or creating cyanotypes with jewelry laid under the Greek sun. There’s a spirit of collaboration at the heart of Maggoosh, and every material choice reflects that desire to tell stories through touch, texture, and timeless design.
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: What’s a must-have item from Maggoosh?
MC: Any of our chain earrings. I would suggest The Tiny Dancer in all different lengths. They’re light, sensual, and endlessly versatile—capturing the essence of summer in movement and form. They work just as beautifully with salty hair and bare skin as they do with a slip dress and heels.
Handbag Craftsmanship by Callista
WW: Eleni and Celia, your company, Callista, is also sold at the hotel—and we fell in love with its craftsmanship-forward focus. Tell us a bit about the techniques or craft communities it works with to design or craft products.
ELENI KONSTANTINIDOU: Callista handbags are more than just accessories—they are a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and community. What truly defines our brand is our deep-rooted connection to Greek heritage, which serves as the foundation for everything we create. Each piece is handcrafted in our workshop by a dedicated team of women artisans, whose skill and artistry bring every bag to life.
We take pride in the handcrafted details that make Callista bags unique. From the intricate macramé handles woven from leather cord, to the decorative stitching along each seam, every element tells a story. These techniques are not just decorative—they’re a testament to the patience, precision, and pride our artisans pour into their work.
What makes the Callista workshop even more special is the spirit of empowerment and collaboration. Our artisans share knowledge, teach one another, and preserve age-old techniques by passing them down. It’s a nurturing, creative environment where craftsmanship is both honored and evolved. At the heart of our brand is a belief that slow, thoughtful creation holds lasting value. Callista bags aren’t just made—they’re carefully crafted with a soul, shaped by tradition, and carried forward by a community of skilled women.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: How does Greece’s rich craft history inspire you and your label? Certain designs?
CELIA SIGALOU: Greek heritage is at the heart of everything we create. From the timeless aesthetics of ancient architecture to the symbolism found in myth, pottery, and traditional craftsmanship, we draw deeply from this rich cultural well. Greece has always had a profound respect for form, function, and beauty—qualities that align perfectly with our approach to leatherwork. Ultimately, we see our work as a modern tribute to Greek legacy—merging ancient ideals of beauty, utility, and storytelling with contemporary design. Each Callista piece is not just a product, but a continuation of a cultural narrative that has valued craftsmanship and artistry for millennia.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: What’s a must-have item from Callista for the summer?
EK: This summer, we’d definitely recommend embracing pieces that feel light, natural, and full of character. Callista Sandals are always a seasonal staple. Additionally, we’d definitely suggest styles of bags that combine leather with straw or raffia details—this mix of materials not only feels effortlessly chic but also connects beautifully with the laid-back elegance of island life. We’re also seeing a big moment for leather bags in bold, joyful colors—think vibrant blues, deep corals, and sunny yellows, all inspired by the Greek summer palette: the Aegean Sea, bougainvillea in bloom, sun-drenched rooftops. These pieces add a splash of energy to any outfit and are perfect for carrying the spirit of the islands with you, no matter where you are.
Behind the Scenes at Four Seasons Astir Palace
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
Courtesy of Maggoosh.
WW: Margarita, as the Four Seasons Astir Palace’s Head Concierge, how do you view how the Four Seasons Astir Place does hospitality differently? What are some things the concierge team does to make this happen?
MARGARITA MAXOUTOGLOU: The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens sets itself apart by blending cutting-edge digital initiatives with the timeless art of personalized service. Our concierge team includes dedicated Digital Concierge Agents who respond instantly via email, the Four Seasons app, and live chat, ensuring real-time bookings, recommendations, and confirmations. This modern accessibility is seamlessly paired with traditional hospitality – whether arranging helicopter transfers, yacht charters, or in-suite experiences like private chefs and personal assistants. Actively connected with online platforms, the team curates bespoke cultural, leisure, and shopping experiences, creating an experimental signature concierge model that fuses the best of digital convenience with the warmth and sophistication of classic luxury service. What really matters now in our profession is “The human element is what essentially defines today’s luxury” here in FS Athens Concierge Team it is of paramount importance.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: Tell us a bit about curating cultural experiences for guests of Four Seasons Astir Palace to enjoy—and explore both historical and contemporary Greek culture? What is offered at the hotel now that reflects that?
MM: At the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, curating cultural experiences is about immersing guests in both the timeless legacy and vibrant present of Greece. The concierge team collaborates with expert local guides, artists, and historians to offer bespoke excursions to landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum, often with exclusive access or private tours. Within the hotel itself, guests can enjoy curated art exhibitions, contemporary Greek gastronomy through chef-led dining experiences, and hands-on workshops like pottery, olive oil tasting, and traditional cooking classes. Seasonal events highlight modern Greek creativity, from fashion and design showcases to live music and film screenings, allowing visitors to experience the country’s evolving cultural scene without leaving the Astir Peninsula. This balance of heritage and innovation ensures every stay is a deep, multidimensional exploration of Greece’s past and present.
Aegean Art by Stratis Tavlaridis
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: Stratis, your handmade paper works are on view at the Four Seasons Astir Palace. What do these artworks represent?
STRATIS TAVLARIDIS: The artwork I present is inspired by the myth of the goddess Asteria and by the name ASTRON Pastry, which carries the brilliance of the ancient Greek word “ἀστήρ”, meaning “star.” From this myth I imagined a new constellation, a gathering of faces and stories that illuminate the night sky of Greece.
Through the delicate, handcrafted technique of papercutting, I give physical form to this mythological narrative, creating a bridge between the ancient world and the present moment of the space that hosts it. I invite the viewer to slow down, to spend time with the artwork, to trace the details that hide within the paper, to allow the imagination to weave connections between the figures, to feel the silent power of subtraction that shapes the piece. Where the visible meets the invisible, the viewer encounters an unexplored universe, one that calls for discovery, a place to wander between presence and absence.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: You have a unique papercut technique, which involves painting by removing geometric patterns related to memory. Tell us a bit about this creative process.
ST: My practice is rooted in working exclusively with fine, handmade papers of very low weight, sourced from Asia. Using the papercut technique and a surgical scalpel, I cut and remove fragments of the surface, creating sequences of repeating geometric patterns. Instead of adding material to the paper, I remove it to reveal the artwork’s form. For me, art emerges from subtraction, a deliberate and meditative act. The empty spaces I leave hold equal significance to the parts I preserve.
The patterns draw from both personal and collective memory, weaving an inner narrative that links past to present. Everyday objects are transformed into hybrids of familiar shapes, stripped of their original function. Through my artwork, I hope to draw the viewer’s attention to what we have stopped noticing, to the simple elements that shape our lives and yet often pass unseen.
Courtesy of Four Seasons Astir Palace.
WW: How does Athens inspire you as an artist? How does it inspire what you create?
ST: Athens is for me a city with a deep historical and cultural weight, coexisting with a modern vibrancy full of contrasts. It can challenge you with its pace and intensity, yet at the same time it rewards you with unexpected beauty hidden in the details of daily life. It is a city that dares you to live it, to get lost in its narrow streets, to listen to the stories of its people, and each time to discover a different way to cross it. This constant dialogue between past and present, between tradition and contemporary life, feeds my artwork with images, rhythms, and sensations. Sometimes they appear in my artwork clearly, other times they diffuse like an underground current, but they always lead me to new creative explorations.
