“Nestled in the charming suburb of Glyfada, just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Athens, One&Only Aesthesis offers the perfect blend of coastal relaxation and urban sophistication.

This luxurious resort, situated in a serene bay, with pristine white sand imported from Dubai, provides a high-end beach resort experience with the convenience of being close to the city. It is worth noting, however, that during the peak summer season, traffic can increase your travel time from Athens by up to an hour.

Glyfada is a popular weekend destination among Athenians, known for its excellent shopping, dining and nightlife scene. A leisurely 10-minute walk from the hotel will lead you to a vibrant area filled with various bars and restaurants – perfect for exploring and soaking up the local atmosphere.

Resort Ambiance and Architecture

One of the most striking aspects of One&Only Aesthesis is its ability to create a genuine resort feel, despite its close proximity to Athens. The main building’s unique 1970s spaceship-inspired exterior and chic 60s/70s-influenced interior design add a delightful touch of character to the overall ambiance, transporting you to a world of luxury and relaxation.

Pools and Accommodations

The resort boasts an impressive collection of four pools, each offering a distinct experience. While only the spa pool is heated, the other pools still provide ample space for leisure and enjoyment. The options include a shallow kids’ pool, an adults-only pool with reservable cabanas (which I highly recommend booking when confirming your stay), and the main resort pool. The pool areas and beach also offer plenty of room for lounging and soaking up the sun.

The main building houses a limited number of entry-level rooms, known as Aesthesis Rooms and Sea View Rooms, with only 12 in total (four Garden View and eight Sea View). These rooms tend to book up quickly due to their attractive price point. The majority of the accommodation, however, is spread throughout the resort grounds and accessible by golf buggies.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing an Eran Bungalow, complete with a private pool. Designed to be spacious, airy and filled with natural light, they also feature well-appointed outdoor spaces complete with firepits.

For those seeking more space and luxury, the resort offers generously sized residences and two truly remarkable villas, with Villa One standing out for its expansive living area and opulent amenities. And, while the current level of privacy may be somewhat limited, the hotel anticipates that the surrounding vegetation will mature over the coming months, providing even more seclusion.

Service and Facilities

One of the standout features of One&Only Aesthesis is the personalised service by dedicated butlers assigned to each guest. These butlers can be easily reached via WhatsApp for any requests, recommendations or assistance, at anytime throughout your stay.

The resort is also home to a prestigious Guerlain Spa, which includes a pool and saunas. While an indoor pool would be a welcome addition for year-round use, the spa still offers a luxurious, relaxing experience. Other notable amenities include tennis courts and a fully equipped gym, with options for classes and one-on-one training sessions.

Dining and Entertainment

Families with young children will be pleased to know that the resort offers a kids’ club catering to those aged 4-11 years, which also welcomes younger children with the supervision of a babysitter. The resort features two restaurants, one being a pop-up venue that may change in the future. During my stay, I had the pleasure of indulging in an incredible breakfast, and discovered that the Sunday brunch is a favourite among non-residents as well.

The resort also boasts three well-appointed bars – one on the beach, another by the pool, and a third in the main hotel area – all offering efficient and attentive service, complemented by a pleasant ambiance enhanced by smooth house music.

Final Thoughts

One&Only Aesthesis is an ideal destination for couples, families and friends seeking a luxurious escape that combines the best of both worlds – a tranquil beach resort and the exciting city of Athens nearby.

Initially, I had considered this resort as part of a twin-destination package alongside another Greek island. However, after experiencing all that One&Only Aesthesis has to offer, I believe it stands strong as a destination in its own right.

With the added advantage of having Athens in close proximity, you can easily spend a week to 10 days at this resort, indulging in the luxurious offerings while also exploring the rich history and culture of the nearby city.”