One&Only Aesthesis, by AUDO, A6A Architects, and K-Studio, is an Athenian Riviera gem with midcentury glamour

Nestled on a natural cove, minutes away from the Athens center, on what is referred to as the Athenian Riviera, One& Only Aesthesis stretches over a 21-hectare unspoilt lush reserve and 2.2 kilometres of pristine beach.

The resort bears the legacy of the “Asteria” historical complex, originally conceived in the 1950’s as an organized bathing and tourist destination, part of a greater scheme of rebranding Greece from the Bank of Greece and the National Tourism Organization. Three modernist architects, Vourekas, Dekavalas and Georgiadis, were appointed to design the elegant beachfront facilities, cabanas and bungalows that successfully attracted local and international jetset.

After years of neglect, a revitalization project led by Grivalia Hospitality and Kerzner International sought to transform the site into a contemporary world-class destination, aiming to honor the essence of the coastal landmark while redefining its charm with contemporary terms. Athens-based architectural firms AUDO, A6A Architects, and K-Studio, along with Muza Lab’s interior design expertise, were entrusted with the arduous task to bridge the 60 year gap, honoring the roots and preserving the essence of Asteria while updating its appeal for today’s visitors by infusing the project with One&Only’s luxury.

«A project of great responsibility, both because of the natural beauty of the location, and the historical value of its architectural heritage, it upholds and celebrates the harmonious relationship of man-made and natural landscape, adapting to contemporary requirements without compromising the allure of a venue of the operator’s caliber”.

Aesthesis pays homage and is inspired by the architectural ethos and ingenuity of the original project, which boasted a minimal, disciplined architectural expression and discreetly luxurious interiors with mid-century glamour. Spelling the same architectural language of honesty and naked beauty that is found in the predecessor modernist buildings, the residences and communal areas step on the traces of the original structures to repurpose the very same local stone, assembled in linear walls that complement the restored lightweight timber structures. The palette also comprises local Greek marbles, thus celebrating materials and techniques employed in the site since its original rise.

“Outdoor sport activities, a wellness center and other event venues complement the residences, adding to the attractions and the versatility of experiencing this privileged location”.

The resort’s entry point, the Aesthesis building, serving as the centerpiece of the One&Only Aesthesis resort, is a striking two-story structure that departs from traditional rectangular designs to embrace smooth, curvy lines inspired by the 1960s modernist architectural style and greets those who approach it while mitigating its larger frame.

Nestled within a softly sloped Mediterranean garden, its fluid form, geometric claustra elements, and harmonious use of light and shadow evoke both a sense of privacy and openness in keeping with the modest sense of scale of each structure. Crafted with contemporary materials like marble, polished wood, and repurposed stones, the building honors the Athenian Riviera’s golden era while transcending it. Aesthesis’ design emphasizes a strong connection to the sea, with large windows and a curved staircase offering guests a seamless journey from the entrance to the coastline.

The Agora building is the social heart of the resort and adheres to the unified architectural vocabulary of the complex, with materials and spatial gestures across its facade and interior, creating a cohesive composition. Its open-plan design and seamless connection to a sprawling courtyard ensure remarkable versatility for any event. What’s more, the Agora boasts a pièce de résistance, solely found on its premises: a terrace offering unparalleled views of the entire Aesthesis complex. From this elevated perch, the resort’s detail-oriented design unfolds like a breathtaking vista, refining the tapestry of any event.

“By the pool, Thimisi with its organic, airy canopy nods to the celebrated “mushroom-type” pavilion, favoured by modernist architects during the 1950s and 1960s, while Minima Bar, with its grid-like design, echoes orderly the modernist influence”.

The Spa and Wellness center adapt to the outline of a shell formerly used as a warehouse, tuning in with the values of the complex by embracing the interplay of the natural surroundings with the enclosed spaces, extending the amenities to functional patios and elevating the internal courtyard feature into a highlight and a reference point.

The systematic array of Bungalows provides a beautiful integration of low density, harmonical buildings, hides them from view away in the landscape, allowing the latter to take the frontstage, and gifts an unexpected sense of freedom and a high degree of privacy to every guest. These low-rise structures blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape thanks to sliding glass doors and expansive outdoor areas, canopies and stonewalls that stretch outwards further connect to their surroundings, creating in-between havens that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

Embodying the essence of Mediterranean living with their 1960s Athenian Modernism-inspired design, the Bungalows feature timber load-bearing structures, airy canopies, and repurposed stone walls. Surrounded by lush gardens, these seafront residences reflect the vibrant Greek summer lifestyle. Private pools, sun loungers, outdoor showers, and fireplaces create intimate settings for relaxation.

Locally sourced materials, including exquisite Tinos marble, enhance the luxurious yet eco-conscious design, while the south-facing façade maximizes sunlight, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the day. Open spaces and structures coexist effortlessly, and respond creatively to modern-day needs for a minimum carbon footprint and conscious construction practices.

The interiors evoke a sense of effortless flow, using native timbers and local marble in shades of pearly white and sand, with blue and white accents, olive wood, and hand-designed linens from Greece. The design draws on six elemental forces of nature—fire, water, wood, stone, air, and metal—creating spaces that evoke strength, connectivity, and organic beauty.

Aesthesis celebrates the mild Athenian climate, highlighting ideal settings to enjoy it: underneath the shade of a pergola, overlooking the sea, among the smell of pine trees and the sound of cicadas. An idyllic scenery and a symbol of optimism, modernization and prosperity, the resort stays true to the discreet sense of minimalism, luxury and comfort that epitomize the blend of the spirit of One&Only with Mediterranean lifestyle.

Fact & Credits:

Project title: One& Only Aesthesis, Typology: 5* hotel, Location: Glyfada – Athens – Greece, Masterplan & Planning Consultant: ASPA KT Architecture Design Planning, Concept design – Masterplan – Architectural design: AUDO – A6A Architects – K-Studio, A6A architectural team: Nasos Antachopoulos – Yannis Younis – Danai Tzima – Iasonas Anastasiou – Ismini Papaioannou – Myrto Chasourou – Lydia Bratsou – Alexandros Chareas, AUDO architectural team: Costis Skroumbelos – Phivos Skroumbelos – Athina Charalampidou – Alexia Stavropoulou – Argyro Kopsida – Vassiliki Athanasiou – Ioanna Tatouli – Marina Chounta – Panos Niotis – Ilia Maistrou – Filippos Georgeoglou – A. Jason Giannopoulos – Stella Pantelia – Natalia Tsakalaki Karka, K-Studio architectural team: Dimitris Karampatakis – Konstantinos Karampatakis – Marivenia Chiotopoulou – Christos Spetseris – Alexis Chortogiannis – Antonis Tzortzis – Konstantinos Stergiopoulos – Natassa Kallou – Christina Charistou – Achilleas Pliakos – Anna Axaopoulou – Lenia Steliou – Georgia Drakou – Katerina Paitazoglou – Eirini Vouliouri – Kelly Kagka – Penny Stefanou – Fay Mylona – Stavros Kotsikas – Maria Evaggelidou – Eleftheria Karameianaki – Panagiota Sarantinoudi – Thanos Michalis – Nikos Sidorakis – Lina Kakaletsi, Interior design: Muza Lab, Architectural design (specialty restaurant): EB/Architects, Interior design (specialty restaurant): MVP Production, Structural Consultant: John Marneris & Associates Structural Consultants LTD – PPA Structurals, Landscape design: Greenways Landscape Architecture Chanikian Ltd, 3D Visualization: Studio TAF – Studio Katrakis – Big Room, Mechanical Engineering: LDK Consultants, Lighting design: Eleftheria Deko & Associates Lighting Design – BRIGHT Special Lighting, Traffic Consultant – Storm Water Management: DROMOS Consulting, Sustainability Consultant: DCarbon, Marine Design Consultant: CNWAY Engineering Consultants LP, Surveyors: AIR SURVEY MELETITIKI – FOTOPOULOS MELETITIKI IKE, Signage Designer: Bratti Hotel Signage – We Design, Acoustic Design Consultant: Timagenis Acoustics – Architects, Kitchen Consultants: XENEX S.A. – SVOLOS SARRIS S.A – SBS GROUP, Pool design Consultant: WTS – Water Treatment Services Ltd., Fire Safety Consultant: B-T Pyrgiotis Technical Office, Security Consultant: ZARIFOPOULOS S.A., Art Consultant: Ach Art Advisory, Decorative Accessories Consultant: Angelos Adam, FFE&ΟSE Procurement Consultant: DeGraffenried Purchasing International, Operating Licensing Consultant – Archelogy Consultant: P. KONSTANTINIDIS & ASSOCIATES LP, Quantity Consultant: Area QS Ltd Quantity Surveyors Consulting Engineers, ICT Consultant: OTE S.A., Hydraulic Studies: Christos Damvergis D’ EAU LP, Environmental Studies: ENVECO S.A. – ADENS S.A., Construction Support: AUDO – A6A Architects – K-Studio – Arenvi Architects, Anestis Kapakasalis – Christos Vamvakoulas, Special Studies: NERCO – ECOMIND, Waste Management Consultant: VM&A Consulting Engineers, Project Management: DIMAND S.A. – Grivalia Management S.A., Construction: TERNA S.A. – ELEMKA S.A. – ΕΤΗΝΟΚΑΤ S.A. – EMECO S.A. – WHITESTONE S.A. – Latern Construction Company S.A. – ACT PLUS- ELIKA A.T.E.E. S.A. – OTE S.A. – ECON 21 A.T.E. – Greenways Chanikian Ltd – ART STONE LP – MPLE HOLDING LTD – InterSCALA S.A. – QBM Single Member P. C. – ATHLODOMI SPORTS PROJECTS, Text description: AUDO – A6A Architects – K-Studio, Photography: Rupert Peace