Just beyond the energy of the city of Athens, the coastline gives way to pine-covered peninsulas and sheltered coves, where days seem to stretch a little longer and the Aegean is almost always within view.
Set on its own peninsula in Vouliagmeni, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens has long been part of this landscape. First opened as the Astir Palace in the late 1950s and reimagined as a Four Seasons in 2019, the property pairs the glamour of the Athenian Riviera with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. Three private beaches meet gardens and sea-facing rooms, while a collection of restaurants and bars – from the waterfront taverna to Michelin-starred Pelagos – make it tempting to stay firmly within the peninsula.
For content creator and photographer James Thompson, the hotel is a familiar one. Having returned to photograph the property over several years – most often in May, his favourite time to visit Greece – he knows both the hotel and its surrounds intimately. Here, he shares with RUSSH the very best parts of his stay.
Place: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Address: Apollonos 40, Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece
Phone: +30 21 0890 1000
Designed and curated by: The property was originally opened as the Astir Palace in the late 1950s, but its 2019 renovation was led by architectural firm AETER Architects and K-Studio.
I stayed here because: I’ve been lucky enough to shoot the hotel over the last few years. Usually around May, which is my favourite time to visit Greece.
My last visit was: May 2026.
What I loved about the room: The views across the property’s beaches and the Athens Riviera.
Amenities worth a mention: The food and beverages at the hotel are excellent. From their own seaside taverna to their Michelin restaurant, Pelagos, and the highly regarded cocktail bar, Avra. You don’t really need to leave.
It’s the details that count: The surrounding landscape and the hotel’s three private beaches are so thoughtfully considered.
Room service order: A Greek salad, of course.
Places nearby: Explore nearby Vouliagmeni and other local beaches. Have lunch at the local favourite Zaxos Grill.
The one thing I always return home with: Local honey and olive oil.
Galleries in the area: 10am Apotheke is a showroom of curated pieces from tableware to culinary items. A beautiful space to look around and only open on the weekends.
Dinner: Head into Athens’ city centre. I love sitting at the counter and either Pharaoh or Taverna Manari is perfect for this.
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