Milestones

Dimitrios Xarisiadis
Beach Vouliagmenis Asteras
March 1962
© Archives of the Benaki Museum

1954

The Astir Hotel & Tourism Enterprise is founded, envisioning the establishment of an emblematic hotel complex with international appeal. The development plan includes beach facilities for 3,000 visitors per day, 60 luxurious cabanas, a 150-room hotel, and a dance hall. The acknowledged architect Kostas Voutsinas is appointed to bring the vision to life.

Astir Beach opens its doors to the public. Minimally designed before the term was coined, the beach is perfect in its simplicity and elegance. White changing rooms, striped beach umbrellas and big triangular sailcloth canopies provide an ideal environment for beach-goers who want to swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the amenities on offer. Naturally, the beach quickly becomes a meeting point for the Athenian elite. Astir is born.

1960

Dimitrios Xarisiadis
Beach Vouliagmenis Asteras
March 1962
© Archives of the Benaki Museu

Dimitrios Xarisiadis
Beach “Asteras”
Laimos Vouliagmenis, August 1961
© Archives of the Benaki Museum

1961

The first cabanas and the Club House restaurant – the current home of the iconic Nobu Matsuhisa – are ready to host their selected guests.
Arranged in groups of 3-9 units, the cabanas’ design follows the natural contour lines and blends in with the landscape in harmony. The cabanas become an immediate hit with prominent figures and influential people who stay there throughout the summer season, combining business and pleasure. The international jet set is attracted as well, and Astir becomes an iconic meeting point for leaders and stars.

As more and more people seek the tranquility of the peninsula, the first hotel is introduced; the luxurious and aristocratic Arion. The hotel is built on a saddle beneath the pine-dotted hill, with spectacular sea view rooms. Nearly all items – from the armchairs and office furniture to the leather key rings for the hotel room keys– are designed by the distinguished architectural team of the building, Vourekas, Georgiadis and Dekavallas.

1967

Open Terrace, Arion

Entrance Gate – Architectural Landmark, Nafsika

1980

Nafsika, with its iconic architecture, opens its doors in 1979. A world-renowned hotspot for businessmen, journalists, artists, film stars and political leaders such as François Mitterrand, Richard Nixon, Yasser Arafat, Nelson Mandela and Margaret Thatcher.
The two hotels accommodate illustrious figures such as Aristotle Onassis with Jackie Kennedy, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, the Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev, Hollywood stars Jane Fonda, Paul Newman, John Wayne, Telly Savalas, Sharon Stone and Anthony Quinn, The Beatles and the racing driver Ayrton Senna.

Aphrodite, the quieter and family-oriented hotel in the complex of Astir, is introduced to cater families and visitors looking for a quiet and peaceful escape. Fully integrated in the landscape and painted in earth tones, Aphrodite offers guests some of the best views in the entire complex. The project has the signature of four experienced and distinguished architects: D. Antonakakis, V. Bogakos, G. Nikoletopoulos and N. Hadjimichalis.

1984

Air Photography, Afroditi

Lobby, The Westin Athens

2006

Astir’s legacy, coupled with its majestic location, ensures the hotel’s international appeal and attracts foreign investors. In June 2006, Starwood undertakes the management of the hotels, named Arion Luxury Collection and Westin Nafsika. Astir enhances its position in the global hospitality market, entering a new era.

Home of the world famous Nobu cuisine, the restaurant Matsuhisa Athens puts the lean and modest power of Japanese culture and the charm of fusion philosophy on the gastronomic map of Athens.
Designed by the famous Rockwell Group from New York, Matsuhisa Athens, with its minimal and organic design, lends itself beautifully to its natural surroundings. With magnificent views overlooking the Saronic Gulf, it offers majestic sunsets and unique fine dining experiences.

2008

Terrace, Matsuhisa Athens

General View, Astir Beach

2009

Astir Beach is renovated with the architectural firm of Zeppos – Georgiadi and Associates in charge.

Astir undertakes the management of Vouliagmeni’s marina, well-known today as Astir Marina.

2013

Air Photography, Astir Marina

Vouliagmeni Peninsula
Air Photography

2016

The company is acquired by Jermyn Street Real Estate Fund IV LP, whose investors comprise two sovereign state funds from Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, other Arab investors, and the Turkish Dogus Group.Astir Beach is renovated with the architectural firm of Zeppos – Georgiadi and Associates in charge.

Astir Palace Vouliagmenis S.A. and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announce plans to bring the first Four Seasons hotel to Greece, on the Astir peninsula.

2017

Vouliagmeni Cape
Air Photography

2019

Following a total renovation and upgrade the new hotel will debut as Four Seasons Astir Hotel Athens in March 2019. By summer 2019 Astir Beach will have undergone a complete renovation, introducing new facilities and advanced services, with the aim to enrich its iconic character and set new standards. The upgrade of the Astir Marina constitutes another major pillar of the property’s redevelopment and will elevate its position in line with other landmark marinas in the wider Mediterranean region. The plan also includes the development of up to 13 seafront luxury private villas completing the evolution of the destination.

In 2018, guests enjoy a glimpse of what they will fully experience in 2019 with the upgraded concept of Astir Beach and Matsuhisa Athens. The beach is fully operational, offering additional services, whilst the renovated Matsuhisa Athens opens its doors with the launch of the new infinity bar UMI.
Following a total renovation and upgrade, the new hotel will debut as Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens in March 2019. By summer 2019, Astir Beach will have undergone a complete renovation, introducing new facilities and advanced services, with the aim to enrich its iconic character and set new standards. The upgrade of Astir Marina constitutes another major pillar of the property’s redevelopment and will elevate its position, in line with other landmark marinas in the wider Mediterranean region. The plan also includes the development of up to 13 seafront luxury private villas, completing the evolution of the destination.