Kerzner International Holdings Limited the owner of the ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts and iconic Atlantis Resort & Residences brands worldwide, has entered into a resort management agreement with Grivalia Hospitality S.A. for One&Only Aesthesis to be developed in Athens. The 52-acre (21-hectare) beachfront estate, within a 15-acre (six-hectare) forest reserve, responds to demand for additional One&Only experiences in Europe following the recent opening of One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro and the development of One&Only Kea Island in Greece, accelerating the strategic growth of the One&Only portfolio. Tucked away in a legendary hideaway on the dramatic Glyfada seafront, glamour will return to this fabled location, with a bacchanalian celebration of Athens through One&Only’s ultra-luxury lifestyle experience.
“At One&Only, we want every resort to celebrate the destination,” said Hakan Ozkasikci, SVP, technical services and design, Kerzner International. “One&Only Aesthesis is designed as a space to make new lasting memories and resonate in the nostalgic heartstrings of the local Grecians and new guests alike. Athens is such a special place, truly at the crossroads of history, and the playfulness and glamour of the Riviera. Our aim was to interpret the sophistication and rich heritage of the site, while remaining true to One&Only with a brave and provocative design yet honoring the location and the core Greek architectural foundations on which the buildings were originally built.”
The resort is close to the vibrant metropolis, surrounded by endless blues and glistening islands dotting the horizon. A true paradise embodying Grecian heritage and authentic Athenian allure, the resort will be the perfect sanctuary, honoring the cosmopolitan sophistication of the 60s and 70s.
“Across the collection, we create resorts that seamlessly blend into their environment. As such, we take inspiration from the surrounding terrain, taking time to understand how the destination has truly influenced the present buildings and how we can continue the design narrative. We try to ‘listen with our eyes’ to understand the story, and it is only once we comprehend how the buildings have come to be, that we start to sensitively weave in the signature One&Only design elements that our guests have come to know and love,” Ozkasikci said.
Remaining true to the One&Only brand promise, the resort will celebrate the legendary Athenian Riviera while providing stunning, intuitive design. A playful return to nature, the resort is inspired by the azure waters and the incredible natural surroundings, providing a modern Greek elegance, yet showcasing powerful elements dominant in Greek mythology like fire and water, carved from a palette of natural stone and timber. The resort will become a haven of independent spirit, where sea meets land, providing the allure of adventure, reigniting the charm of years gone by with thoughtfully curated experiences. As with all One&Only properties, the resort will offer innovative programming for families with children whilst carefully preserving space for adults only as well.
“One&Only Aesthesis is a celebration of life. A place where fire meets water, and winding forests welcome exploration. The resort is wrapped in ancient mythology, and it is this story that the design tells. Carved out of native stone, chic spaces respect and coexist with the natural surroundings. Inspired by ancient Greek elements—they are filled with light— drawing on the fragrant air and beyond, evoking the feeling that the resort exists on its own private island,” Ozkasikci said.
Home to a pulsating life and energy, entertainment is at the heart of every One&Only. Destined to become a culinary destination, each experience will be defined by a distinct ethos, energy, design and flavor bringing Greece to life through all senses. Located on 5,250 ft. (1,600 metres) of seafront, the resort will offer an iconic yet nostalgia-drenched beach club, providing an ultra-luxury, chic location from sunrise to sunset, and beyond, for guests and residents alike.
Like all properties within the One&Only collection, One&Only Aesthesis will place an emphasis on privacy, the ultimate hideaway, with the majority of accommodation being secluded villas with private pools, perfect for couples or families. Villa One will also be introduced.
“To offer the expansive spaces that our resorts are renowned for, we chose to extend the grounds, both at the entrance of the resort and within the guest accommodations,” Ozkasikci said. “Ceiling height has been raised to create a greater sense of space, a key defining factor in the One&Only design aesthetic. Careful planning of lighting and reflective surfaces, inclined overhangs that mirror the ripple of the pools, all form part of the design story.”
Following an exclusive global partnership with leading health and wellness expert brand Chenot, the resort will be home to Chenot Spa, with tailored programs and pioneering treatments scientifically designed to enhance guests’ vitality and optimum health, all year round. Setting new standards for resort well-being, the partnership provides state-of-the-art, science-based treatments together with the extraordinary level of luxury and service that One&Only is renowned for. A cutting-edge fitness center—featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces will also be part of the overall lifestyle offering.
One&Only was created exclusively for the ultra-luxury market and conceived as a hallmark of excellence. With the continued evolution of the One&Only portfolio, this new resort will complement the existing award-winning resort collection, set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. From awe-inspiring natural landscapes to state-of-the-art facilities for sports, wellness, art, culinary and more, One&Only Aesthesis will elevate this iconic Riviera and return the glamour and style as the ultimate next generation destination.
“One&Only Aesthesis presents an opportunity for guests to enjoy the vibrancy of Athens and experience the best of the Athenian Riviera,” Ozkasikci said. “The hum of the city is on our doorstep, however, lapped by the sea and encircled by protected forest, the resort will allow guests to retreat in comfort and peace. Every aspect of the guest journey has been considered to present an archeological environment that tells the story of the past. Each season will depict a different chapter of the resort’s history, and guests will want to return time and again to hear it told throughout the year.”
