Grivalia Hospitality: The new era of the southern suburbs
"The transformation of the Athenian Riviera and the emergence of a new identity": By Bart van de Winkel, Chief Asset Management Officer, Grivalia Hospitality
- 10/07/2025, 16:32
In recent years, the Southern Suburbs of Athens have been undergoing a significant transformation that extends beyond the urban landscape, impacting tourism, the daily lives of residents, and the emergence of a new identity for the Athenian Riviera.
An important role in this transition is played by Grivalia Hospitality, through sustainable investments in luxury tourism units, branded residences, and hybrid hospitality models. The company is not limited to property development; it actively contributes to the comprehensive redefinition of the area.
With a strong presence since 2015, Grivalia Hospitality has adopted a strategy that transcends mere real estate development. Its central goal is to elevate the Greek tourism product and establish the Southern Suburbs on the global map of luxury tourism by attracting top international brands and implementing high service standards.
With a decade of experience, the company has built a robust portfolio of luxury hospitality projects while also engaging in the acquisition of hotel properties and the execution of large-scale development ventures. Specifically, it has invested approximately €350 million in four major development projects over the past seven years, and in the last three years, it has opened four new hotels. Today, it boasts five ultra-luxury hotels in various locations in Greece, comprising a total of 294 rooms and 27 branded residences. Additionally, it is implementing two more large projects expected to add approximately 160 hotel rooms and additional branded residences within the next five years.
Iconic projects on the Athenian Riviera
The One&Only Aesthesis has established the model of branded private houses, merging the luxury hotel experience with high-value private residences. Simultaneously, the 91 Athens Riviera, a luxurious glamping and members club that opened in 2024, embodies the spirit of innovation. Inspired by the renowned national highway 91, which connects central Athens to the Riviera, it represents one of Greece’s most ambitious hybrid hospitality models.
The project features Luxents — luxury glamping accommodations that combine the comfort of a suite with the charm of a tent — as well as versatile spaces including swimming pools, dining areas, tennis courts, corporate meeting rooms, and a 24-hour spa and gym.
Unique gastronomic experiences and luxurious services
Grivalia Hospitality’s investments extend to the culinary sector. The company collaborates with top names in both international and Greek gastronomy, transforming its restaurants into standalone destinations of high culinary value. A notable example is “Ora by Ettore Botrini”, featuring the signature of the award-winning chef Ettore Botrini. This restaurant, located within the One&Only Aesthesis, offers an exceptional gastronomic experience based on a creative reinterpretation of Mediterranean cuisine. Additionally, “MANKO” impresses with its Peruvian cuisine and signature cocktails, combining exotic flavors with a Greek perspective in a lounge setting with a distinctive atmosphere. From mid-June, “Sumosan” will take over the Thimisi Bar, introducing a contemporary pop-up restaurant that immerses guests in a world of modern Japanese flavours.
Beyond gastronomy, Grivalia Hospitality offers a wide range of multifunctional and specialized services through its hotel units on the Athenian Riviera, catering to the needs of both guests and the broader community. In this context, the boating services allow visitors to explore the beautiful beaches and picturesque islands of the area through maritime activities. Simultaneously, the available spaces facilitate the organization of social and corporate events, providing ideal conditions for any occasion.
In June, a Shopping Gallery featuring pop-up stores and international brands such as Maison Zoulias, Linda Farrow, ERES, and Juan de Dios will open in the vicinity of MANKO, along with a Cigar Bar and a Champagne Bar, offering even more options for a comprehensive experience.
The beach of MANKO remains open to the public, with an automated reservation system via the “plazz” app. Here, visitors can enjoy a specially crafted beach menu with signature cocktails, complemented by music that creates a relaxed atmosphere. Every Sunday, MANKO’s deck transforms into a DJ set from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, providing unique moments of entertainment and leisure in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.
Sustainability as the key to sustainable development on the Athenian Riviera
Grivalia Hospitality is actively committed to sustainable development, integrating this philosophy into all its investments in the Athenian Riviera. The One&Only Aesthesis applies modern principles of green architecture, utilizing renewable energy sources and systems for water, energy, and waste conservation. Promoting local products and services strengthens the local economy and highlights the company’s commitment to supporting Greek producers.
Moreover, staff are trained in environmentally responsible practices, such as waste management and plastic reduction. Special emphasis is placed on the maintenance and restoration of natural ecosystems around the properties, with the MANKO project adopting bioclimatic management and marine botany to safeguard the coastal zone. Through these initiatives, Grivalia Hospitality reinforces its vision of creating sustainable tourism, positioning the Athenian Riviera as a model of responsible hospitality and shaping the future of the region.
Through significant investments, international collaborations, and sustainable practices, projects like the 91 Athens Riviera and the One&Only Aesthesis combine luxury with innovation and local tradition, granting a new identity to the Southern Suburbs. The future appears even more ambitious, with new projects and collaborations on the horizon.
Published in “White Paper: The Big Business of the South”, NouPou Media’s special edition spotlighting the current landscape and future prospects of the Athens Riviera.