12 hours at One&Only Aesthesis
There are days when what you need in order to feel as if you are on vacation is not a suitcase or a ticket; rather, a destination that knows how to take you out of the rhythm of the city. At One&Only Aesthesis, in the heart of the Athens Riviera, the day flows differently: more slowly, more beautifully, almost like a scene from a movie. From the first dips to the evening cocktails by the sea, everything at this resort seems to be there to make you stay a little longer than you expected
Cool dives at Manko beach
The ideal start is at Manko beach. Barefoot steps on the warm sand, an ice-cold drink, and that first dip that instantly relaxes the body. The cosmopolitan beach vibe, oversized umbrellas and private cabanas create a high class resort setting that instantly transports you far away from Athens. The first thing I notice here is that no one is in a hurry. You can spend hours between dips, music and small delicious stops for food by the water.
Premium shopping with a resort feel
Right after a swim, a stroll through Manko District becomes a small resort ritual: not hurried shopping, but a curated experience of fashion, design and aesthetics. At
Maison Zoulias, polka dots, florals and retro silhouettes carry forward the glamorous 60s aura of One&Only Aesthesis. Kooreloo’s handmade bags bring a contemporary,
playful take on Greek timelessness, while at Eponymo, international fashion brands meet the elevated spirit of the resort. The Greek Designers Store acts as a hub for leading Greek creatives, with resortwear, accessories and design objects; KAMYEN, in the house’s first standalone boutique in Europe, introduces a universe of precious stones, hand made enamel and sculptural forms, feeling more like an artspace than a classic jewelry store. At NEO Boutique, independent international labels and Greek creations complete the experience with pieces of distinctive identity.
After-shopping rituals at the new Terrazza Campari
And as the day leans into its golden light, the rooftop of One&Only Aesthesis welcomes the first Terrazza Campari in Greece. In collaboration with the iconic Italian aperitif, the Athenian Riviera gains a new aperitivo destination, where Campari’s signature red, carefully crafted serves, cocktails and aperitivo pairings meet the view, the sunset and effortless Mediterranean elegance.
A wellness ritual at Guerlain Spa
The time has come for even more me time. The first Guerlain Spa in Greece is a place of absolute decompression. From tailor-made treatments that meet your every need to signature therapies inspired by the French know-how, everything here is designed to make you forget about the outside world for a while. The scents, the sounds, the textures, the light that subtly enters the venue – everything has been carefully thought out. Perhaps this is ultimately the greatest luxury: the feeling that someone has taken
care of every detail before you, for you.
The most delicious side of the Riviera
After several hours spent in the sea, the walks, the fashion corners and indulgent spa treatments, a stop for food is essential, especially as it involves tasting the culinary choices available here.
At Ora by Ettore Botrini, Mediterranean cuisine acquires a modern look through dishes that combine Greek and Italian influences with simplicity and creativity. The menu is based on seasonality and clean flavors, while the all-day concept of the venue starts from lunch and ends with a refined dinner by the sea.
Sumosan, on the other hand, brings to the Athens Riviera the modern Japanese gastronomy that is hard to find in Athens. Sushi, sashimi, crispy textures, strong umami flavors and signature dishes such as black cod with miso or sashimi taquitos are served next to the resort’s pool. You quickly understand why Sumosan has gained a fanatical audience in every city where it is hosted.
A little further away, Manko, brings Peruvian cuisine to the Athens Riviera through flavors that combine fusion elements. The menu is full of intensity, freshness, special spices and strong contrasts of flavors that balance between Peruvian tradition and refined cosmopolitan gastronomy. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, DJ sets pick up the tempo and Manko takes on the energy of a real beach party spot.
By nightfall, I had already forgotten that I was still in the city. As I left, I knew that One&Only Aesthesis is an all-around experience – an experience that makes you come back again and again.
Published in “White Paper: The Greater Riviera”, NouPou Media’s special edition spotlighting the future of coastal Attica.