It marks the beginning and the end of summer each year, the first place that will come to mind as soon as soon as spring equinox arrives and the last in our minds as the autumn equinox passes. It’s the place to go to relax and decompress and the ideal setting for everything implied in Greek summer.
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It’s a meeting point, a place of companionship and communication as well as a place of fun – no matter how one defines fun. It’s the place to be whether you want to wash the signs of winter away in the sea or you want to practice the noble activity of sun collecting and recharging in the sun. The absolutely necessary ingredient for the perfect summer recipe is obviously the beach, and so, one must be extremely careful when choosing it. Unless the beach is nonpareil to begin with, in terms of natural beauty, services, aesthetics, comfort and safety. That is, unless the beach has managed to get beyond being a hot spot and has become a landmark, has become ingrained in the collective conscious as a beach “institution”.
Like Astir Beach, the emblematic beach on the Vouliagmeni promontory that was an international summer destination long before the Athenian Riviera became the popular, cosmopolitan destination for travelling, fun and wellness afficionados it is today. It’s very impressive to think that at Astir Beach you’re getting a glimpse of what Christina Onassis, Joan Collins and Brigid Bardot, among other celebrities, experienced in its glorious past, only in an updated, modern version that caters to your needs.
Already since the summer of 2021, Astir Beach became known as innovative in addition to cosmopolitan and emblematic, by implementing the electronic seat reservation (https://tickets.astir.gr) and fast track entrance for guests. A small but significant change that elevates the already exceptional seaside experience the place offers. Making the holistic approach to relaxation and recreation start before you even head to Astir Beach that received the Blue Flag award for the 23rd consecutive year. Having things made easier already from your home is definitely innovative, if not positively liberating.
Traditions are to be preserved but also enriched, so, at the Astir Ski Club, that first opened in 1966, on the most famous beach in Attica’s southern suburbs, that receives a Blue Flag award every year without fail, you can practice, train at or try new water sports, as well as get water ski lessons. Or you can relax your muscles after exercising at the Assai Seaside Spa that is literally by the sea.
And of course, you don’t need to exercise before enjoying a wellness treatment at the spa – the water ski and sports are strictly optional! But it wouldn’t be a full summer experience without the opportunity for some shopping within the grounds of Astir Beach. You can visit a range of stores, including Salt Water, MC2 Saint Barth, Vilebrequin, Dirty Laundry, Ma Chérie Beach, R, Summer Stores and Prime Timers. The options, like we’d like our summers to be, are endless.
There’s no real reason to not want to relive the experience of this beach again and again. The Platinum Card was created for those who want to have direct and unrestricted access both to the beach and the luxurious facilities of Astir Beach, but it’s not just that. The Platinum Membership also gives you access to the Members Lounge, also known as the most zen part of the beach, where the crowds are replaced by calm, relaxation and privacy.
In fact, Platinum Members can get to the lounge via a separate entrance through the hotel. However, even non-members have the option of the executive lounge – right next to the famous Zolotas beach – which is perfect for unforgettable days, right off the bucket list. And what would be the perfect end of a day spent at Astir Beach?
Nothing other than the wonderful sunset view from the Privilege Beach House, either while enjoying something from the menu prepared by the talented chef Nikos Thomas, or by sipping a cocktail from the list created by the award-winning team of Lost+Found at The Sky Lounge. Or both, as there’s no reason to choose at Astir Beach. This unique summer experience is meant to be enjoyed unapologetically whole, exactly as it is offered.