DIVANI APOLLON PALACE & THALASSO
A grand dame of the Athenian Riviera
After almost twenty-four hours of travel from Sydney, there are few things more welcome than the sight of the Aegean Sea.
As our taxi wound its way along the coastal road from Athens International Airport towards Vouliagmeni, the city slowly gave way to a different side of Greece. Palm-lined boulevards replaced ancient ruins. White yachts bobbed gently in sheltered marinas. Elegant waterfront homes peered out from behind pine trees. The frenetic energy of Athens seemed to disappear entirely.
This is the Athenian Riviera.
Stretching along the Saronic Gulf from the southern suburbs of Athens to Cape Sounion, the Riviera has long been the playground of affluent Athenians, shipping magnates and international visitors seeking a quieter, more sophisticated introduction to Greece. Yet despite its growing popularity, it remains surprisingly under-appreciated by international travellers who often rush straight through Athens on their way to the islands.
For those willing to linger, however, the Riviera offers a glimpse into a more refined side of Greece. One where long lunches drift into sunset cocktails, where beach clubs sit beside hidden coves, and where life revolves around the sea.
At the heart of it all sits Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.
Occupying one of the most enviable stretches of coastline in Vouliagmeni, Divani is something of an institution. Opened in 1975 and still regarded as one of the flagship luxury properties of the Athenian Riviera, the hotel has welcomed everyone from international dignitaries and celebrities to generations of Greek families returning year after year. Unlike many newer luxury hotels, Divani possesses a sense of permanence and nostalgia. It feels woven into the fabric of the Riviera itself rather than simply occupying a piece of it.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
There is something wonderfully old-world about arriving at Divani.
The grand marble lobby, the sweeping sea views and the gentle rhythm of guests lingering over coffees on sun-drenched terraces all evoke a style of Mediterranean travel that feels increasingly rare today.
While many luxury hotels have embraced minimalist design and muted palettes, Divani celebrates classic glamour. Polished marble floors, oversized windows framing uninterrupted sea views and elegant lounges create an atmosphere that feels timeless rather than trendy.
Stepping onto our balcony for the first time, the exhaustion of travel immediately melted away.
Below us, the Saronic Gulf shimmered in shades of turquoise and sapphire. Fishing boats drifted across the horizon. The scent of salt air carried through the open doors. It was one of those moments that marks the true beginning of a holiday.
THE ATHENIAN RIVIERA
One of Divani's greatest strengths is undoubtedly its location.
Vouliagmeni is arguably the Riviera's most exclusive enclave. Often compared to the French Riviera or Italy's Portofino, it combines natural beauty with understated luxury. Pine forests meet crystal-clear waters. Stylish beach clubs sit alongside traditional tavernas. Luxury boutiques neighbour family-run bakeries.
Just minutes from the hotel lies the famous Lake Vouliagmeni, a naturally heated thermal lake hidden amongst limestone cliffs. Nearby, you'll find some of Athens' most celebrated waterfront restaurants, beach clubs and marinas.
Yet despite feeling worlds away from the city, Athens itself remains only a short drive away. This unique combination allows visitors to experience both the cultural richness of Athens and the relaxed coastal lifestyle of the Riviera without compromising on either.
For us, arriving with a toddler and several weeks of European travel ahead, it was the perfect way to ease into Greece.
WHY WE CHOSE DIVANI
Whenever we travel to Greece, there's always a temptation to head straight for the islands. But after almost twenty-four hours in transit from Sydney with a toddler in tow, we knew we wanted something different this time.
Rather than rushing through Athens, navigating ferry schedules and jumping immediately into the next leg of our journey, we wanted a few days to slow down and properly arrive. The Athenian Riviera felt like the perfect solution.
Close enough to the airport to make arrival seamless, yet far enough removed from the city to feel like a genuine holiday destination, it offered exactly what we were looking for: sunshine, sea air and the opportunity to settle into Greek life before continuing on to Naxos and later Puglia.
Divani stood out immediately.
Its beachfront location, resort-style facilities and reputation as one of the Riviera's most established luxury hotels made it an easy choice. Looking back, those few days spent recovering from jet lag, swimming in the Aegean and enjoying slow mornings overlooking the water ended up being some of the most restorative days of our entire trip.
THE DIVANI EXPERIENCE
What separates Divani from many luxury hotels is that it genuinely feels like a resort.
The property unfolds across an expansive waterfront site, offering multiple pools, private beach access, restaurants, bars and wellness facilities. There is an effortless rhythm to life here. Mornings begin with breakfast overlooking the sea. Afternoons drift between the pools and beach. Evenings are spent watching the sunset turn the water gold.
One of our favourite rituals quickly became the walk through the private underpass connecting the hotel to Apollon Beach.
Sheltered from the busier public beaches of the Riviera, the beach offers calm, clear water ideal for families and long afternoons spent swimming in the Aegean. Alfie was in his absolute element, endlessly fascinated by the pebbled shoreline and gentle waves.
The outdoor pools are equally impressive, particularly the main seawater pool overlooking the gulf. Framed by rows of sun loungers and uninterrupted sea views, it captures everything one imagines when dreaming of a Mediterranean summer.
DINNER AT ATLANTIS LOUNGE & TERRACE
One of our favourite evenings during our stay was spent at Atlantis Lounge & Terrace.
As the sun began to set, we settled into a table overlooking the water, watching the Riviera transition from day to night. The atmosphere felt effortlessly elegant - relaxed enough for families yet sophisticated enough to feel special.
While Atlantis offers an extensive menu of Mediterranean and international dishes, we opted for sushi and shared plates, which felt perfectly suited to a warm summer evening overlooking the coast.
Fresh sashimi, delicate nigiri and beautifully presented rolls arrived one after another as the sky shifted through shades of gold, blush and deep blue. Paired with a crisp glass of wine and uninterrupted sea views, it was one of those dinners where the setting becomes just as memorable as the food itself.
As darkness settled across the bay and the lights of the Riviera began to twinkle along the shoreline, we found ourselves lingering long after dinner had finished.
It was the kind of evening that perfectly encapsulated everything we loved about our stay at Divani - unhurried, beautiful and deeply connected to the sea.
THALASSOTHERAPY & WELLNESS
While the sea forms the heart of the Divani experience, wellness has long been its soul.
The hotel's renowned Thalasso Centre remains one of the largest and most respected thalassotherapy facilities in Europe. Drawing on the therapeutic properties of seawater, the spa combines hydrotherapy pools, specialised treatments and wellness programmes designed to promote relaxation and restoration.
Spanning over 3,500 square metres, the facility has become a destination in its own right, attracting visitors from across Europe seeking its signature treatments and seawater therapies.
Even if you never step inside the treatment rooms, there is something inherently restorative about the entire property. The sound of the sea, the slower pace and the abundance of natural light create a sense of calm that lingers long after checkout.
OUR ROOM
Our sea-view room quickly became one of my favourite spaces within the hotel.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed uninterrupted views across the gulf, while the private balcony became our morning coffee spot and evening aperitivo destination.
There is a particular kind of luxury that comes not from extravagant design but from allowing the landscape to take centre stage. Divani understands this well. The rooms feel comfortable and understated, allowing the Riviera itself to become the focal point.
Each morning we woke to the sight of the sun rising over the water, casting a golden glow across the bay. It was the sort of view that makes you slow down, linger a little longer and forget entirely about the emails waiting back home.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE SEA
More than anything else, what I will remember about Divani is the sea. The endless shades of blue. The gentle rhythm of boats moving across the horizon. The way the light changed throughout the day, transforming the gulf from brilliant turquoise to deep sapphire.
There are hotels that impress you with their design. Others with their service. Some with their amenities. Divani's greatest luxury is its connection to the water. For travellers arriving in Greece, it offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to truly exhale. To slow down. To settle into Mediterranean life before the islands, ferries and adventures begin. And after twenty-four hours of travel from Sydney, that was exactly what we needed.
WHAT TO KNOW
LOCATION: Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is located in Vouliagmeni, one of the most prestigious suburbs along the Athenian Riviera. The hotel sits directly on the waterfront overlooking the Saronic Gulf and is approximately 25 minutes from Athens International Airport and 30 minutes from Athens' historic centre.
BEST FOR: Couples seeking a relaxing start or finish to a Greek itinerary, families travelling with young children, wellness-focused travellers and anyone wanting to experience the Athenian Riviera without sacrificing access to Athens.
HOW LONG TO STAY: I would recommend a minimum of two nights, although three to four nights allows enough time to properly experience both the Riviera and Athens. If you're travelling onward to the Greek Islands, Divani makes an ideal first stop to recover from jet lag and settle into a slower Mediterranean pace.
ROOM RECOMMENDATION: If your budget allows, book a sea-view room. Waking up to uninterrupted views across the Saronic Gulf is one of the highlights of staying at Divani and transforms the entire experience.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: May through October offers warm temperatures and long days by the sea. We visited at the beginning of the European summer season and found it to be the perfect balance of sunshine, comfortable temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere before peak season crowds arrive.
FAMILY FRIENDLY: Absolutely. One of the things we appreciated most about Divani was how easy it felt travelling with Alfie. The spacious grounds, calm swimming areas, beach access and relaxed resort atmosphere made it particularly well suited to families with young children.
Visit https://divaniapollonhotel.com/ to check their availability or visit their Instagram page, @divaniapollonthalasso.
I was hosted as a guest of Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.