Writer Yanar Alkayat travelled to Athens for a break steeped in history that was best enjoyed on foot…
Long before wellness became an industry, the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, had developed the concept of eudaimonia – the pursuit of a harmonious, flourishing life. He believed that true wellbeing nurtured not just the body but the intellect and emotions, too. It’s a philosophy I found myself embracing during my four-day wellness trip to Athens, as I delved into ancient history, stayed active and pampered myself with modern-day self-care.
The city stay
Staying at The Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection, made exploring Athens effortless. The stylish, 60-room boutique hotel sits in the very centre of town, which allowed me to discover all its interesting corners by foot – perfect for getting your steps in. The entrance sets the tone with a lavish-looking all-day bar on the left and contemporary banquette seating on the right. The glamorous gold, black and green decor is given a local touch with quotes by Greek philosophers adorning the walls. ‘I am not an Athenian or Greek, but a citizen of the world,’ by Socrates, proudly graces the entrance.
With just nine rooms per floor, there’s no endless maze of corridors. I stayed in a Deluxe room overlooking the main entrance street, designed with a continuation of chic monochrome and modern wall fixtures replacing the usually-stuffy hotel furniture. The standout feature was the luxurious walk-in shower with matt gold taps and marble floor, complete with a floor-to-ceiling digital window that turns opaque at the touch of a button – both practical and a showpiece.
Breakfast featured an impressive selection of freshly-made dishes, pastries and sweets, along with made-to-order hot options. Dietary requirements were well accommodated and the elegant mustard-yellow and green decor in the dining area felt both uplifting and relaxing. The Academias Hotel is a mid-range city stay that offers a warm and friendly five-star experience, without the impersonal feel of a corporate chain. Attentive staff ensured every part of our stay was looked after, from insider travel advice to recommending the city’s best rooftop bars, including the hotel’s own Japanese-fusion restaurant with 360° views of the city.
The wind down
I kickstarted my Athens mini break in the Orloff Spa at Academius Wellness Center – a choice well made. Tucked away in the lower-ground floor, the spa may be compact but it has everything you need to feel cocooned from the outside world: a heated 24 sq m pool and sauna, 24-hour gym equipped with impressive Technogym machines, two spa rooms and a comprehensive spa menu of 26 treatments from three spa brands, Valmont, Cinq Mondes and Greek Touch. The modern, slimline pool includes four lounge beds overlooking a huge projector screen playing films above the water. The action movie playing during my visit was an unexpected contrast to the otherwise soothing spa experience, but other guests seemed to enjoy the cinematic touch.
I was offered two treatments at Orloff Spa – the Ko-Bi-Do Anti-Ageing Facial (80 minutes) and Harmonia Full Body Massage (60 minutes). The facial, inspired by traditional and modern Japanese techniques, is renowned for its lifting and rejuvenating effects. Across five stages, my therapist used a combination of rhythmic and lifting strokes, tapping, a jade roller and acupressure to stimulate energy flow, boost circulation and release tension – just what I needed after a day of travel.
The massage extended to the neck and upper chest for lymphatic drainage, enhancing its restorative benefits. With botanical-rich products adding to the sensory experience, the result was both deeply relaxing and visibly refreshing.
The Harmonia massage was more of a personalised treatment rooted in Swedish massage techniques, using long strokes and kneading to ease tension, the soothing effects enhanced with an echinacea, macadamia and apricot oil. The therapist adapted the experience to target areas of built-up stress, particularly in my back and shoulders. I stepped out of the treatment room, my muscles looser, body lighter and mind calmer.
The sights
It almost goes without saying that Athens has plenty to offer in the way of sights – the city is like a living museum where ancient landmarks blend with modern life. Walking around I couldn’t help but wonder how these centuries-old structures are still standing strong. It’s so impressive!
The Acropolis, with the iconic Parthenon standing proudly on top, was undoubtedly the star of my trip. Visiting over the new year meant fewer crowds than peak season; it was also much cooler but still beautifully sunny. I took advantage of the offer that runs from November 1 to March 31, granting free entry on the first Sunday of every month to all archaeological sites, museums and monuments in Athens – part of the Greek Ministry of Culture’s efforts to promote the country’s cultural heritage.
For a free panoramic view of Athens, you can take a gentle hike up one of the city’s three hills: Strefi, Skouze or Lycabettus. I chose the latter, Athens’ highest point, for a scenic trail winding through a large cactus grove. I timed my ascent for sunset and was rewarded with stunning views across the city – highly recommended for your itinerary.
Breaking the cliché that museums are dull, the Acropolis Museum is a must-visit – not just for the journey through time, but for its striking modern architecture. With glass floors and facades, concrete and marble, the design beautifully reflects its ancient collections. Standing just 300m from the Parthenon, its top floor impressively mirrors the temple itself – though shamefully many of the original sculptures remain in the British Museum. Beneath the museum, an excavated archaeological site is preserved and seamlessly integrated into the building, bridging the past and present in an immersive way.
The Vegan scene
As a foodie and vegan, I’m often apprehensive about eating out in European countries but Athens exceeded my expectations – leaving me spoilt for choice. Avocado Athens (avocadoathens.com) has rightfully earned its place as one of the city’s top spots for natural, local and organic vegan food. Centrally located, this warm café-style eatery boasts a packed menu featuring both classic and innovative dishes, house-baked breads and cakes, plus an impressive selection of juices and smoothies. Also in the city centre is Avit (avit.gr), an Instagram-friendly go-to spot for specialty coffee and plant-based dishes like bao buns, avo on toast and tofu-based big breakfasts. Portions were generous, and the vegan cinnamon bun was the most squidgy and delicious one I’ve ever had.
In the edgy district of Exarcheia, there were clusters of vegan hangouts among cool independent bars tucked into narrow hilly alleys. One standout was Magic Kitchen (magickitchenathens.com), a late-night spot run by locals, migrants and marginalised communities, serving tasty Turkish-inspired street food. Other must-visit places in the area include Cookoomela, Falafelo, Filomila and Bamboo Vegan – good reasons to return to Athens!
After a leisurely stroll through Athens National Park, admiring the diverse plant life, birds and animals, I headed to Veganaki for lunch. The menu offers vegan takes on traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka and pastitsio, and along with a glass of wine and delicious plant-based desserts, it was another culinary hit.
