Nestled in the Athenian suburbs, cradled by an azul shoreline and glistening white boats and yachts lies Ace Hotel & Swim Club. A newer addition amongst its siblings around the world and still retaining its sleek, vintage furnishings, some actually restored from the 50s in some rooms.
With its rooftop bar just opening to the public, this new space is leading to be a top destination for music, art and wellness, welcoming people of all corners to lounge by the sun-soaked pool, relax in the spa or enjoy a roster or local and international DJ talent as the nights transform the pool space to a dance floor that’s open to all, not just hotel guests. As we were graciously invited to join in on the festivities, we enjoyed fresh food from their in-house contemporary French-American restaurant Sebastian as well as took part in their art workshop during the Wednesday club night, learning how to make mosaics the Greek way from a mosaic artist who had created artworks for the hotel.
When escaping the dry July heat to retire to your quarters, the rooms are found to be effortlessly chic. The bedding and walls are a subtle tone that’s easy on the eye, with quirky, Greek artwork dotted around the room. Dark marble and wood sit nicely together with the bathroom being invitingly modern and fresh. The use of wood for coffee and bedside tables are understated, with the retro-style radio a nice touch if you fancy listening to what the Greeks are enjoying right now. The beds are huge with cloud-like pillows and snow-white sheets, ready to envelop sunkissed skin after a long day of lying in the sun or enjoying fresh sushi from their Japanese rooftop restaurant.
Like their other hotels, Ace Hotel Athens & Swim Club leads on eco-consciousness not just with their vintage furniture but also making note that bedding and towels are changed every few days and not every day, as well as using wooden key cards. The hotel makes a note to establish that their produce and wine is locally sourced.
The highlight at the hotel was their unique music and arts celebration that launched on June 18th, and will continue monthly until September. Heading the program is Odyssey and some musical highlights feature performances by Ross From Friends presents Bubble Love, Damian Lazarus, Horse Meat Disco, and Midland. London-based She’s Lost Control curates Odyssey’s new age wellness experiences from Tree Carr, Jade Shaw, and Valentina Olper, while art workshops complete the lineup.
Odyssey will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, programmed in partnership with Plisskën, Athens’ premiere concert promoter. Access is complimentary for hotel guests, and tickets can be purchased for locals and visitors.
Plisskën will also relocate their Sunday afternoon rave EDEN to the hotel for the season. The series is a cultural force in the Greek clubbing landscape, fueling its committed dance floor with top-tier talent. EDEN will see acts including Hunee, Avalon Emerson, Ame (DJ) and Lindstrom alight on Ace Athens on the last Sunday of each month throughout the summer.
Besides Odyssey and EDEN, Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens is also hosting FIXED on Friday, July 18. This long-standing New York City event will feature JDH, beewack, and special guests on the hotel’s decks for an evening party and night swim. No ticket required.
Saturdays will feature residencies throughout the season. Stegi.Radio will present their lineup of DJs weekly at the Swim Club from 12:00–17:00, before the party transitions to the Lobby from 18:00–01:00. The weekend will conclude with Sunday Service, featuring DJs poolside on Sundays from 12:00–17:00.
Below is the programme for the rest of the summer:
Wednesday 20 August || Odyssey ft. Horse Meat Disco, Ellie Stokes || Tickets
Sunday 31 August || Eden ft. Hunee || Tickets
Wednesday 17 September || Odyssey ft. Midland, Enrica Falqui || Tickets
Sunday 28 September || Eden ft. Avalon Emerson, Jay Jay || Tickets
Tickets for Eden & Odyssey are available here.
For all other regular programming, including the weekly residencies, entry is free with purchase of a Swim Club day pass, or via RSVP where noted.
