A wintry recharge at the Four Seasons Astir Palace /

Embrace the New Year with a fresh start and the opportunity to live life to the fullest, just like the Greeks. Begin 2023 with a revitalizing winter beach vacation at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, designed to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

The Greek capital may not be an obvious choice for the cooler months of the year, but world travelers in the know check into the city well before the summer rush to enjoy a bit of tranquility in this sophisticated, heritage-listed waterfront hideaway .

That’s not to say Athens is sleepy; On the contrary. Throughout the year there is always plenty to see and experience in this bustling city of just over five million inhabitants.

In response to a surge in demand, airlines are offering an ever-growing number of flight connections between major US and European cities and Athens. Nonstop flights from New York’s JFK airport to Athens will begin in early March 2023, making the bustling metropolis easier than ever to reach.

Old attractions without waiting

You don’t have to be a history or archeology buff to appreciate the age-old engineering feat of the fifth-century BC Parthenon. In winter, the queues to climb the steps to the Acropolis magically disappear. Admire the carefully preserved temples, gates and fortifications of this monumental complex. Take a moment to take in the soothing, panoramic view of the sprawling city from above.

Stroll through the sixth-century BC Ancient Agora, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Roman Agora, and gaze up at the towering columns that stand tall at the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The marble-built Panathenaic Stadium features athletes competing in the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896. Today, runners from all over the world who take part in the annual Athens Marathon in November experience the thrill of crossing the finish line and entering the stadium.

A modern masterpiece awaits at the Renzo Piano-designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, home to the Greek National Opera and National Library. Choose a weekday, when few visitors come, for an invigorating stroll among the olive trees, laurels and native aromatic herbs, such as wild rosemary, that adorn the formidable park.

Public-Free Museums

Stroll through Athens’ fabulous museums without the summer crowds. With a full calendar of permanent and guest exhibitions, there’s plenty of time to leisurely study a wealth of creative genius, both ancient and modern.

Don’t miss the National Gallery, which will reopen in 2021 after a $60 million renovation. With over 20,000 works of art, from paintings and sculptures to engravings and prints, this sanctuary for modern Greek art is a must-do. Read works by Domenicos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco, Yannis Tsarouchis and Konstantinos Parthenis, to name a few.

Through March 26, 2023, the Acropolis Museum is hosting Raiment of the Soul, an innovative exhibition of 70 traditional Greek costumes, most dating back to the 19th century and some worn by heroes of the Greek War of Independence, combining photography and embroidery.

In the Pireos St annex of the Benaki Museum, see Athens through the lens of renowned Greek photographer Elly Sougiultzoglou-Seraidari (1899-1998), better known as Nelly’s. From February 23 to July 23, 2023, there will be a retrospective exhibition of her extensive catalogue, including never-before-seen works.

Contemporary art enthusiasts should also visit cultural institutions such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), Onassis Stegi and the B&E Goulandris Foundation.

Commit to a healthy, fresh start

Before spring, make a commitment to a vital, more permanent life change, such as improving health and well-being. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is the right place to put new determination into practice.

Brush up on your tennis skills with an afternoon game on the hotel’s courts under the winter sun, while temperatures are considerably cooler than in summer. There are expert coaches on hand who can help fine-tune that backhand or volley.

Head to the on-site gym for an energizing early morning or afternoon strength workout using state-of-the-art TechnoGym equipment, or join a core workout or yoga class. Unwind with a holistic, Hippocratic-inspired signature treatment at the hotel’s spectacular spa.

You can also go for a morning or afternoon jog along the coast, under the palm trees along the sparkling Vouliagmeni Bay, and then go for a swim on one of the hotel’s private beaches. Local sea temperatures do not drop below 16C (60F) in winter.

Warmer waters can be found at nearby Vouliagmeni Lake, where mineral-rich thermal springs set amid picturesque rocky cliffs serve as the ideal recipe for tired muscles. During the coolest months of the year, the lake maintains a steady 22C (71F). Reminiscent of a lido on the Italian Riviera, the hidden lake is just half an hour’s walk or an eight-minute drive from the hotel.