Blending Luxury and Social Responsibility: A Weekend in Athens
by Cat Preston
In November, our Project Manager, Emily, had the pleasure of spending a weekend in the sun-drenched city of Athens, soaking up all the capital has to offer.
Upon arrival, the group indulged in a rooftop dinner at the GB Roof Garden restaurant, located within the Grande Bretagne Hotel. Overlooking the iconic Acropolis, this meal set the tone for a luxurious weekend. Following dinner, the group settled down for the night in the Grande Bretagne Hotel, one of Greece’s most iconic luxury establishments. Built in 1842, this hotel is renowned for its lavish charm, rich history, and unrivalled location in the heart of the city on Syntagma Square. From this vantage point, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other historic landmarks.
The following morning, after breakfast, the group embarked on a series of site visits in Athens. Beginning at the Grande Bretagne, the group had the opportunity to explore the hotel’s stunning event spaces, including the luxury ballroom that can host up to 600 guests. The itinerary continued with a visit to the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art, a local gem that offers versatile event options, including dining experiences within the gallery, an outdoor terrace for al fresco events, and a state-of-the-art amphitheatre.
The afternoon kicked off with a CSR activity at the weekly local fruit and vegetable market, known as Varvakeios Agora. This vibrant hub of fresh produce and authentic Greek culture offers a unique experience, with vendors proudly displaying their goods and enticing passersby with samples. The group had a card of ingredients to collect and barter within a ten-euro budget. These ingredients were then donated to the Equal Society Charity to make soup for those in need.
Lunch was enjoyed at the award-winning Manh Manh restaurant. Located near the Acropolis Museum in a neoclassical building, this restaurant offers a gastronomic journey through the flavours of Laconian Mani. The group dined on a sharing menu of handcrafted pasta, fresh bread, meats, synglino, artisanal cheeses, and other flavours sourced weekly from Mani.
No visit to Athens would be complete without a trip to the Acropolis, one of the world’s most significant cultural landscapes.
The day concluded with dinner at Okra, a rooftop restaurant housed in one of Athens’ oldest neoclassical buildings. Here, guests can enjoy a contemporary take on Greek and Mediterranean dishes, accompanied by an award-winning wine list, all while overlooking the Acropolis.
The final day of the trip began with a private yacht charter on the Athens Riviera. The group enjoyed snacks and drinks onboard the luxury vessel as they sailed towards Glyfada, a stylish seaside suburb known for its cosmopolitan vibe, luxury offerings, and vibrant nightlife.
Site visits took place at Bungalow 7, a large restaurant and events venue situated right on the beachfront, and the modern conference space, Domus. These venues offer sea views from the conference rooms, a pool for cocktail receptions, a private beach and beach bar. The final site visit was at the luxurious private estate ‘Island Art & Taste’ on the Athens Riviera. This scenic enclave, composed of six characterful entertaining spaces, is defined by its sequence of charming gardens, dining terraces and lounge areas framed with Mediterranean flowers and the ocean.
