General Manager of One&Only Aesthesis, Yann Gillet, redefines the standards of luxury hospitality by offering guests an unparalleled blend of opulence and authentic Greek charm, set against the stunning backdrop of the Aegean Sea.
In this exclusive interview, Yann Gillet, General Manager of One&Only Aesthesis, shares insights on the unique elements and vision that distinguish this luxurious resort on the Athenian Riviera. He discusses the resort’s dedication to sustainability, the exceptional culinary experiences, personalized guest services, and the enchanting qualities of Athens that inspire his leadership.
One&Only resorts are renowned for their luxurious experiences. What unique elements and vision will One&Only Aesthesis bring to the Athenian Riviera that distinguish it from other luxury resorts globally?
The design of the resort is inspired by the nostalgic glamour of the 60s and the 70s that was prevalent in Glyfada. This unique art of living philosophy has dictated the concept and approach of One&Only Aesthesis, making it one-ofa-kind, since it’s something that you can only find here. At One&Only Aesthesis, we believe that modern luxury manifests itself through a heightened focus on craftsmanship, quality, and exclusivity. Consumers today desire products and services of the highest quality, crafted with care and expertise. They value unique pieces, noble materials, and refined details that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. At the end of the day, it’s all about how you make people feel. And here, we want them to feel well looked after and valued. That we know what they need without them having to express their desires. This is the essence of luxury that we strive to deliver.
Sustainability is a key concern for modern travellers. Could you elaborate on the sustainable practices One&Only Aesthesis is implementing, particularly those that highlight and preserve the local environment and culture?
At One&Only Aesthesis, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s something we know our guests deeply care about. One of our key initiatives is supporting small Greek producers for all our food and beverage outlets. By sourcing top-quality ingredients, such as olive oil and fresh produce locally, we ensure that our guests enjoy the freshest ingredients while also supporting local agriculture and small-scale farmers. This not only boosts the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.
We are also very proud of the unique, year-round experiences we offer that allow our guest to connect with the local culture and crafts. For example, we will host workshops with local craftsmen who create traditional worry beads and leather sandals. These sessions give our guests the chance to learn about and appreciate Greek craftsmanship directly from the artisans themselves. It’s a wonderful way to support these talented individuals and keep these traditional arts alive and thriving.
Our commitment to sustainability is also reflected in our creative campaigns. Last year, for instance, our Christmas decorations were made using surplus fabrics from LVMH brands, the parent company of Dior and Louis Vuitton, thanks to a collaboration with the award-winning Greek creatives Studio LAV and a small atelier in Corfu that produces all the decorations by hand. This initiative not only helped us reduce waste but also allowed us to showcase beautiful, upcycled decorations. It’s a perfect example of how we strive to innovate and lead by example in sustainable practices.
By integrating these sustainable practices into our operations, we aim to provide a luxurious experience for our guests that is both environmentally responsible and supportive of the local community and culture. It’s about creating a positive impact and ensuring that every aspect of our resort reflects our dedication to sustainability.
For me, luxury today embodies a profound experience that engages the senses, uplifts the soul, and provides a sense of exclusivity.
Yann Gillet, General Manager of One&Only Aesthesis
The culinary experience is a major aspect of luxury resorts. What can guests expect from the dining experiences at One&Only Aesthesis, and how do you plan to incorporate local Greek ingredients and culinary traditions?
We have some wonderful options to choose from, starting from Ora, the resort’s main restaurant which is done in collaboration with the Michelinstarred chef Ettore Botrini. It is the first restaurant to open and its focus is on Greek and Mediterranean flavors. Ettore is a chef who’s deeply connected to the Greek culinary culture and undoubtedly one of the leading gastronomy experts in the country.
And our most recent opening is Manko, a part restaurant, part beach club and late-night rendezvous spot that really delivers a unique experience on the Athenian Riviera. Under the guidance of renowned chef Juan David Ocampo, it offers the finest Peruvian cuisine, an amazing seafront location with cinematic sunsets and an eclectic mix of international DJs that bring a rhythmic vibe to the whole experience.
In a highly competitive luxury market, personalised service is crucial. What innovative approaches will One&Only Aesthesis employ to ensure each guest receives a bespoke and memorable experience during their stay?
We place a strong emphasis on training our teams to observe and understand our guests’ behaviors and preferences. Each morning, our housekeepers take note of details such as which side of the bed guests sleep on, the number of pillows they use, whether they wear glasses, and if they are reading a book. By paying attention to these small details, we can create delightful surprises for our guests. When it’s time for them to retire for the night, they’ll find their bed turned down on their preferred side, the right number of pillows arranged just the way they like, their book placed neatly with their reading glasses, and a handwritten note from the evening service highlighting these personalized touches.
This level of personalization begins even before our guests arrive. A member of our reception team will reach out to introduce themselves and learn more about the guest’s preferences, such as their favorite drinks, coffee preferences, and tea varieties. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to ensure a satisfying and personalized experience.
By combining our knowledge of the guests with a keen sense of recognition and discretion, we deliver an ultra-attentive service. This is what I like to call an intentional relationship—one that is meticulously crafted to exceed our guests’ expectations and make their stay truly exceptional.
The Greeks still embrace philoxenia, a philosophy that values hospitality towards strangers, rooting Greece in a culturally open and inviting environment.
Yann Gillet, General Manager of One&Only Aesthesis
As someone who has travelled extensively and is now leading a new resort in Athens, what aspects of the city resonate most with you personally, and how do you plan to incorporate these elements into the guest experience at One&Only Aesthesis?
I’ve completely fallen under the spell of this wonderful country. The friendliness of the Greeks, the radiant sunshine, the rich culture, and the breathtaking landscapes encompass everything I love about Greece. It has all the ingredients to captivate both expatriates and travelers alike.
What I love about Athens is this never-ending energy that the city exudes. It’s no wonder the city is quickly becoming the go-to destination. Within a few hours from London, Paris, Milan or Munich, travelers can enjoy year-round sunshine, warm and welcoming people, English-speaking locals, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Greeks still embrace philoxenia, a philosophy that values hospitality towards strangers, rooting Greece in a culturally open and inviting environment. I have not only immersed myself in this concept, but I also capitalize on it, recognizing that Greeks love to welcome foreigners and take pride in showing the best of their country. This is exactly the spirit we aim to showcase at the resort.
With your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, how do you define luxury in today’s world, and how is this philosophy reflected in the offerings and services of One&Only Aesthesis?
For me, luxury today transcends mere material opulence. It embodies a profound experience that engages the senses, uplifts the soul, and provides a sense of exclusivity. Modern luxury is defined by authenticity, individuality, and the pursuit of meaningful experiences.
Luxury is about offering unique, tailor-made experiences. Today’s travelers seek connections with their destinations, cultures, and local communities. It’s about living intense moments, creating unforgettable memories, and immersing oneself in inspiring environments.
More than ever, luxury is also about sustainability and social responsibility. Our guests are increasingly conscious of the impact of their choices and prefer brands that embrace sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. Hence, modern luxury often aligns with sustainable development initiatives, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
