There is an ancient Greek word which doesn’t have an equivalent in any modern language. It sounds like hospitality, but it sounds much more spiritual than that. It’s called Philoxenia. Its literal meaning is love of the stranger, but culturally and historically; it’s a sacred promise to make you a guest and a member of the family.
Aestian has been researching the ways of traveling around the world for many years. We see all those golden details, those sterile marble lobbies and strict codes of conduct that accompany corporate luxury. But there is something missing. Real luxury cannot be manufactured or trained.
It is a form of art. And today, Aestian is ready to put our compass towards a single idea: Aestian: The art of Philoxenia.
The Sense of the Canvas
Being a true host is an art means understanding that every little thing is infused with life. Being greeted should not mean doing a business, being greeted should mean that everything stops in order to give you peace.
As soon as you enter one of our facilities, the art of Philoxenia will be alive in those things which are not visible at first glance. It’s the way the light comes into your room, specially thought about by our architects. It’s the smell of local wild herbs which follows you across the courtyard, the soft weight of linen sheets on your body and the taste of olive oil harvested from nearby trees.
We don’t provide you with grandeur for applause. We create an environment where you could finally get rid of all the noises of the modern world and start enjoying your stay here.
The Human Factor
Being a good artist, an artist pours his heart into his works. Our staff shows us the same devotion to their job every day. Philoxenia cannot work without human contact. It is found in intuition of our hosts who know when you want a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or when you are looking for the hidden coastal path which cannot be seen on any map.
This is the natural hospitality of the Aegean Sea, inherited by our generations.
A New Beginning
While traveling, you shouldn’t only be collecting stamps in your passport or pictures on your phone. You should come back home changed in yourself, with a part of the destination country inside you.
So, we warmly invite you to experience this change yourself. Welcome to the place where culture meets comfort, where ancient times meet contemporary times and where you’ll never be considered a stranger anymore.
Welcome to Aestian. Welcome to the art of Philoxenia.
Panagiotis Inglesis is the co-owner and General manager of Athina Luxury Suites, along with his wife Mrs.Artemis Argyrou. Together they had a vision to create one of the best boutique hotels in Santorini and today they continue their vision…Athina Luxury Suites is considered one of the top hotels on the island.