Hotels
The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens needed a music strategy that could honour its Greek heritage while serving a sophisticated international clientele. The hotel's soundscapes were inconsistent across zones and failing to evolve throughout the day. Music relied heavily on generic Greek stereotypes, and the technical infrastructure was outdated and unreliable. Each space, from the authentic Taverna 37 to the vibrant South American-inspired Kyma, lacked a cohesive sonic identity that could match the property's luxurious ambience.
Altaura crafted a bespoke sound strategy that respected local culture while delivering world-class hospitality. We partnered with a local Greek music curator who specialises in traditional folk music and manages a respected record store in Athens, ensuring authentic regional sounds were woven throughout the experience We worked closely with the hotel's technical team to upgrade the infrastructure, implementing reliable scheduling and providing staff training for seamless music management across all zones.
Understanding the property and people
We began with comprehensive site visits and stakeholder workshops to understand the hotel's unique position on the Athenian Riviera. Our team met with department heads, F&B managers, and leadership to map out the distinct character of each space. These sessions revealed critical insights: guests wanted to feel the authentic spirit of Greece without cliché, while staff needed a system they could trust and manage easily. The workshops also highlighted opportunities where music could enhance the hotel's luxury positioning, from the sophisticated Avra Bar to the traditional warmth of Taverna 37. Our research defined core pillars for the strategy: authentic Greek heritage, effortless luxury, international sophistication, and dynamic energy flow.
Designing for each zone
Using insights from the discovery phase, Altaura mapped a zone-by-zone music strategy. Areas received carefully curated playlists featuring authentic Greek and Mediterranean sounds. Our partnership with a local music expert ensured we avoided generic tourist music in favour of genuine regional traditions. At Kyma, the South American-inspired poolside venue, we created three distinct energy progressions: calm morning atmospheres, upbeat daytime vibes, and vibrant sunset sessions. Avra Bar's playlists built sophistication through the evening with eclectic selections spanning disco, funk, world music, and house. Each zone reflected both Greek authenticity and global relevance, creating seamless transitions as guests moved through the property.
Music as storytelling
Each playlist was designed to tell a story. At Taverna 37, we worked directly with our local Greek music curator to source traditional instruments and regional styles that most tourists never hear. This created an intimate connection to Athens' musical heritage. The music guided guest emotions throughout the day: encouraging relaxation in spa areas, focus in the fitness centre, celebration at sunset, and sophistication in evening venues. For Kyma, we built a narrative arc from sunrise to sunset, with each energy level supporting the natural rhythm of poolside life. Every transition across zones was carefully considered, building a cohesive journey from arrival through evening cocktails.
Implementation and rollout
Altaura worked closely with the hotel team to upgrade the technical infrastructure and roll out all playlists simultaneously across the resort. We replaced failing equipment and implemented a robust scheduling system that staff could manage with confidence. The local Greek curator we partnered with provided ongoing consultation, ensuring paylists remained authentic and fresh. We trained the team on the backend platform, giving them tools to provide real-time feedback and make adjustments. This ensured the music strategy remained dynamic and adaptive, with the flexibility to respond to different guest demographics and seasonal changes without burdening the internal team.
Continuous support and measurable results
Following launch, Altaura maintained close communication with the hotel team to assess performance and make refinements. The impact was clear: guest feedback specifically mentioned the "authentic yet sophisticated" atmosphere, and staff reported increased confidence in the system's reliability. Taverna 37 became a destination for both hotel guests and local residents seeking genuine Greek dining experiences. The three-tiered energy system at Kyma helped manage guest flow throughout the day, with evening sessions becoming particularly popular. The upgraded technical infrastructure eliminated any issues that had previously disrupted the guest experience.
Impact and results
Altaura's music strategy elevated the Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens into a multi-sensory destination that honours Greek heritage while delivering contemporary luxury. The strategy successfully balanced cultural authenticity with international sophistication, creating distinct identities for each venue while maintaining overall cohesion.
"The music across our property has been transformed. Our returning guests have noticed the difference, and the bespoke sound captures the spirit of each space perfectly, supported by a proactive and attentive team."
our work
Through careful cultural research, technical expertise, and deep brand understanding, Altaura helped Astir Palace find its sonic identity. The result is a guest experience that feels authentically Greek, effortlessly luxurious, and distinctly Four Seasons, welcoming international travelers while honouring the spirit of Athens.
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