I recently had the pleasure of visiting Jeff and Sharona at the Silk House, the newest addition to their thoughtfully curated Halo Collection. Having already established The Hive in the vibrant Kypseli neighbourhood and The Hill perched in Lycabettus, the Silk House in Metaxourgio feels like the crowning jewel of their journey so far.

From the moment I turned the corner, the house made an impression. Metaxourgio is a neighborhood known for its grit and vibrancy, filled with "hype" spots to eat and drink, but the Silk House stands out like a calm, aristocratic anchor. Even from the street, the facade is soothing, a beautiful, balanced blend of old-world elegance and contemporary lines.


The Silk House, Exterior

It is rare to find a space that masters the combination of old and new so seamlessly. It doesn't just look like a rental; it feels like a place meant to be lived in. Everything makes sense. The colors are so beautiful they immediately lift your mood, and the original flooring in the kitchen is absolutely stunning, a real showstopper.


The Silk House, Kitchen

As they gave me a tour, I realized that the house is full of hidden corners; it’s the kind of place where not everything is as it seems at first glance. I found myself stopped in my tracks by the details:

• The Heritage: Vintage suitcase trunks from Jeff’s family collection anchor the bedroom, while mid-century armchairs have been transformed with lush, modern upholstery.
• The Atmosphere: A sleek electric fireplace makes the living area feel incredibly cozy, perfectly balanced by the view through the window of a striking piece of local graffiti, a nod to the urban heart of Athens.
• The Experience: For anyone who appreciates all-time classics, the 1950s Grundig radio is a total blast to see (and hear). Even the smaller touches are elevated, from the clouds-of-comfort beds and pillows to the organic Greek olive oil toiletries in the bathroom.

Every detail, from the scent of the diffusers to the secret lighting, is a testament to their "circle of care." It was in this setting, surrounded by the warmth of their hospitality and the beauty of the Silk House, that we sat down to talk about how it all began.


The Silk House, Living Room

Jeff: Honestly, we would love to find a new area and bring the beauty of what we’ve done here into a different context. For us, it’s more about the building itself than the specific neighborhood. We’ve been looking at the potential of old warehouses, the New York-style loft vibe.

Sharona: We looked at Botanikos, which is where the big warehouses are, near the new stadium. But those are "serious" warehouses. If you try to build a home there now, you’re fighting with trucks; it might take 10 or 15 years before that area truly matures.

Jeff: We spend a lot of time just walking, looking at buildings and asking, "What about this one?" We found a warehouse in Exarchia about a year ago, but the ceiling height wasn't right. It has to be the right fit.

Jeff: That’s a really interesting question, but to be honest, I don’t think we go out specifically looking for a certain property. It’s more like a place comes along, you look at it, and you just go, "Oh." You see the high ceilings or the way the light hits, and you realize you can work with it. The first couple of properties were almost accidental, really. It wasn't until we got here and planted ourselves that our brains started working and we got that clarity on the direction we wanted to go. We always knew we wanted an old house. When we bought the Silk House, it was actually two separate units, so we had to put the staircase in ourselves. Those old houses are so hard to find.

Sharona: Initially, the dream was just to find an old house to live in ourselves! We ended up buying a place in Lycabettus that everyone called a "basement," but when you actually walk in, it’s anything but. It has this little private courtyard where no one bothers you, just total peace and quiet. For our other property in Kipseli, my sister-in-law originally sent us the pictures of that one, and it was the light and that 1930s style of living that attracted us. We really wanted to keep that. So, in the beginning, it wasn't a grand plan, but we eventually realized what was available and what we could do with it.


The Hill, Courtyard

Jeff: Well, we’ve always had this idea because my mother’s Greek and my father’s Greek-Canadian, so Greece has always played a part. Our daughters spent summers here. When I finished 40 years in Asia and retirement was knocking on my door, I thought, "What have I been doing in Asia? Building companies." So we thought, retirement should look like building something again. That was the start of the Halo Collection.

Sharona: We came back and forth from Singapore for over 20 years because we had a home in Mykonos. After a year or two, someone said, "Why don’t you rent it out?" Again, accidental! We could only spend a month there a year, so we said okay. That rental business lasted more than 20 years and did very well, but the island has changed tremendously. It’s not what it used to be.

Jeff: We learned a lot, though, about what people like on holiday. An island is different; people want to do nothing, go to the beach, and go home. Athens has more of a neighborhood feel. It’s urban. People are looking for how they can fit in and see a little bit of Greece. We took what we knew after 24 years, what people look at when they walk in the front door, the small things like arranging a car or a boat trip. Those things make them feel comfortable, rather than a flashy new place that has no soul. 

Sharona: Each of our properties is a little different, and that’s intentional. The one in Lycabettus, for instance, is such a unique little space, but when you give it to an agent, they just see "bread and butter." They want cookie-cutter. They don't want the "additional dish" or those extra touches we love giving our guests. We aren't really interested in the whole "Airbnb shoot-and-shut-up" style; we want to find a middle ground by creating unique spaces. If the market is ready for it, we’ll see it in the feedback.

Jeff: We’re still learning the market ourselves, With the Silk House, we literally just launched on Airbnb and it’s already showing its colors. People were asking for one or two-year stays within the first two days! I’m like, "Okay, now where do we go?" It’s encouraging, but it's a learning curve.

Sharona: It’s a very specific niche. Three-bedroom houses only make up about 5% of the Airbnb market as most of it is studios and one-bedrooms. So we don’t really fit in a standard category. We’re appealing to a whole different group of people,

Jeff: Exactly. People who want a certain aesthetic and they’re willing to pay for it. To add to that, we put in a heated plunge pool here at the Silk House, which was my idea. Sharona was like, "Oh my god, the bloody plunge pool," but now she sees it’s a great move because nobody else has one. It’s outdoor but partially covered, so in the July heat, people can just cool off.


The Silk House, Plunge Pool

Sharona: It was almost an accident! But it works because a halo is a circle, and it implies a "circle of care" around the space and the neighborhood. That’s the thread across all three properties. We were just sitting around thinking, "What are we going to do?" and that name just came out. It represents the experience of all the different bits and pieces of the neighborhood coming together.

Jeff: Exactly! This is the The Silk House because in the back studio, they used to make silk, as the area used to have lots of silk-making workshops. The Hive is because they used to keep bees in Kypseli, they had honey there. At least that's what we were told! Kypseli in Greek means Beehive.


The Hive

Sharona: They’re actually going into urban honey now. There’s a guy with an NGO who encourages beehives on rooftops. We thought about doing one here, but then I thought, we have guests going up the stairs, what if they touch the beehive? Maybe that’s a good reason for them not to go up! "Please don't go up, we've got lots of bees."

Jeff: But it's an alternative experience. Having honey on the table and knowing where it came from. The Hill is the last one, which is up on Lycabettus. So every name has to do with the neighborhood.


The Hill

Jeff: To keep true to the area and the look, despite what people might want. Today, everyone wants a bathroom associated with every bedroom. Greek houses weren't built that way. We could do it, but we feel it would lose the flavor of the house. Likewise, we wanted to add a floor to this building, but structurally it would have changed too much. We want to tell people, "This is original."

Sharona: Another example are the kitchens which were often tiny and isolated. In a modern world, that doesn't work. We renovate for flow, but keep the soul. A big challenge is also the historical value of the area. You have to worry about ruins. If we dig and find something, everything stops. There’s a sign out front saying this was the road from Kerameikos to Plato's Academy. If we dig too deep and find something, the whole project stops! In the historical center, everything is historical.


The Silk House, Dining Room

Jeff: Plumbing and electricity. We put in the best. I think Greeks sometimes think, "How can we fix this just for the next few months?" No, when we do something, we do it for the next ten years.

Sharona: You have to do the foundation properly. We almost had a fire here because the previous people did the wiring poorly. When our engineers dig, they don’t cut corners.

Jeff: It’s tempting to save 50% on something like air conditioning, but we use the most expensive VRV systems because they last and they are sustainable. They read the room and shut off when the temperature is right, which is much more economical.

Sharona: It’s all about the mix. You try to weave the old in with the new so it feels intentional. For example, if you look at the cabinetry here, we built in new storage but kept the paneling around it to give that immediate sense of history. You have your 65-inch TV and your electric fireplace, which are obviously very new, but then you surround them with old books and pieces that have a story. 

Jeff: We’re very protective of the original character. In this house, the floors are original and the ceilings are exactly as they were in the 1930s. Actually, we would have lost all of that if we had tried to add another floor. Even the furniture has a history. Most of our chairs and tables are things people literally threw away. We find them in these massive Monastiraki “junk” stores where people are just letting treasures go. I take them to "my guy" just down the road; he has a great eye and he refurbishes them. We even have pieces that I brought over, vintage items from my mother’s collection, that just add to that lived-in feeling. And then there’s the 1950s Grundig radio. It’s a beautiful old stereo system that actually works! We found an old man, one of the few people left in Greece who can still fix them, and he got it running perfectly. You can actually turn it on and listen to the radio right now. 


The Silk House, One of the two old radios

Sharona: It’s interesting because in places like Glyfada or Kifisia, everyone is chasing that modern 'Australian glass' style. They’re beautiful houses, but you have to wonder whether they will hold their style in 20 or 30 years. We prefer a different approach. You don’t have to throw things away to make a space feel modern. Sometimes it’s just about taking a dark cabinet that feels a bit too heavy and refurbishing the color or changing the handles to something more contemporary. It creates this slight, sophisticated shift while keeping the soul of the piece intact. You simply cannot find things like that in the 'new world' in Asia—it would cost you an arm and a leg—but here, the treasures are right in front of you if you're willing to look.

Sharona: The weather, for sure. 

Jeff: And the people are so genuine. You don't see that as much in Asia; people are more guarded.The amount of time people have reached out to help us! Our carpenter is 50 meters up the road; he’s always keeping an eye out. He’ll text Sharona and say, "You left your keys in the door." It’s a neighborhood thing. Neighborhoods are disappearing everywhere else, but this element is still very strong in Greece. The culture is just so strong here. Take Easter, for example; we recently celebrated it, and seeing it done so joyously... it’s incredibly inviting.

Sharona: We met a guy down the street fixing his house, and he just said, "Come in, come in!" He told us when he's finished, he'll invite us for coffee. We like the neighborhood so much we might even live here ourselves in a few years. It just feels like a home.


The Hive, Balcony View

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Thank you so much, Jeff and Sharona, for opening your doors and sharing the heart behind these incredible spaces. It was a true pleasure to experience the "circle of care" you’ve built within the Halo Collection firsthand.

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Dimitra Natskouli at Ariadne’s Garden of Spiritual Arts, a sanctuary tucked away in the mystical landscape of Delphi. More than just a venue, the Garden is a peaceful retreat space and artist residency inspired by the Delphic spirit of “Know Thyself.” Here, archetypal shadow work is approached through the mystical side of Greek mythology and unfolds through the arts.

Whether you join a drop-in session for Hatha and aerial yoga, explore intuitive painting and dance movement therapy, or host your own private retreat, Ariadne's Garden is a space designed to slow down, reconnect, and explore the self in a grounded, supportive environment.

In this conversation, Dimitra shares how she weaves philosophy, breath, and myth into a "playground" for the soul.



Your background is a fascinating tapestry of philosophy, dance therapy, and Byzantine iconography. How did these diverse threads come together to form the vision for Ariadne’s Garden?

Ariadne’s Garden is the playground where these three worlds meet and collaborate.

On one hand, Ancient Greek philosophy enters through archetypal shadow work, where myths are “de-symbolised” and become mirrors, very much in the spirit of the Delphic “Know thyself.”  On the other hand, dance therapy, under the umbrella of embodied mindfulness practices, brings everything back into the body, grounding insight into lived experience. And, lastly, Byzantine iconography offers something unique: a precise visual language which gives form to the inner images that arise when mind and body begin to speak to each other. Somehow, these three had been my tools since my teenhood while stryggling with my existential hypervigillance to find my inner truth. To be honest, I still struggle, but, now it’s more fun!

 

Breath is, quite literally, my starting point. Before anything else, I exist as breath. It has become a quiet architect in both my life and my work. Every space in the garden is designed with one simple question in mind: can this place breathe? And the same applies to the rhythm of the retreats.

There is time expansion and space for expression,always followed by silence, and integration.  The garden belongs to Gaia , and we are simply learning to be in relationship with Her. Mother and child - Gaia and human in a healthy relationship is the vision of the garden. In other words an intimacy and alighnment of our breath to hers. Above all, Ariadne’s Garden is a place to breathe.

 

In a way, the name chose me. Ariadne Koumaris—philosopher, translator, and founder of this space—created this garden in the 1980s and 90s as a place dedicated to self-awareness, long before “retreats” became a trend. Her students, many from Europe and the US, helped shape the venue based on principles of sacred geometry, so they could come, detox, and be in dialogue with her work.

Mythologically, Ariadne is the one who does not enter the labyrinth, and yet, without her, no one finds their way out. According to Plato she represents the part  of the psyche that does not get lost in illusion, but guides us through it. Labyrinth, our life in ignorance, takes us to the trauma. And the hero is the one that can face it, recognise it as part of their soul and transform it, Then find the way out to liberaton. Guests are invited to face their patterns, their stories, even their wounds,  then to understand and integrate them.  And somewhere along the way, they begin to sense their own thread.  This is the myth we are working on this year’s retreats, once a moth, in memory of the founder of the garden Ariadne Koumaris.

 

Delphi has always been a place where people came to listen more carefully, and attention is where most healing begins. There is a particular clarity in the landscape: something both grounding and slightly disarming. It’s not a place where you can hide for long. Whether one speaks in terms of energy or simply presence, the combination of mountains, silence, history, and even the mineral richness of the land creates a unique quality of presence.

 

Well, I  love this work and consider it essential for anyone who wants to live their life consciously, however I d say that I am pretty far from specialising in it. Returning back to self comes through opening the senses inside and outside, but this happens when we feel safe, right?. Ther’s so many tabboos about shadow work. The “shadow” is not something dark and dramatic, but something deeply intimate. It is a  withdrawn child of ours. With careful listening, understanding and a good dose of humor, something that indicates detachment from past, this child may become the gate to our true innocence.

Archetypal work through creative expression, and embodied practices, can make this work playful, joyful and interestingly authentic.

 

Creative expression is often the psyche speaking before the mind has had the chance to organize a proper sentence. It tends to speak through what we might call the “inner child”—the part of us that plays, imagines, and creates without overthinking. Of course, this inner world also carries our wounds, our memories, our unfinished stories.

Through intuitive art, both sides are given space. The wounded and the creative are not separate but they are part of the same movement. Art doesn’t fix anything. But it may  reveal what is alive. Isnt it in itself, is a powerful beginning?

 

When we move with awareness, we allow the psyche to breathe through the body. What emerges is often symbolic rather than logical; it can resonate with specific myths. In archetypal work, each life is seen as an emanation of a myth, an expression of something both deeply personal and universally human.

Through movement, this inner story begins to unfold. In a way, the body remembers what the mind has forgotten, or the soul remembers itself in a body that breaths openly. I personally believe that ther is nothing we can learn, just to remember.

They usually realise they are the same person…

You see, the seeker is the artist that has not yet expressed themselves and the artist is the seeker in a dialogue with their art as a remedy The seeker is looking for meaning and the artist is giving it form.

When the two meet, something becomes both deeply personal and unexpectedly universal. This itself can be a way to pure joy. Joy! Isnt’t it a good teacher?

 

A quiet, embodied sense of: “I can meet myself.” Not fix or  improve. Just meet. From there, most things tend to reorganise themselves quite naturally.

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If you are looking to reconnect, create, or simply find your own "thread" you can explore upcoming retreats here!

Thank you, Dimitra, for sharing the magic of the Garden with us. It was an honor to explore the "thread" of your journey and to witness how Ariadne’s Garden continues to be a lung of inspiration for seekers and artists alike.

Messinia Challenge returns more dynamically than ever on May 8-10, 2026, offering a unique three day event of sports, entertainment, and social contribution. Centered around Costa Navarino and Messinia, this year's event joins forces with leading brands and local entities, promising unforgettable experiences for athletes, companions, and visitors.

In a highly competitive environment, against many worthy candidates and strong foreign brands organizing international races in Greece, Messinia Challenge managed to stand out in the most emphatic way at the Sports Marketing Awards. The event garnered a total of 23 distinctions, setting a historic record, as these are the most awards ever received by a sports event in the country within this specific institution. This great success, which includes 2 Platinum, 10 Gold, 10 Silver, and 1 Bronze award, constitutes the ultimate culmination of strategic cooperation with leading global brands and institutional bodies, confirming the enormous potential of the Messinia Challenge and highlighting it as the top sports tourism event in Greece.

A special place in this year's Messinia Challenge schedule is held by Miele, which, as a Platinum Sponsor, highlights gastronomy once again as a key pillar of the overall experience. At the specially designed Miele Open House, participants and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a unique gastronomic journey, participating in a series of experiential workshops featuring the acclaimed chef Andreas Lagos. 

Through the interactive experiences of the “Workshops by Miele,” the public will discover modern techniques and creative approaches to Greek cuisine, giving a new, exciting dimension to favorite recipes, such as handmade gnocchi and traditional Messinian youvarlakia. This celebration of taste culminates in the most dynamic way through live gastronomic actions, such as the “Messinia Cooking Challenge by Miele” and the “Pasta Station by Miele”. There, Miele's chef, Alexandros Syngkiridis, will create a complete journey of flavors that will thrill all attendees, combining raw materials from the Messinian land with Miele's innovative technologies.

NIO, the innovative electric car manufacturer and member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, participates dynamically in Messinia Challenge, representing the future of electromobility and bringing a new, fresh approach to sustainable urban mobility. The rhythm of the event will be set by the impressive NIO firefly as the “lead car” at the start, which won the title of “World Urban Car” for 2026. It is a modern, all-electric car that, with its cutting-edge technology, dynamic design, and smart practicality solutions, fits perfectly with the philosophy of an event that consistently looks forward. During the weekend, NIO will offer unique experiences to participants by organizing the first golf tournament, The NIO Messinia Golf Open, at the award-winning courses of Costa Navarino. The company's presence will culminate with a grand premiere: the spectacular awards party called The Electric Pulse by NIO, where Special Guest DJ Alexandros Christopoulos will take over to elevate the night.

SIXT, member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, as the Premium Mobility Partner of Messinia Challenge, is committed to making every participant's journey not only perfectly safe but a truly special and unique experience. The company provides an impressive fleet of vehicles covering every need: from state-of-the-art SUVs and spacious vans to eco-friendly electric models and premium vehicles for the transportation of VIP guests. Furthermore, pioneering once again, SIXT will provide a special van this year that will exclusively serve the transfers of participants within the hotel facilities. Beyond top-tier road mobility, however, SIXT also focuses on body mobility. On Friday, at the Costa Navarino premises, the company joins forces with Joint Athens and specialized physiotherapists Angelos Giakoumidis and Giorgos Poulianitis to implement a comprehensive activity titled “Mobility & Recovery,” offering practical solutions for lower back relief and the management of musculoskeletal fatigue.

Hellmann’s, inextricably linked to the joy of sharing moments with loved ones, supports the Family Fun Football Game as a sponsor, a delightful football match where parents and children will become one team, playing and laughing with all their heart. Additionally, Hellmann’s will offer a rich BBQ night exclusively for the event's guests on Friday evening. The action continues with the Hellmann’s Bike Tour, implemented by Moraitis Outdoors, where families and groups of friends will pedal through the magnificent and protected Natura environment of the Gialova lagoon and Voidokilia. The culinary experience of the event is dynamically complemented by Knorr at the Messinia Challenge Food Corner, presenting its new premium launches: the innovative Home-style Stocks with red and white wine extract.

Napapijri is present as a Bronze Sponsor, undertaking to dress the participants of the golf tournament in high-aesthetic polo shirts, hats, practical bags, and rich gifts. Beyond the athletic part, Napapijri actively supports the charity auction “To Save a Child”. In this context, the recognized Greek street artist and illustrator Same84, known for his unique visual style and collaborations with important brands and organizations, is an invited guest.

SKY express participates for the first time in Messinia Challenge as the Official Airline. With its modern fleet and constantly growing network, it makes access from 27 destinations of the Old Continent to Greece easier and, by extension, to Europe's leading wellness event. This collaboration takes on special significance as it comes immediately after the company's top distinction as “Airline of the Year 2025” by the ERA (European Regions Airline Association), a fact that confirms its pivotal role in connecting the country with abroad and its support for sports tourism.

One of the most important innovations is the creation of specialized recovery stations for running, golf, beach volley, and tennis athletes. The care is undertaken by the state-of-the-art physiotherapy center located in Alimos, Attica, Physio-Treat, and Anastasia Apostolou. Valuable allies in this mission are Hyperice of the Nexion group (the No. 1 brand worldwide in warm-up, recovery, and rehabilitation products) and Anatomic Line (with a leading presence in the field of orthopedic and medical technology products), ensuring absolute muscle relaxation and safety for participants.

The curtain falls on the top sports tourism festival in the most impressive way, through a dynamic closing party at Navarino Agora, open to both the event participants and the public of Messinia. On Sunday, May 10, at 20:00, the decks will be taken over by the acclaimed DJ and producer Junior Rush. With an international presence from New York to London and a career that started from Greece's top dance clubs, he remains faithful to his philosophy: absolute connection with the dance floor and the ability to raise the pulse to the maximum. The favorite VIKOS COLA will provide rhythm and refreshment to the evening, keeping energy levels high. As the music goes up and the vibe peaks, Bacardi, the authentic rum from the Caribbean, comes to blend perfectly with VIKOS COLA, creating the signature cocktail of the night: an enjoyable Bacardi Cola that becomes the ultimate symbol of the summer party. A closing full of intensity and positive energy under the Messinian sky in a setting that promises intense moments. Admission is free for all the public.

Messinia Challenge is deeply rooted, having leading Messinian businesses by its side. Pilia Express, as the Official Logistics Partner, guarantees that the huge volume of equipment for the five-day production will arrive with absolute safety. The Memmos Dairy from Kopanaki offers its famous creamy “armi” for traditional riganades, while Messinian Spa natural cosmetics will offer an authentic care experience based on the region's excellent olive oil. At the same time, the historical Silk Gonos Silk & Woven Industry highlights the rich heritage. Finally, the City Hospital Clinic of Kalamata undertakes the full medical support of the event with specialized doctors and ambulances, having the experienced rescuers of the Hellenic Rescue Team (HRT) of Messinia as valuable allies.

Dynamically moving into the new digital era, Messinia Challenge presents the event's brand-new mobile application, designed by Mind the Ad. Available on iOS and Android, the app functions as the ultimate digital guide for the athletic three-day event, offering users real-time information, direct access to the program, and a constant flow of announcements. Simultaneously, it ensures exclusive content and special privileges, as the use of discount coupons and offers from sponsors is carried out strictly through the application. It is an evolving digital ecosystem that upgrades the overall experience of participants before, during, and after the event.

Messinia Challenge awards are the only ones in Greece where athletes are distinguished not only for their performances but primarily for their ethos and solidarity. The highlight is the annual presentation of the established “Alexandros Nikolaidis” award, in collaboration with the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC). The trophies are a sponsorship of the distinguished artist Grigoris Kouskouris (Spira Marble Art Gallery), who has crafted unique works of marble. 

The celebration will be hosted in the Great Hall, at the House of Events in Costa Navarino, with free entry for participants. Patrón, one of the leading super premium tequilas worldwide, creates a special cocktail experience, welcoming guests from Friday and continuing Saturday night with iconic cocktails like Patron Paloma & Patron Margarita. The experience will be elevated by the exquisite offerings of Navarino Icons, with the new series of handmade breadsticks with natural sourdough and Kalamata olives, inspired by the Messinian gastronomic tradition. In the athletic arenas, Navarino Icons will contribute to the athletes' energy with the famous traditional pasteli, made exclusively from honey, sesame, and orange, without added sugar.

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Become part of the experience and secure your place on the starting line for an unforgettable sports event in Messinia. REGISTER HERE!

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Platinum Sponsor is Miele.

Gold Sponsors are MOTODYNAMICS Group, Hellmann’s, The North Face.

Official Hospitality Sponsors are Costa Navarino and the hotels The Westin Resort Costa Navarino and The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort.

Silver Sponsors are Gruppo Cucine, JYSK, NIO member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group, KORRES, Melissa.

Premium Mobility Partner is SIXT member of the MOTODYNAMICS Group. 

Official Water is VIKOS Natural Mineral Water.

Official Airline is SKY express. 

Official Coffee Partner is Buondi Craft.

Bronze Sponsors are Dipnosofistirion Group, Solgar, Napapijri, Icebreaker, Patron. 

Sports Memorabilia Partner is Trace ‘n Chase. 

Official Running Apparel Partner is 42K Running. 

Official Logistics Partner is Pilia Express. 

Official Functional Shot Partner is Feeju. 

Partners are Messinian Nest, Municipality of Pylos - Nestor, Alpha Estate, Nexion Hellas, Hyperice, Marshall, Objects We Love. 

Official Medical Partner is City Hospital Clinic. 

Authentic Flavor Partner is Navarino Icons. 

Official Optics Partner are Kois Optics. 

Supporters are Evenly, Messinia Transfer, Physio-Treat, Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris, Messinian Spa. 

Official Life Care Partner is REA Clinic.

Integrity Services Provider is EAGLE Sports Integrity Services.

Helpers are Knorr, Vlaha, Anatomic Line, Humanity Greece, Karalis Beach Hotel, Karalis City Hotel, Memmos Dairy, Rania’s Flower, Vita N Travel, Silk Gonos.

Premium TV Partner is SKAI. 

Premium Media Partner is Liquid Media.

Athletic Partners are F45 Barrio Salamanca, Falcons Football Academy, FitnessArt, Joint Athens, Messiniakos, Moraitis Outdoors, Moraitis Watersports, Mouratoglou Tennis Center Costa Navarino, Navarino Golf Academy, Pilates by Mandy, Red Swim Academy, Swim O’Clock, Tennis Hold’em Club, The Art of Calisthenics, Triantafyllidis Beach Arena.

The strategic design, production, and communication of the event are signed by the award-winning sports tourism company ActiveMedia Group.

#messiniachallenge #sportsunitespeople #costanavarino

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Spring tiptoes into Athens with longer days, softer sunshine and that delicious sense of the city waking up from its winter slumber. It’s arguably the best time to visit: the mercury hasn’t yet soared to its infamous summer heights, the streets are lined with trees bursting into blossom, and the whole capital feels lighter, brighter, and wonderfully alive. From wandering through flower‑framed neighbourhoods to soaking up ancient sites without melting in 40‑degree heat, spring in Athens is all about easy charm and effortless joy.

 

The Athenian Riviera


@simonewastaken

Stretching from one sun‑kissed curve of coastline to the next, the Athenian Riviera is sprinkled with lovely little spots that feel tailor‑made for those gentle spring days.
For a family outing, you can’t go wrong with Flisvos Marina in Palio Faliro. Lined with cafés and restaurants and dotted with parks and waterfront play areas, it’s the sort of place where everyone finds something to enjoy.

While only the bravest will dare a first dip in the still‑fresh sea, Lake Vouliagmeni offers a far more tempting alternative. Its underground currents keep the water at a blissful 24 degrees, making it a haven even for the most cold‑averse among us.

Continue your coastal wander all the way down to Cape Sounion and the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Less than an hour from Athens, it’s the perfect perch for an unforgettable sunset over the Aegean, the sky melting into shades of gold and rose.

Out & About

@syd_records

All through May, the This is Athens City Festival brings the Greek capital to life, with dozens of events popping up every single day. Whatever your interests and whatever your schedule, you’re bound to find something that fits like a glove.

And if a little hunger strikes mid‑stroll, make your way to the Gazi district, home to the annual street‑food festival, where you can nibble your way around the world without ever leaving Athens.
For a breath of pure springtime bliss, head to leafy Kifissia and fill your lungs with the scent of roses. From early to mid‑May, the town hosts its flower show in the park just opposite the station. Last but certainly not least, if your visit happens to coincide with the reopening of Athens’ open‑air cinemas (usually mid‑April to early May, weather permitting), don’t hesitate for a second. Watching a film under the stars is one of those unforgettable, quintessentially Athenian experiences that stays with you long after the credits roll.

 

On 19 May 2026, Athens celebrates International Museum Day, which means free entry to all of the city’s museums. It’s the perfect excuse to explore, or re‑explore, Athens’ most iconic cultural treasures, from world‑famous collections to lesser‑known gems that deserve a moment in the spotlight.

 

 

Why not pair your springtime stay with a little day trip to one of the nearby islands? With calm seas, mild weather and ferries running like clockwork, it’s the ideal moment to hop across the water and soak up a slice of island life — all without straying far from Athens.


Nature

@athanassios.kollyris

Pack yourself a delicious little picnic and take your pick — you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic spots. Spread out your blanket on the great lawn of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre and pair your lunch with a dash of culture. Or wander up to pine‑shaded Philopappou Hill for sweeping views across the whole city. If you fancy something more serene, the National Garden offers a leafy escape right in the heart of Athens, while the Tatoi Estate invites you to step back into Greek history as you explore the former royal family’s summer grounds.

For anyone who’s been craving greenery after the chilly, grey winter months, that picnic outing can easily turn into a proper walk or hike. Athens is full of accessible trails for every taste and fitness level — the perfect excuse to stretch your legs and breathe in the season (see Green Gateway routes). And of course, because spring is all about renewal — for nature and for you — why not turn your visit into a rejuvenating wellness weekend surrounded by fresh air and blossoming landscapes.

Located on the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera, Ten Twenty Club is a premier racquet and wellness destination that reimagines the classic country club for a modern, active community. Situated in Voula, just steps away from the beach, the club blends high-performance sports with holistic recovery and a vibrant social atmosphere.

Whether you're a competitive athlete or looking for a "slice of fitness heaven" to work and chill, Ten Twenty Club offers an unparalleled experience by the sea.

• Modern locker rooms & showers
• Lush garden & stylish clubhouse
• Exclusive tournaments & workshops
• Pro Academy programs

📍 Leof. Alkionidon 4, 16673 Voula, Athens

🌐 www.tentwentyclub.com

Digital nomad life looks exciting from the outside, and often it is. You get the freedom to work from different cities, shape your own routine, and turn cafés, co-working spaces, airport lounges, and short-term rentals into temporary offices. But that freedom comes with its own kind of friction too.

Working remotely while constantly moving means your setup is rarely perfect. One day you are in a quiet apartment with a decent desk. Next, you are taking calls in a noisy café, trying to focus in a busy airport, or walking through a new city while listening to directions and voice notes. That is why digital nomads tend to value gear that is practical, portable, and easy to live with. The best accessories are not the ones that look futuristic. They are the ones that quietly make daily work and travel smoother.

Digital nomads deal with a particular mix of convenience and disruption. They have flexibility, but they also have to work around unfamiliar environments all the time.

Noise is one of the biggest problems. Remote workers often end up in shared spaces, cafés, hotels, airports, and co-working hubs where sound is never fully under control. That makes calls harder, concentration more fragile, and even simple listening tasks more tiring than they should be.

There is also the issue of portability. Nomads usually prefer gear that does not take up much space, create extra clutter, or add another device to charge and carry. A setup that feels manageable at home can quickly become annoying when it has to fit into a backpack and move between cities every few days.

Then there is comfort. If you spend hours wearing headphones, switching between work audio and everyday listening, your gear can start to feel like a burden. Remote workers often need something that supports both productivity and movement, without making the day feel heavier.

Audio glasses are exactly what they sound like: glasses with built-in audio technology. Instead of relying on traditional headphones or earbuds, they bring sound into something people already wear every day.

That is what makes them interesting. They do not ask you to carry another obvious piece of tech. They blend audio into a more natural part of daily life.

Some are designed mainly for entertainment or calls. Others lean more into practical listening support. In the case of Nuance audio glasses, the idea goes a bit further. The official product positions them as hearing glasses with built-in open-ear speakers, app-based settings, background-noise control, and prescription-ready or light-responsive lens options. The site also clearly frames them around work, noisy environments, and everyday wear rather than just novelty.

That matters because digital nomads usually do not need more gadgets for the sake of gadgets. They need gear that earns its place.

One of the biggest advantages is that audio glasses reduce how much separate tech you need to rely on throughout the day.

Instead of constantly reaching for earbuds, adjusting headphones, or deciding whether to wear one device for work and another for walking around, audio glasses can make things feel more streamlined. That kind of simplicity matters when your workday is already spread across different environments.

They also suit nomad life because they are more discreet. Headphones can feel bulky. Earbuds can be easy to lose, uncomfortable over long stretches, or socially awkward in some settings. Glasses feel more natural because they fit into ordinary movement. You can walk, work, listen, and stay connected without looking or feeling like you are wearing a full audio setup.

Open-ear listening is another part of the appeal. That design can make it easier to stay aware of your surroundings, which matters when you are navigating unfamiliar places, listening for travel announcements, or trying not to shut yourself off completely in public spaces. 

What makes audio glasses feel different is not just that they combine two functions. It is that they fit the rhythm of remote work better than a lot of traditional audio gear does.

Digital nomads are constantly shifting between tasks. A normal day might include writing, video calls, navigation, messaging, a walk to a café, a quick grocery stop, and some light admin while waiting for transport. The best gear supports that movement instead of forcing you to switch modes every hour.

Audio glasses can do that because they sit in the middle ground between work tools and lifestyle accessories. They are useful while working, but they also keep making sense when the laptop closes. That is a big reason they can feel like a genuine upgrade rather than an extra device.

For digital nomads who already wear glasses, the appeal is even stronger. Combining vision and audio into one piece of gear can make daily life feel lighter and less cluttered. Nuance also offers prescription-ready options, app controls, a charging case, and styles designed to look wearable rather than overly technical, which makes the idea more realistic for everyday remote workers, not just early adopters.

The future of remote work gear is probably not about carrying more. It is more likely about combining functions in ways that feel natural.

That is where audio glasses start to make real sense. Remote workers already want tools that travel well, reduce friction, and support long days without becoming tiring. Glasses that handle both vision and audio fit neatly into that direction.

As wearable tech becomes more practical and less attention-seeking, audio glasses could become especially appealing to people who move often and work from mixed environments. They suit the kind of lifestyle where portability, comfort, and subtle usefulness matter more than flashy features.

That does not mean every digital nomad needs a pair tomorrow. But it does mean the category feels more relevant now than it might have a few years ago. The more remote work becomes normal, the more people will look for tools that fit around real life rather than interrupting it.

Digital nomads do not just need stylish accessories. They need functional ones. The gear that earns a permanent place in a travel setup is usually the gear that makes daily life easier without adding more hassle.

That is why audio glasses stand out. They suit movement, reduce clutter, support listening in busy environments, and fit naturally into the kind of flexible routine remote workers already live. For people constantly balancing work, travel, and everyday life on the move, that combination is hard to ignore.

In that sense, audio glasses are not just an interesting idea. They are starting to look like the kind of accessory modern remote workers may genuinely grow into.

 

The Athens English Comedy Club is honoured and thrilled to be presenting the first ever Italian language comedy show in Greece!

Join us on Sunday, April 26th and enjoy comedians Giulia Vittoria Cavallo and Carlos Gutiérrez as they bring their comedy to Greece for the first time! 

Opening act: Dimitris Christodoulou (He is half Italian, it’s OK!) 

💪 Powered by BeComedy

Founded in 2019, the Athens English Comedy Club is the first, and only, purely English comedy club in Greece - and is now branching out to more languages!

About the comedians:

Giulia Vittoria Cavallo is an actress, singer, and comedian. She has been performing stand-up comedy since 2023 and debuted at Zelig in Milan with her first show, "Cose da non fare se vuoi stare al mondo." In 2025, she placed second at the "Cabaret Amore Mio" festival, the oldest comedy festival in Italy. She is currently touring with her new show "Vengo sempre dopo," bringing her own musical comedy format to the stage, and actively collaborating with BeComedy UK.

The first Colombian to record for Comedy Central Italia. Champion of the Comedy Battle at the Canile Drammatico festival (Parma, May 2025). Semifinalist for the Massimo Troisi Award for Best Italian Comedian (Naples, June 2025) and the La Cicala d’Oro stand-up competition (Bologna, August 2025). He regrets being a political scientist, even though he doesn't really know what a political scientist does. In his comedy, he reflects on being an immigrant from a country famous for the wrong reasons, a perspective that allows him to craft a comedy that blends dark humor and self-irony with observations that range from Tuscan bread to Latin American music (never heard in Latin America).

https://www.xpatathens.com/administrator/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item#k2TabImage

Find Giulia and Carlos online!

Giulia

Carlos

Now in its 7th season, the Athens English Comedy Club has hosted lineup shows, solo shows, open mics, online competitions, and comedy workshops, with *160* local and international comedians from *39 countries*.

*This show is in Italian*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date: Sunday, April 26th 

Time: 21:00 (Doors open 20:30)

Tickets:
Early-bird €15 | General admission €20 | At the door €25

Duration: 1h30

Recommended for ages 16+

Address: ELIART Theater - Konstantinoupoleos 127 (closest to Kerameikos and Metaxourgeio metro stations).

The theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Info: 6987994689 // athensenglishcomedyclub@gmail.com 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
📩 Sign up to our newsletter for direct-to-email updates and exclusive ticket offers!

Adorable Greek Shepherd (Tsopanoskilo) mix puppies ready for adoption. They are a beautiful mix of white-beige and have wonderful, friendly personalities.

All puppies are healthy and ready for their new families.

These pups are going to be loyal companions! If you're looking for a fluffy new addition to your family, we’d love to hear from you.

📞 For more information, please call Dimitra at +30 6930737119.

The CineDoc 2025-26 Documentary Festival concludes on Thursday, April 30, with the presentation of the E.K.K.O.ME.D. Audience Awards and the screening of the documentary Dust to Dust at the Danaos Cinema. The awards are sponsored by the Hellenic Center for Motion Pictures, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (E.K.K.O.ME.D.) - Creative Greece, and the event will be held in the presence of Athena Kartalou, General Director of Cinema at E.K.K.O.ME.D.

The films nominated for the Audience Award are: Takis. by Michalis Roumbis, The Goals of August by Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, LO by Thanasis Vasiliou, The Red Teacher by Stelios Charalampopoulos, and Bull's Heart by Eva Stefani. Supported by Creative Greece, this year’s festival draws to a close after eight months of screenings in Athens, Volos, Larissa, Thessaloniki, and Rethymno, featuring premieres, VR screenings, and tributes across its network.

Following the Closing Ceremony, the documentary Dust to Dust by Kosai Sekine will be screened, focusing on sustainable fashion and the work of Japanese designer Yuima Nakazato. The film is a national premiere and has received international accolades, including the Green Warsaw Award (Millennium Docs Against Gravity 2025) and the Human/Nature Award (Tribeca Film Festival 2024).

DUST TO DUST by Kosai Sekine (2024, Japan, 89’)

CLOSING FILM - 30/04/2026 | Arrival: 19:30 - Start: 20:00

The screening will be introduced by Christiana Vardakou (Textile Designer) and Iro Tsarampopoulou-Fokianou (Oceans Campaigner, Greenpeace Greece). A reception by the Open Farm producers' network will follow in the cinema foyer.

Tickets: Available online and at the DANAOS cinema box office: danaoscinema.gr

Synopsis

Yuima Nakazato is only the second Japanese designer invited to Paris Fashion Week and the youngest graduate of the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts. A pioneer of sustainable fashion, Nakazato blends haute couture with ethical production. His vision? A future where creativity is inseparable from environmental care. Dust to Dust follows his journey to Kenya to understand the impact of fast fashion, resulting in a 2023 collection made entirely from landfill waste.

Nominated Films & E.K.K.O.ME.D. Audience Awards

For the 2025-26 season, CineDoc partnered with the Votemo platform to establish local Audience Awards in Athens, Volos, and Rethymno.

TAKIS.

Michalis Roumbis, 2025, Greece, 63’ 

Takis, a former disco owner, dedicates his life to saving strays in Crete. Hosting over 400 dogs in his shelter, the film showcases his daily struggles to change local mindsets while gaining global support.

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

THE GOALS OF AUGUST (TA TERMATA TOU AVGOUSTOU)

Dimitris Koutsiabasakos, 2025, Greece, 117’ 

Every August, an improvised football championship revives small villages in southern Pindos. Through the journey of the "Armatolikon" team, the film captures the vibrant local community and personal stories of all ages. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos.

LO

Thanasis Vasiliou, 2025, Greece – France, 70’ 

A year after his mother’s death, the director returns to his childhood apartment in Athens to manage a troubled inheritance. Fragments of family memories emerge from the bare walls, intertwining personal history with the collective trauma of the Junta. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

THE RED TEACHER

Stelios Charalampopoulos, 2024, Greece, 100’ 

Two political trials and executions left an indelible mark on post-civil war Greece: those of Nikos Beloyannis and Nikos Ploumpidis. Ploumpidis died alone, slandered and disgraced. This film explores his Promethean tragedy. 

Nominated in: Volos.

BULL'S HEART

Eva Stefani, 2025, Greece, 78’ 

Eva Stefani follows world-renowned creator Dimitris Papaioannou over two years during the tour of Transverse Orientation. The documentary explores the nature of creation, asking "Why do we do what we do?", highlighting art as a means of resistance against futility. 

Nominated in: Athens, Volos, Rethymno.

About CINEDOC

CineDoc screens and distributes award-winning Greek and international documentaries. Screenings are organized as part of the CineDoc Documentary Festival, in collaboration with:

• Danaos Cinema and Anesis Open-Air Cinema

• The French Institute and the Greek Film Archive (Tainiothiki)

• CineDoc Volos, under the auspices of the Municipality of Volos and with the support of the Region of Thessaly (P.E. Magnesia & N. Sporades)

• The Municipality of Larissa

• The Thessaloniki International Film Festival ("Pavlos Zannas" and "Stavros Tornes" theaters)

• The "Simeio" Cultural Center in Rethymno

The festival takes place annually from September to April across the main CineDoc network, presenting new films approximately once a month. The sponsor of the CineDoc 2025-2026 Documentary Festival is the Hellenic Center for Motion Pictures, Audiovisual Media, and Creation (E.K.K.O.ME.D.) - Creative Greece.

Furthermore, CineDoc continuously expands its distribution network by organizing documentary screenings both on the Greek islands (Cyclades, Sporades, Ionian, and Dodecanese through CineDoc Island) and throughout mainland Greece. Every year, it co-organizes and supports regional documentary screenings in collaboration with cultural and environmental organizations, film clubs, counseling centers, foundations, cinemas, municipalities, and more. 

Theatre of the NO hosts Ross Daly and his Quartet on Saturday, April 25 at 21:30 for a unique musical evening that bridges the past and present of global musical traditions. Ross Daly, one of the most iconic figures on the international music scene, will present a program that masterfully blends tradition, improvisation, and contemporary musical expression.

On stage, four accomplished musicians come together: Ross Daly (lyra, tarhu, rabab), Kelly Thoma (lyra), Thomas Meleteas (oud), and Maro Panagi (percussion). Together, they create a program of contemporary modal compositions inspired by the musical traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, Central Asia, and beyond. Their music fosters a lively dialogue between the local and the universal, connecting traditional forms with modern interpretation.

Born in England to Irish parents, Ross Daly began his musical journey with the cello and guitar before turning to the music of the East, with a particular focus on Indian classical traditions. In 1975, he moved to Crete, where he studied the Cretan lyra with Kostas Mountakis and traveled extensively to Turkey and Afghanistan, deepening his understanding of traditional musical forms and instruments.

A virtuoso of many instruments, Daly has collaborated with prominent international musicians, moving fluidly between Eastern musical traditions and contemporary improvisation. His repertoire includes the Cretan lyra, rabab, laouto, Byzantine lyra, sarangi, oud, saz, and tambour.

As a composer and teacher, Daly is renowned for creating multi-layered sonic landscapes and cultivating a deeply human connection with his collaborators, offering audiences an authentic musical experience. Through the Music Workshop “Labyrinth” that he founded and directs in Crete, he has transformed the island into an international hub for artistic exchange, hosting musicians from around the world and fostering dialogue between traditions.

His music is strongly influenced by Sufi philosophy, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of sound and its transformative power for both performer and listener. Moving beyond conventional labels like “world music” or “ethnic,” Daly offers a deeply immersive, almost ritualistic experience.