COMMUNITY CORNER
XpatAthens
Friday, 01 May 2026 18:17
SUPERPOWER. Unlock the Force That Drives You!
What if the key to more clarity, confidence and self-leadership isn't something you need to find, but something you were born with and simply need to see with clarity?
On the evening of Saturday May 16 2026, a small group of international women will gather in a private penthouse in Athens for an immersive experience to unlock the force that drives us - our SUPERPOWER!
Hosted by Michaela Suchy — founder of Athena’s Journey and the KKM® Kern-Kraft Mensch® System, the evening is about understanding the unique-to-you core energy that shapes your life’s every reaction, decision and relationship.
This is not a lecture, a workshop or a seminar ~ it is a curated experience.
This is not a lecture, a workshop or a seminar ~ it is a curated experience.
In just three hours, you will:
-
Discover your innate core force — and finally understand why it's been your greatest alley all along.
-
Clearly see why you react the way you do (and stop wondering what's wrong with you).
-
Learn a practical three-question compass that you can use as your own tool right away!
-
Enjoy your Saturday evening with a warm group of international women in Athens.
The evening will unfold to include:
-
3-hour guided experience with Michaela Suchy.
-
Personal SUPERPOWER take-home toolkit.
-
Casual networking overlooking Athens.
-
Wine, refreshments and light snacks.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday May 16, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm (networking until 9:00 pm)
Location: Private Penthouse in Athens (address shared upon booking)
Language: English
Price: €55 — Introductory Price
Reservation Details:
Space is limited.
Advanced reservation is required. Your spot will be confirmed upon receipt of payment.
Kindly send your name and the number of guests interested by email to:
innerbloomgreece@gmail.com
Published in
Retreats & Gatherings
Tagged under
Thursday, 30 April 2026 11:41
Messinia Challenge 2026: Countdown Τo Τhe Ultimate Celebration Οf Sports & Wellness
With the countdown already underway, Messinia Challenge is excited to announce the finalization of this year's schedule. From May 8 to 10, 2026, Messinia will transform into a global athletic epicenter, offering a unique experience that combines movement, the philosophy of longevity, and the authentic hospitality of Costa Navarino.
The fully renewed schedule includes 70 parallel activities and 20 Olympic sports, remaining faithful to the timeless message "Sports Unites People". In this event, sports is transformed: it ceases to be a simple physical activity and becomes a powerful means to make the world better, promoting health, unity, and social contribution.
A World-Class "Dream Team”
By the side of the participants will be an emblematic team of athletes, consisting of Olympians Dimosthenis Tampakos, Dimitris Papanikolaou, Periklis Iakovakis, Antigoni Ntrismpioti, and Evina Maltsi, Paralympians Nasos Ghavelas and Grigoris Polychronidis, as well as top champions Kostas Katsouranis, Joe Arlauckas, Michalis Triantafyllidis, Maria Polyzou, Georgia Kaltsi, Konstantinos Dean Karnazes, and Jo Manta.
These great athletes will not simply have the role of an observer. They will become one with the people: they will run, exercise, train, and sweat together with all participants! Messinia Challenge thus turns into an unrepeatable celebration of wellness, sports, and the practical promotion of the Olympic Ideal, this eternal value that transcends medals and records. The Olympic ideal is not just a competitive goal, but a moral compass that guides our every step. It is the belief in equal opportunity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence through sports. With exactly this philosophy, the effort is celebrated to the fullest and all participants, young and old, receive their own commemorative medal at the finish line.
Historic Return to Roots: The “American Dream” of the Spanos Family, the NFL, and Flag Football in Messinia
This is the evolution of a great story: of a family that immigrated to America, where the late Alex Spanos thrived and became the owner of the Los Angeles Chargers, one of the most dynamic and rising teams in the NFL, the sport that captivates the planet with the most famous final worldwide, the renowned Super Bowl.
Today, the continuers of this precious legacy return to their ancestral lands. A top moment of this year's event is the historic first visit of Dean Spanos, owner and Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Chargers, to the land of his ancestors, honoring the family's deep ties with the village of Eva, in Messinia.
With him, Messinia Challenge welcomes the legendary Shawne Merriman, former Chargers linebacker, three-time Pro Bowler, and co-owner of the “Lights Out” MMA fight club. The NFL Flag Football Camp in Methoni has a great purpose: the spread of the sport to the new generation of Greece, especially now that Flag Football is preparing to make history as an official Olympic sport at the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
For the implementation of this vision, the mission is joined by two development head coaches of the official NFL Flag Football program, as well as 20 top Greek and Greek-American athletes, who will teach the secrets of the sport to the children of Messinia. At the same time, to seal this unique experience, authentic equipment from the Los Angeles Chargers will be distributed to the children, as an invaluable memento of a historic visit that creates the strongest bridge between American football and the ancestral land of Messinia.
Buondi Craft at the rhythm of Messinia Challenge 2026!
Buondi Craft gives a dynamic "presence" at Messinia Challenge (May 8–10) as the Official Coffee Partner, supporting one of the country's most important wellness events. Throughout the event, athletes and visitors will enjoy crafted coffee experiences at specially designed coffee stations during the golf and tennis tournaments, from the early morning starts to the recovery moments after the races. This collaboration is part of Buondi Craft's overall commitment to responsible entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Throughout the Messinia Challenge 2026, the coffee grounds produced will be collected and directed to recycling and reuse actions, supporting circular economy practices and contributing to the reduction of the event's environmental footprint.
Sun Protection & Wellness at Messinia Challenge
KORRES takes over the natural care and sun protection of the participants, promoting the inseparable link between wellness and the pure ingredients of Greek nature. During the event, the beloved brand stars with multifaceted actions, presenting the dynamic F45 Barrio Salamanca HYROX Work Out under the guidance of Euroleague Legend Joe Arlauckas and physical education professor Dimitris Moros (FitnessArt). At the same time, the activity moves to the sand of The Dunes Beach with the Family Beach Volley Tournament powered by KORRES. The action is implemented in collaboration with the Triantafyllidis Beach Arena and the Greek champion Michalis Triantafyllidis, offering a unique experience of teamwork and movement for the whole family. Naturally, because action requires safety under the sun, the KORRES Yogurt face and body sunscreen series will offer athletes comprehensive broad-spectrum protection, ensuring active hydration and skin comfort.
Message of Life & Solidarity from the REA Clinic & the ORAMA ELPIDAS Association
REA Clinic, proving its social sensitivity in practice, carries out a unique struggle of contribution by contributing decisively to finding volunteer bone marrow donors, in collaboration with the ORAMA ELPIDAS Association. During Messinia Challenge, they will join forces with the participants, implementing a great action of information and registration of new volunteers. Specifically, for three whole days, the mobile unit of the Volunteer Bone Marrow Donor Sample Collection Center of the REA Clinic will be specially installed at the House of Events of Costa Navarino. There, visitors and athletes will be able to get informed and give a sample through a process that is extremely simple, lasting only a few minutes and completely painless. Every new sample collected during the three-day period is not just a participation, but a real hope for a fellow human being who is ill and seeking a compatible donor for the transplant that will grant them life again!
Melissa Grants Energy, Balance & Recovery Meals at the Messinia Challenge
Combining intensity on the court with balance at sunset, Melissa participates dynamically in the event, highlighting the importance of proper sports nutrition. The beloved brand invests in the new generation by offering Basketball Clinics for children and adolescents, under the guidance of legends of the sport Evina Maltsi and Joe Arlauckas. Furthermore, it supports Sunset Pilates with the team of physical education professor Mandy Persaki, combining exercise with a setting of absolute tranquility. An ally for participants at every step is the innovative Melissa High Protein pasta series, with a new enhanced recipe with 25g of protein per 100g, which is a source of energy before and after training. Putting the message "At the heart of every moment" into practice, Melissa will be at the heart of the race with the characteristic Melissa Van on Sunday at the finish line of the running races, to distribute nutritious recovery meals, rich in carbohydrates and protein, to young and old runners!
Vlaha Offers First Dives in the Pool
Vlaha ensures the ideal first contact of infants with water in the context of Messinia Challenge. Through the Baby Swimming Lessons, held with the support of Red Swim Academy & Swim O’ Clock, a modified environment of absolute affection and safety is offered for children up to 3 years old accompanied by their parents. This action reflects the brand's philosophy which has remained unchanged for decades: care with pure ingredients and traditional value. Besides, Vlaha trachanas, which has been handmade since 1965, is synonymous with the authentic taste that grows generations upon generations, offering the nutritional basis for a healthy start in life.
Feeju Offers Natural Energy
Feeju brings natural stimulation and a strong dose of sportsmanship to the Messinia Challenge, inviting participants to a fun Knock Out Challenge. Through this beloved and extremely popular basketball skill game, everyone is given the opportunity to have fun, test their skills, and compete in an atmosphere of absolute joy and excitement, because for Feeju every effort counts, whether it is the shot that will bring you closer to victory, or the small daily energy boost that keeps you moving. Allies in this effort are the company's natural juices in "shot" form. Enriched with beneficial ingredients, vitamins, and minerals, Feeju's wellness shots are specifically designed for immediate, effective absorption and maximum health benefits, completely free of preservatives, sugar, additives, or dyes. These innovative products will accompany various wellness activities throughout the three-day period, naturally giving their dynamic "presence" to Sunday's running races as well, to grant the necessary, clean energy to all runners!
Trace ‘n Chase Unites Authentic Basketball Culture with Social Contribution!
Based in Thessaloniki, Trace ‘n Chase, a company specializing in sports trading cards and memorabilia, is the official representative in Europe for top brands in the field, such as Panini, Upper Deck, Topps, and Fanatics. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the company gives a dynamic "presence" at the 4on4 basketball tournament, connecting the passion for the sport with modern collecting culture. On a court where Olympians, professionals, and amateur athletes coexist and compete together, Trace ‘n Chase highlights the values of teamwork and fair play, while offering a high-level experience to basketball fans. At the same time, the company's participation also has a huge social footprint. The first collectible sports items for the auction of the great initiative "To Save a Child" will be exhibited at the event venue. Several of these unique exhibits will be immediately available through the “Buy Now” process. All funds from these purchases will be automatically and directly directed to the bank accounts of the 12 NGOs that the event actively supports, demonstrating in practice the power of sports to offer substantial hope!
Bacardi, the authentic rum from the Caribbean
Bacardi rum is inextricably linked to enjoyable cocktails like the iconic Bacardi Mojito and carefree moments by the waves. In this year's Messinia Challenge, Bacardi rum brings the spirit of celebration, sociability, and summer carefreeness, supporting the impressive King of the Court Mixed Beach Volley Tournament at the idyllic The Dunes Beach. Participants will have the opportunity to live the intensity and rhythm of a fast and spectacular tournament from Triantafyllidis Beach Arena. In this unique setting, sports meets lifestyle, giving the joy of participation to those seeking action in the sand, but also to those looking forward to the ultimate summer cocktail, the Bacardi Mojito.
The ultimate digital visitor's guide
Step into the new digital era with the event's ultimate guide! Download the Messinia Challenge App now (designed by Mind the Ad) on iOS and Android. For the first time in Greece, a sporting event innovates to such a degree: the Messinia Challenge becomes the first Greek event to present a comprehensive app cut and sewn exclusively to the needs of the visitor. It is not just another live tracking application for running times. It is a complete, interactive digital "companion" that upgrades the overall hospitality experience! Only through the application will you have direct access to real-time updates, the full three-day schedule, as well as exclusive discount coupons from our sponsors. Don't wait, live the Messinia Challenge experience to the fullest with one click!
Wilson Signs the Ultimate Basketball Experience
Wilson, the leading sports equipment company worldwide, is represented in Greece by Fais Group and is the ultimate synonym of authentic basketball culture, standing out over time for the innovation and unparalleled quality of its products. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the historic company gives a dynamic "presence" as the exclusive basketball game sponsor. The iconic Wilson balls will star, giving the rhythm to the demanding Corporate Tournament, while at the same time they will be in the hands of young and old at the special basketball clinics that will be held under the guidance of great legends of the sport, ensuring a completely professional experience on the court!
Timeless Aesthetics from PETROS TASOULIS FINE JEWELLERY
PETROS TASOULIS jewelry, with a history starting from 1970, is a synonym of timeless elegance and high aesthetics. With a steady focus on quality and innovation, every creation reflects the art of detail and the value of authenticity. In this year's Messinia Challenge, the PETROS TASOULIS brand participates dynamically in the context of a top sporting event. With an impressive exhibition space at the official Gala, participants will have the opportunity to get to know its creations up close and at the same time will benefit from exclusive offers through the event's official app.
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.
Official Game Basketball is Wilson.
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.
Official Jewellery Partner is the company PETROS TASOULIS JEWELLERY EST.1970.
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 event is held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourism Organization, and the Region of Peloponnese.
The strategic design, production, and communication of the event are signed by the award-winning sports tourism company ActiveMedia Group.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Thursday, 30 April 2026 01:22
Reawakening Wonder In Zagora: A Wonder Works Retreat
In a world that moves quickly and asks us to produce and accelerate more than we can sustain, many of us lose touch with the quiet spark that makes life feel vivid.
Reawakening Wonder is a 3-night immersive retreat designed to restore our aliveness and creativity, engage with all our senses, and cultivate a deep sense of wellbeing through dialogue, self-reflection, and movement.
Join in around the summer solstice June 18-21, 2026 at the incredible and natural landscape of Pelion.
This is not therapy. Not corporate. Not performance driven. It is a human reset.
This 3-night immersive experience is designed to:
- Reawaken aliveness and creativity
- Restore energy and emotional balance, cultivate wellbeing through Tai Chi and other practices
- Reconnect participants with their inherent, open curiosity through dialogue, self-reflection and presence
We Care for You: A complimentary 30 min alignment call, prior to booking or about 2 weeks prior to arrival, as needed, is included in this retreat. To connect and address any current issues or specific needs you may have.
To reserve your spot, CLICK HERE!
For Whom
This retreat is ideal for:
- Professionals feeling creatively depleted
- Cultural workers, educators, creatives
- Coaches, therapists, health practitioners
- People in transition or founders who feel overwhelmed or stuck
- Individuals seeking reconnection with meaning and purpose
What's Included
- All facilitation, program design, and content
- Guided reflection, dialogue circles, embodiment practices, wanders, Tai Chi sessions, creative inquiry & assignments
- Use of Project Zeta’s indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the retreat
- Daily meals provided on location or at local restaurants – nourishing lunches and light evening meals, special dietary requirements to be taken into consideration
- Retreat materials and reflective tools
- Local coordination and on-site support
- Shuttle service from Volos -the main town close by- to Zagora village at a pre-arranged time and pick-up location, upon request
- Intimate group size ( max. 10 participants)
- A complimentary 30 min alignment call, prior to booking or about 2 weeks prior to arrival, as needed, to address any current issues or specific needs.
- A 1:1 coaching session online for early birds!
Retreat Info
When: June 18-21, 2026
Where: Project Zeta, Zagora, Pelion
Price: Early Bird Rate: €750 (until May 31). Also includes a complimentary 1:1 online coaching session.
Standard Rate: €950
Extra Costs: €200–€300 per person for 3 nights B&B in Zagora village. You may come with a friend and share the room costs.
Organizer: Wonder Works
To reserve your spot, CLICK HERE!
Published in
Retreats & Gatherings
Tagged under
Thursday, 30 April 2026 01:00
Max Amini Live At The Christmas Theatre
Comedy powerhouse Max Amini brings his acclaimed stand-up tour to the Christmas Theatre on May 2nd, 2026, with two scheduled performances at 17:00 and 21:00!
Max Amini is a world-renowned comedian, producer, director, and podcaster who has redefined stand-up comedy in the digital age. As the founder and CEO of Abstraction Media, he has built a comedy empire from the ground up. With over 25.7 million followers and 5.8 billion views in 2025 alone, he is currently the most-watched comedian on Instagram globally. His YouTube channel ranks as the #1 fastest-growing comedy channel in the US, with audiences tuning in from every country in the world.
Max made history as the first Iranian-American artist to headline Madison Square Garden and sell out the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. He is also the highest ticket-selling international comedian in India. His 2025 tour spanned 19 countries, 60 cities, and 150 sold-out shows, with over 200,000 tickets sold.
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Max discovered his comedic voice at the Los Angeles Improv while studying at UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. After graduating, he became a resident comic at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, where his improvisational crowd work and magnetic stage presence made him one of the fastest-rising talents on the LA comedy circuit.
Today, Max blends cultural storytelling with universal themes, drawing audiences of all backgrounds into his live shows, which he calls a United Nations of Comedy. His stand-up special Randomly Selected reached 16 million views in under six months.
Whether headlining arenas or creating content that travels the globe, Max hears daily from fans who find comfort and connection in his comedy during life's highs and lows. He has built his career through passion and purpose, transforming everyday struggles and family dynamics into performances that prove humor can heal and unite.
*Note: The event will start promptly at the scheduled time 17:00 & 21:00. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly recommend arriving early at the venue. This will allow enough time for parking, entrance procedures, security checks, and seating.
**Note: Parking spaces may be limited around the building, so early arrival is strongly advised. A ticket does not guarantee a parking space.
*Note: The event will start promptly at the scheduled time 17:00 & 21:00. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly recommend arriving early at the venue. This will allow enough time for parking, entrance procedures, security checks, and seating.
**Note: Parking spaces may be limited around the building, so early arrival is strongly advised. A ticket does not guarantee a parking space.
Published in
Events In Athens
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 15:13
The Halo Collection: Jeff & Sharona on Breathing New Life into Athenian Properties
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
The Silk House, Exterior
But when I walked inside? My jaw literally dropped.
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
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
The Silk House, Living Room
We are here at the Silk House, one of 3 stunning properties in the Halo Collection. Looking at what you’ve built here,do you have your sights set on other renovations in the city center, or are you looking to expand further out?
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.
How exactly do you choose a property to bring back to life?
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
The Hill, Courtyard
What was the defining moment when you decided to leave Asia, move to Greece, and build the Halo Collection?
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.
You’ve moved away from the Mykonos "beach party" vibe to focus on these urban Athenian neighborhoods. Now that you’ve recently launched the Silk House on Airbnb, how are you finding the response to your more curated approach?
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
The Silk House, Plunge Pool
It sounds like you're building a very specific identity for these homes. How did the name "Halo" come about to tie it all together?
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.
Each house also has its own distinct name. How do you choose those?
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
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
The Hill
What is the biggest challenge in modernizing these historic Athenian properties?
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
The Silk House, Dining Room
What is something you simply won't negotiate on when you're building?
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.
How do you strike that final balance between the antique and the modern?
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
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.
After living all over the world, what is the one thing about Athens that you missed most?
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
The Hive, Balcony View
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.
Published in
Local Voices
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 15:10
Part-Time Property Operations Assistant (Short-Term Rental)
The Halo Collection is looking for a reliable, detail-oriented person to help manage our high-standard short-term rental property. This is a part-time, hourly role suited to someone organized, responsive, and hands-on.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct post-cleaning inspections to ensure the property meets quality standards:
- Check overall cleanliness and presentation
- Ensure all appliances (fridge, dishwasher, oven, Nespresso machine, dryer) are clean and functioning
- Confirm lights, fixtures, and equipment are working
- Check walls, surfaces, and general condition
- Ensure keys are correctly placed in the lockbox
- Prepare and manage guest welcome setup:
- Organize and restock welcome baskets
- Monitor inventory (toiletries, cleaning supplies, linens, etc.)
- Coordinate maintenance when needed:
- Liaise with technicians and oversee basic repairs
- Guest support:
- Be available on check-in days
- Respond to urgent issues during guest stays
- Logistics:
- Arrange airport transfers or other guest services when required
Details:
- Flexible, part-time schedule (based on bookings)
- Must be dependable, trustworthy, and able to work independently
Right now we can only offer an hourly role. If the business gets demanding we can then put on a full time role.
Published in
Jobs Available
Tagged under
Friday, 24 April 2026 13:18
The Thread Of Self-Discovery: A Conversation With Dimitra At Ariadne’s Garden
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?
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!
You are often known as “Ieri Pnoi” (Sacred Breath). How does the concept of “breath” influence the way you’ve designed the physical spaces and the rhythm of the retreats?
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.
The name “Ariadne” is deeply symbolic in Greek mythology. Why did you choose this archetype to represent your sanctuary, and how does the “Labyrinth” play a role in the guest experience?
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.
How do you feel the specific geology of this Delphic landscape impacts the healing work that happens here?
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.
You specialize in “Shadow Work” through archetypal exploration. For someone who has never explored their “shadow” before, how does Ariadne’s Garden provide a safe “playground” for that encounter?
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.
As a Visionary Artist, how do you see the relationship between a person’s creative expression and their psychological well-being?
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?
Dance Movement Psychotherapy is a core part of your work. How does moving the body help us access the “invisible and mythical” parts of ourselves that words often miss?
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.
Ariadne’s Garden isn’t just for seekers; it’s also an Artist Residency. What happens when you bring “the seeker” and “the artist” together?
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.
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?
If a guest leaves Ariadne's Garden with only one thing—a feeling, a tool, or a realization—what do you hope that is?
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.
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.
Published in
Local Voices
Tagged under
Friday, 24 April 2026 12:37
Messinia Challenge 2026 - Beyond Sports, A Complete Experience
A three day event (May 8-10) full of action, innovation, gastronomy, and strong partnerships
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.
Historic Record With 23 Distinctions At The Sports Marketing Awards
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.
Gastronomic Experience & Creation
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.
Innovation & The Future of Mobility
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.
Premium Mobility & “Mobility & Recovery”
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.
Family Action & Flavor
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.
Premium Aesthetics & Social Contribution
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.
International Access to the Event “Takes Off”
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.
Top Recovery for Athletes
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 Explosive Closing Party of Messinia Challenge
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.
Support from the Local Community
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.
Digital Innovation: The New Messinia Challenge App
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.
The Great Celebration of Values
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.
Become part of the experience and secure your place on the starting line for an unforgettable sports event in Messinia. REGISTER HERE!
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.
Published in
Local News
Tagged under
Tuesday, 28 April 2026 10:52
Spring In Athens: What To Do
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.
@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.
Museums
@vickakyphotography
@vickakyphotography
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.
Island Escape
@island_wanders_by_kostopoulos
@island_wanders_by_kostopoulos
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
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.
Published in
City Discovery
Tagged under
Wednesday, 22 April 2026 10:26
Ten Twenty Voula: The Ultimate Padel, Tennis & Wellness Hub
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.
The Experience
-
Elite Racquet Sports:
- Padel: 7 outdoor courts (including a show-stopping center court) featuring the world-renowned Paquito Navarro Academy methodology.
- Tennis: 4 premium courts (2 hard, 2 clay) with professional coaching and academies for all ages.
- Pickleball: Dive into the fastest-growing sport on dedicated courts with a loyal, welcoming community.
-
Movement & Recovery: PT sessions and outdoor movement classes. Post-match, reset your body with expert-led ice baths and an outdoor sauna designed for contrast therapy.
-
La Linda Café: Fuel your day at the clubhouse with fresh juices, protein shakes, specialty coffee, and the “best pastries in town” from the iconic La Linda, plus a great brunch menu featuring eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, salads and more.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Beachside Vibes: Walk directly from the courts to the sea for a post-workout swim or to catch the sunset.
-
Community First: From "Americano" padel socials and leagues to breathwork workshops and exclusive events, it’s a place to build genuine connections.
-
Work & Play: With a cozy clubhouse, lush garden, and high-speed vibes, many guests stay all day to work, eat, and soak in the atmosphere.
-
Pro-Level Training: Home to world-class coaches and structured seasonal programs for juniors and adults alike.
Amenities at a Glance
- Modern locker rooms & showers
- Lush garden & stylish clubhouse
- Exclusive tournaments & workshops
- Pro Academy programs
📍 Leof. Alkionidon 4, 16673 Voula, Athens
Published in
Wellness Spaces & Venues
Tagged under