Greece as Art – Caroline Rovithi

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Green Paradise Found

THESE GREEN GETAWAYS HAVE FOUND UNIQUE WAYS TO COMBINE LUXURY WITH SUSTAINABILITY, OFFERING GUESTS OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES IN COMPLETE HARMONY AND CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

Text by MARINA BENEKOU

Text by MARINA BENEKOU

PRIVATE JOURNAL NO4

Song Saa Private Island

CAMBODIA

The koh rong archipelago off Cambodia is home to a veritable vacation gem: the private island known as Song Saa. Visiting the island in 2006 and enchanted by its natural beauty, then in decline, Rory and Melinda Hunter decided to buy it from the Cambodian government, setting three goals: restoring the natural environment, helping the local community and creating a unique hospitality property, which would offer an authentic experience of the area. The couple proceeded to erect facilities where everything is designed around sustainability, local potential and indigenous resources. The furniture and textiles that adorn the island’s elegant, striking over-water villas are made from natural or recycled materials by local craftspeople. With a private pool and sea view deck, each villa has its own, unique style, inspired by Cambodia’s traditional fisher villages, which guests can visit to witness traditional fishing, coral farming and agriculture methods. These initiatives are supported by the Hunters’ Song Saa Foundation, which works with volunteers, investors and supporters from around the world. songsaa-privateisland.com

North Island

SEYCHELLES

In north island, one of the most popular destinations for premium travel, North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, manages to stand out by offering a high quality stay experience crafted around both comfort and sustainability. Under a similar moniker, North Resort in the archipelago of the Seychelles can satisfy guests of different profiles but always high expectations. Couples looking to experience an unforgettable honeymoon, professionals in need of relaxation and de-stressing, and families with children can all find what they are looking for at North Island, which offers unsurpassed wellness and fine dining services just a breath away from the green-blue waters of the Indian Ocean. If they so choose, guests can reserve the entire island to enjoy its charms in full privacy. Having conquered the very first place in the ranking of the 100 “greenest” resorts in the world in 2019, North Island ensures guests’ activities are fully compatible with the aims of Noah’s Ark, the environmental program which works to rescue endemic animal species and their natural habitat. north-island.com

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Pikaia Lodge

ECUADOR

The location of pikaia Lodge, on the Ecuadorian island of Santa Cruz just a few miles off the Galapagos, made sustainability one of the essential requirements for the creation of this Relais & Châteaux resort. At the top of the crater of an inactive volcano, Pikaia Lodge was built exclusively with eco-friendly recyclable materials. Cast in volcanic lava, the luxurious baths in every room are impressive, as is the teak and bamboo furniture from organic Ecuadorian farms. The cleaning and hygiene products used are biodegradable, while all water used on the premises is heated using solar panels. The resort is an ideal destination for lovers of nature, as it offers a wealth of activities around the Galapagos ecosystem, which is unique in the world. Surfing, trekking, mountain biking, catch-and-release eco-friendly fishing, and diving are all recommended to the more adventurous visitors while those looking for relaxation can charge their batteries at the giant turtle refuge that envelops the hotel. pikaialodge.com

HEALTH IS THE NEW BEAUTIFUL

There are no gimmicks behind SYMMETRIA’s success story: Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos, MD, PhD , unveils his philosophy that’s led the brand to international expansion.

Focused on minimum intervention procedures that enhance the ageing face and body, Dr Nikolaos Metaxotos, MD, PhD, is one of the most sought-after international plastic surgeons. His story began with the birth of SYMMETRIA®, a multi-awarded health and beauty center, but his vision was greater than that. Motivation, persistence and all the right collaborations led to the international recognition that SYMMETRIA® enjoys to date, as well as an array of other ventures that fall in line with his passion for placing health and beauty in the spotlight.

Minimum Intervention, Maximum Effect ®

“Our motto is: “Minimum Intervention, Maximum Effect ®” – an operational model whereby optimum results are achieved through alternative and less invasive options. We focus on providing a holistic approach that deals with one’s individual needs and place emphasis on treatments that quickly, efficiently and painlessly correct the signs of ageing”, Dr Metaxotos stresses. “Gravity, a drop in hormone activity, age and local fat deposits are bound to leave their marks on the face and body. Technological developments and modern methods enable us to intervene in a bloodless, painless, incision-free manner, without the fear of any complications that may occur in the operating room, with the extra bonus of not needing any recovery time”, he adds.

The Latest Technology for Best Results

SYMMETRIA® remains on the innovative front, armed with the latest technology when it comes to non-invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, weight management, and medical well-being. Inspired by the future, SYMMETRIA® has always strived to pave the path hand in hand with the latest technological advancements that prioritize safety, patient satisfaction, and amazing results. As a brand, we always conduct thorough market research to bring forth praised technologies that yield innovative solutions that match every patient’s needs”, says Dr. Metaxotos. SYMMETRIA® offers innovative treatments for the renewal of the face and body, with the most advanced technologies, the most innovative products, and a passion for aesthetics. Providing the most complete range of services, treating customers as individuals each with their own bespoke needs, conducting the procedures by highly specialized personnel and state-of-the-art equipment and techniques are the key qualities of SYMMETRIA®.

International Recognition

It is no wonder that the international press has branded SYMMETRIA® as one of the top aesthetic clinics worldwide, whilst also being awarded with a significant number of awards; among them the Best Clinic Award, the European Quality Award, The Best Medical Practice Award, Best in Non-Invasive Treatments and the Gold Medical Beauty Award.

A Sensorial Experience

Your visit at SYMMETRIA® is a sensorial experience. Aesthetic treatments today are more of an experience rather than just a service. With this in mind, SYMMETRIA® operates under carefully selected protocols to ensure smooth operation and increase patient satisfaction.

A New Era in Health & Beauty

“I am more than thrilled to announce that we are launching our latest venture; The SYMMETRIA SPOTS, with Athens and our collaboration with BIOIATRIKI as our starting point – strategically chosen for the

Your visit at SYMMETRIA is a sensorial experience. Aesthetic treatments today are more of an experience rather than just a service. With this in mind, SYMMETRIA operates under carefully selected protocols to ensure smooth operation and increase patient satisfaction.

Your visit at SYMMETRIA is a sensorial experience. Aesthetic treatments today are more of an experience rather than just a service. With this in mind, SYMMETRIA operates under carefully selected protocols to ensure smooth operation and increase patient satisfaction.

fruitful relationship we have already build via the PRIME AGE DNA protocols we offer”, says Dr.Metaxotos. The SYMMETRIA SPOTS are compact, practical spaces that offer targeted treatments in a fast, efficient and safe manner with the same standards of a high-end brand and excellent value-for-money services.

The Same Day Beauty Boost

As a health and beauty hub whose scope is to create unique, tailor-made experiences for each customer, SYMMETRIA® brings together bespoke services and cutting-edge technologies. The Same Day Beauty Boost protocol gives you the opportunity to address all your needs with a tailor-made program of a series of minimally invasive rejuvenation and anti-ageing facial treatments that are carried out in just one session. The initial consultation can be carried out online through 3D simulation. SYMMETRIA® also offers concierge services and exclusive rates at lavish hotels, such as the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso, strategically dispersed across Athens. The aim of single-day sessions is to tackle all your needs in a tailor-made fashion, without the need for multiple clinic visits as all treatments have been carefully designed to only require a single visit - whereby the initial consultation is conducted as a virtual consultation. When you decide to go on with your planned non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments, you will have a consultation with the specialist doctor who will perform the procedures to make your final choice of the various options that will be offered to you. This is a highly popular solution for those who live out of town or for our international travelers who visit us.

International Collaborations & Partnerships

The fact that SYMMETRIA® has been able to create trends and anticipate and meet patient needs is what has led to its expansion in the Middle East and plans to further expand to new locations very soon. At the same time, it maintains a strong presence in: SYMMETRIA® Athens, SYMMETRIA® SPOTs in Athens, SYMMETRIA® Bahrain, SYMMETRIA® Saudi Arabia, the distinguished Ion-Kavouni clinic in London, Praxisklinik Urania in Zurich, Instituto Javier de Benito in Barcelona, Clinique Delmar in Antibes as well as Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Vouliagmeni, Athens. All partner-clinics share the same philosophy and brand values as SYMMETRIA® when it comes to services and patient care. •

For more information please visit: www.symmetria.com

Aristotle Onassis, an Athens Riviera enthusiast, redefined the concept of the self-made Greek tycoon. A legend with his own laws in business.

MONDADORI/ GETTY IMAGES/ IDEAL IMAGE PRIVATE JOURNAL NO2