Sani Magazine 2023

THE ART OF FUSION

SQUARE BANG UNICO

18K King Gold and black ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

DISRUPTING DIAMONDS

EDITOR'S LETTER

Dear Guests,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Sani Resort and the new edition of Sani Magazine. Looking back, 2022 was a year of celebration, recognition, and reset. We ensured that the Greek hospitality model set the goal for international tourism and quickly rose to the occasion and demands of the changing times. Now in 2023, we embrace a new era. With immaculate service, an unerring attention to detail and genuine care, we offer an extraordinary experience, where guests enjoy an unrivalled luxury holiday, here at an award-winning resort. Our commitment to sustainability remains at the heart of our vision for the future, as we tirelessly work to protect our surroundings, support our local communities, and champion eco-tourism whilst creating special experiences for our guests. Our events programme has naturally evolved, allowing for endless possibilities. Having marked its 15th anniversary last year, our renowned celebration of haute cuisine, Sani Gourmet, welcomes the elite of Michelin Starred Chefs this summer, showcasing the differing gastronomic scenes from every continent. Whilst following its 30th anniversary and having been recognised as the ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination Resort’ in 2022 at the World Travel Awards, Sani Festival continues to thrive. This year returning stronger than ever, the festival welcomes international artists such as Sarah Brightman, Bonnie Tyler, UB40 and many more, who will fill the Mediterranean night like a sky full of stars. The issue you are holding in your hands is dedicated to ‘θeros’, meaning summer in Greek. As you travel through its pages, you will encounter unique personalities sharing their own love for the Greek summer, as well as discover fascinating stories intertwined with our country. Nonetheless, it is here at Sani Resort, a haven where three natural worlds await, that ‘θeros’ lives with hospitality, harmoniously complimenting the magic of the Greek summer. We welcome you to the paradise of Sani Resort for a once in a lifetime experience, where days stretch forever and everyone can find everything that they’ve truly desired.

Dr. Andreas A. Andreadis CEO and co-Managing Partner Sani Resort

CONTENTS

DISCOVER THE ISSUE YOU’RE HOLDING IN YOUR HANDS

ΘEROS IN CULTURE

22 - Glorious θeros Searching for the idea and symbolisms of the Greek summer, we meet 14 distinguished artists who interpret it through their artworks

38 - Yannis Tsarouchis His art praised Greece and love, through a series of images that carried the light of his country across borders

ΘEROS & AESTHETICS

62 - Letter From Greece

The eclectic curator, Tina Daskalantonaki, conveys her feelings about the Greece she adores through select items and images

IMAGES & MEMORIES

78 - Hollywood Goes Blue International cinema found its most ideal setting under the unique light of Greece, and so the endless blue travelled across the world

GETTING TO KNOW SANI RESORT

90 - Suite Talk A tour through five iconic suites in Sani Resort’s five hotels introduces us to a world of exclusive privileges and unique holiday services

46 - Victoria Hislop The British author talks about the perpetual journey into the world of her novels, as well as her encounter with Greece, which monopolised her inspiration

56 - Dakis Joannou

Businessman and collector, philanthropist and innovator, champion of dialogue and spontaneousness, a man who remains a young soul

68 - Summer is a Female State of Mind Four exciting women shaping up the new face of Greek fashion, share their most intimate feelings about the summers that inspire them

86 - Yannis Moschos The Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece is an old Sani acquaintance, as this is the magical location of his childhood summers, where he felt the meaning of true freedom

133 - Sani Around & About A look at everything that can make a terrestrial paradise even more appealing, from gastronomy and sports to shopping and luxury events

FASHION FILES

108 - A θeros Tale of Love Light embraces carefree silhouettes, fine fabrics caress the body, sunsets and sandy beaches are allies in indelible images of harmony and a tale of love dances, bedecked in the hues of summer

ECO LIFE & SUSTAINABILITY

182 - Powered by Nature

The Group Director of Sustainability and CSR at Sani Resort, Eleni Andreadis, traces the line that binds the natural world and eco-conscious operations

100 - Pampering Beauty

WELLNESS, SPORTS & BEAUTY

Beauty editor, Iliada Klangou, lets herself go for three days in the paradise of Porto Sani The Spa Suite, and records the holistic experience she felt in her body, her mind & her soul

GASTRONOMY

166 - Akira Back Exploring the spirit of a top chef, whose dishes blend memories and experiences with his homeland and his travels by engaging all the senses

DECO & ESCAPES

202 - Living the Dream

A dreamy residence on Sani Hill promises the absolute summer experience, thanks to its ideal design, its elegant decoration, and its unobstructed views over everything nature offers

LAST PAGE

218 - Nikos Aliagas writes about the Greek summers that do not need epilogues

154 - Summer is… Drawing inspiration from cosmopolitan places and laissez faire images, we create classy and unforgettable summer looks

186 - Welcome to the eco–conscious dreamland

Ten important places that showcase how Sani Resort keeps sustainability as its top priority and raises awareness for the protection of the ecosystem

190 - Rafael Nadal The tennis champion, an authentic role model and source of inspiration, continues to conquer peaks and talks about everything that inspires him and gives him the strength to keep going

196 - The First Wealth is Health Enjoy wholesome activities for the body and the mind during your holidays at Sani Resort, for inner and outer wellness

172 - Nikos Papastergiou

The Corporate Executive Chef of Sani Resort speaks about the way he orchestrates his culinary teams for satisfying even the most demanding palates

178 - La Vie en Rose A rose summer symphony to be noticed, as rosé wines gain more ground and are enjoyed in a variety of different ways

208 - Escapes Small escapes, by land or by sea, in Kassandra, Halkidiki, offer unique images of the land’s history, as well as peaceful settings for total relaxation

MAGAZINE SANI

ANNUAL EDITION 2023

PUBLISHER

Sani Resort, Kassandra Halkidiki, 63077 Greece, T. +30 23740 99400

Sani Magazine is published by Sani SA and is distributed free of charge. All rights reserved. www.saniresort.gr

Group Brand Strategy Director Pepy Siouti

Group Creative Director Sophia Georgakis

Group Brand Marketing Manager Marianna Koutelou

PR Manager Amalia Theodorou

Advertising Manager Konstantinos Paparoupas

PRODUCTION

Nasta Publications Ltd., 81 Tsimiski Str, Thessaloniki, 54622 Greece, T. +30 2310 220897

Head of Publications Nano Kougioumtzoglou

Editor in Chief Aris Kavatzikis

Creative & Design Director Niki Tabaki

Production & Deputy Director Eleonora Kanaki

Art Director Theodoros Kollias

Editorial Team Eleni Andreadis, Tina Daskalantonaki, Iliada Klangou, Thodoris Koutsogiannopoulos, Niki Mitarea, Eleni Papaioannou, Aristotelis Spiliotopoulos, Sonia Talantinou

Fashion Editorial Photographer Mara Desipris

Styling Director Dada Ioannidou

Translator Amelia Zavacopoulos

PRINTING Skordopoulos COVER

Photographer Mara Desipris , Styling Director Dada Ioannidou , Makeup Maria Pagonaki , Hair Vangelis Sehou – Can I Kiss Hair Salon , Photographer Assistant Zina Desipris , Styling Assistant Vasiliki Simeonidi , Model Julia Riethof (D.Models)

Swimsuit Alaia, Grigio - Sani Marina

“The gradual peak of the seasonal cycle. Everything leads to this ultimate climax. The time for yellow in the landscape and the light, and all colours in the multi-coloured gardens. The crisp greens in all tones and shades, changing throughout the day and becoming almost transparent under the light. The power of the light at midday, the pinnacle of heat, the sun’s energy with a potential caress of a breeze.

This fluid energy that rushes down narrow streets, bouncing off the awnings, disturbing our sleep. This is the time that the body, covered up and tense all year, surrenders to the erotic caress of the sun, which feeds back and paralyses. The time we place the entire body on the sand, letting it run through our fingers and feeling one with the earth. Water becomes freedom, a necessity, a destination.

The weight is lifted, body parts seem to be embracing an unknown, wet form. Claiming this pleasure becomes a desire and fantasy all year around. Nudity as an offering to the sun. Sunflowers in the cataclysm of the summer, the intoxication of light, looking at the ball of fire head on, until it disappears into a haze of orange pink, leaving an “echo of light” in a ceremony that is erotic and completely personal”.

ANNA MARIA TSAKALI

Anna Maria Tsakali, A Spate of Summer, 2014-2015-Tempera and oil on canvas, 200 x 162cm-Courtesy of KALFAYAN Galleries and the artist

FOURTEEN distinguished ARTISTS let their CREATIVE DISPOSITIONS run FREE in the face of the PARALYSING POWER of the GREEK SUMMER, their colours FIGHTING as they FALL IN LOVE with moments ON FIRE , sparking INSPIRATION and AWE

GLORIOUS

ΘEROS

(th éros)

words by Aris Kavatzikis

Golden straws of grass dance in an endless expanse, the breeze lazily whistling past, a dazzling sun on a chariot traverses celestial highways, bodies dare and have encounters in seductive seas, beauty seems like an elusive dream; one must admit that the onset of the Greek summer looks something like this.

ACHILLEAS PAPACOSTAS

“The island was familiar. I was looking for the sea. A few olive trees, a few fig trees, to find some shade. The earth was cracked. Guided by a southerly wind I climbed over some low fences, traversed grapevines, vegetable gardens with pear trees. The air smelled like iodine. I was searching and turned my head to the side. The shoulders were peeling again, one more year.

- Is the sea nearby?

I went out on the street to look. Extremely sweaty, she had taken off her hat to fan herself. She followed me, scared. The landscape was gradually changing and the sun was getting heavier. We went downhill. The stones became sharper and she grabbed my hand. Beyond the olive trees I could see a broken red Sifnian chimney and, further back, a smear of blue; thick cobalt blue. The sea was different. It would never be the same again”.

Theros. A word for summer, with an ancient Greek root. Theros, also a simplified way of saying the harvesting of grain. The sound of the word “theros” in Greek also contains eros, meaning love. This free association creates a sequence of images, parallels, dreams and fantasies, indissolubly connected with the summers of poets, artists, and cinematographers, as well as - and this perhaps is the most interesting aspect - with the summers of everyday people, who cannot exist within the fragile and sensitive territory of art. Summer awakens and energises the senses and neurons from their winter hibernation, a link that seemed disconnected during the contrasting wintry months, almost amputated. The Greek light and sky reflected in a deep, blue, watery sheet resurrect the desire for love and connection, for love and carefreeness, for creation and liberation. This release of numb creativity is precisely the therapeutic effect that summer has on artists who instinctively commune with nature; they sense feelings changing and give in to the splashing of the waves, as the horizon takes on an orange hue during the summer months.

“A solitary poppy is a small watch on the hand of summer, pointing at twelve midday. And thus you feel your hair caught by the fingers of the sun keeping you free in the light and in the air” (Yiannis

“A solitary poppy is a small watch on the hand of summer, pointing at twelve midday. And thus you feel your hair caught by the fingers of the sun keeping you free in the light and in the air”−−Yiannis Ritsos

Ritsos)

Achilleas Papacostas, Untitled, 2022-Oil on canvas, 80 x 130 cm

-Courtesy of Zoumboulakis Galleries and the artist

“In my recent series of artworks, “Golden State of Mind”, I attempt to portray the beauty of simplicity and the grandeur of a summer love. The artwork depicts fine shades of scenes from everyday life, creating an ethereal recollection of a recent past that has been lost, but remains as a cherished memory. Inspired by a series of love letters written by a young couple in California in the 1960s, which reveals their hopes, dreams and passions, in the midst of social changes and personal challenges during a carefree summer. They reflect their summertime thoughts: the smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves, the taste of ice cream, the sensation of the sun on their skin, the image of eachother’s smile. My artistic searches always feature the notions of memory, identity and narrative, through personal and collective stories.

From an old photograph, a longlost, hand-written excerpt by a stranger, a recorded interview, a postcard, I attempt to create a close personal connection, revealing my identity through the lives of others”.

“I love spring for two reasons. Because spring has arrived, and because it is followed by summer. It is true that during the summer, almost traditionally, within a framework of personal tradition, I choose to work intensely and a lot. I can sleep in peace and recognize that people’s happiness and mood is in a place of natural expansiveness. We all experience this season as a state of divine and heaven-sent benefaction, even if some (like myself) choose to get involved with their art.

Like a wish and a humble requirement, when I draw I try to include the warm sun and the moon in my works, as an extension of their natural radiance. When autumn arrives - I hope - they will have completely been incorporated in the images I create. A small sun in my house and a small private moon - ready to share them with my world, since that is precisely where they came from”.

RANIA BELLOU

ALEKOS KYRARINIS

Αlekos Κyrarinis, Summer Sailing, 2023-Egg tempera on wood, 30 x 19 cm

-Courtesy of CITRONNE Gallery

Rania Bellou, Golden State of Mind, 2023, Pencil drawing and watercolor on Japanese tissue papers, 21 x 30 cm

-Courtesy of Kalfayan Galleries and the artist, Athens-Thessaloniki

“Summer in Greece goes hand in hand with the sea and the sun, with a clarity of light that peaks and appears divine. Its ambiguity with darkness can be attributed to the miracle of this light, evident in ancient tragedy and throughout all poetry and art. Kalvos referred to the circular-driven sun as enveloping him “with light and with death”.

Seferis wrote that light is just the “shadows of the night” and Sachtouris “did not expect hell to be so bright”. Each person views life through their own eyes”.

The Greek summer is a child’s voice calling for refreshing ice cream; the mischief of adults eating a slice of watermelon with their bare hands; the almost deliberate reddening of skin by the conquering sun; tamarisk trees reflecting on blue shores with self-satisfaction; midday siestas in a hammock to the natural song of cicadas. The white-washed island house finds joy in its whiteness; the red bougainvillaea ascending with pride; sea salt falling in love with sun-kissed skin; hands searching for their partner on the fine sand.

“O body o summer, naked, burnt

“O body o summer, naked, burnt

Eaten away by oil and salt

Eaten away by oil and salt

Body of rock and shudder of the heart

Body of rock and shudder of the heart

Great ruffling wind in the osier hair”−−Odysseas Elytis

Great ruffling wind in the osier hair” (Odysseas Elytis)

At the same time, Theros embraces almost fictional images of the Greek countryside from the recent past, autonomous artworks in their own right. Almost all households in the countryside cultivated their own grains, which then held a central nutritional role and covered the family’s needs. Tradition dictated they sowed with the first drops of autumn rain, and the summer, when the

“In the 1980s and 90s, the Greek summer used to be my own magical realm, as I was experiencing everything through a child’s and adolescent's eyes and sentiments. In “Fantazio”, the feeling of this experience is illustrated taking the form of various things, constituting a fragment so condensed, that it almost feels like a landscape scenery: eroticism and coming of age, the exploration of the self, a personal emotional (and often geographical) paradise, protected from all other spacetime. Through the gimmick of the title and subtitles of a Greek retro magazine that appear in the centre of this work, the reading of the picture is framed in quite a nostalgic way, constituting the archetype of a tropical paradise, encompassing all the mystery of each relevant film of that era.

For those who enjoyed the Greek summer experience as a child or as a teenager, every summer is a monumental promise – or at least a memory – of that exact transcendental event”.

ELIAS KAFOUROS

SOTIRIS SORONGAS

Sotiris Sorongas, Rocks near the sea-Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 50 cmCourtesy of CITRONNE Gallery and the artist

Κafouros, Fantazio, 2018-Ink on paper, 55 x 45 cm, 21 5/8 x 17 3/4 inCourtesy of DIO HORIA Gallery

MARIA FILOPOULOU

One small sea

One small sea is my summer my love, my pain

One small sea shines in your two eyes every morning

One small sea into the tear, in the song in every kiss of yours

One small sea

One small sea

One small sea and in the corner my earthen water-jug for one summer you were I sang you, I did like the chords of the wind in your black hair I followed you, I did like the tall grass follows the wind I sang you, I

One small sea

One small sea

Bitterly bid you farewell and awaits you

One small sea

(“One small sea” Dionysis Savvopoulos)

Maria Filopoulou, Underwater swimmers, 2020-Oil on canvas, 135 x 200 cm-Courtesy of Zoumboulakis Galleries and the artist

Stelios Karamanolis, Untitled, 2022-Acrylic, coloured pencil on canvas, 170 x 130 cm, 66 7/8 x 51 1/8 in

Courtesy of DIO HORIA Gallery and the artist Chris Akordalitis, God I, 2021-Oil on canvas, 50 x 40 x 2,5 cm, 19 3/4 x 15 3/4 x 1 in

CHRIS AKORDALITIS

STELIOS KARAMANOLIS

Bright star of our infinite days, a swarm still Bright beam of light in the black vastness, without end Striking the fiery orbs, outshines and reflects the light of summer. If you sent us something as a signal we received it and set out Heavy night we chose (without a second thought)

And as we clapped our hands, to the Rhythm of the heart, the only part of us that submitted to time and sought travel to the beam of light . In it we found some comfort since there was no other to turn our gaze. So we beat our hands on the black earth, the only thing we knew. We listened to the heartbeat and set off. Journey expected, within our limits.

A small mosquito stung us along the way and followed us. (Later) as we reached the transverse waves the need was born.

Saltwater transparent (within limits)

It was the first and last disturbance.

“When I think of summer, I find one artwork that keeps the memory of sunshine and high skies alive. I created “God I” while isolated in a mountainous village, living in a traditional house with a whitewashed yard, lemon trees and cats.

The sound-scape of this time period is also transcribed and embedded in the works created. The sense of space is altered, the light more intense.

There is something in the God's expression that evokes our own hedonistic pleasure, but he seems to transcend pleasure; a liminal point from which the world goes in and out, is consumed and excreted. The God’s confidence echoes our own sense of happiness, but he does not seem concerned with happiness; he looks like a conduit, destined to channel the world until it pours out the other end in a different form, just as we count on summer to buffer the passage of time. We rely on it, and when we need it most, it stops”.

-

Courtesy of DIO HORIA Gallery and the artist

“The oil painting titled “Summer” is part of a quadriptych generically named “The Four Seasons - A symphony of self portraits”. Its theme is a painter who creates self portraits over the course of a year. But, alas! Something always goes wrong. With reference to this specific painting, it seems that for this somewhat troubled painter the summer is blinding, the golden light that envelops him almost sucks him in. As far as the sunburns on his face and body are concerned, this indicates that he is one of those sensitive creatures who suffers from a lack of melanin, those who are constantly hunted down by the harsh sun.

Of course, there are numerous people who adore the sun, but this artwork is a tribute to the few who do not experience this season in the same way, but rather as an eternal and often unsuccessful search for shade and cool temperatures”.

crops turned golden yellow, was harvest season. The month of June was also called the Reaper. These golden expanses of land that have been depicted in artworks by Greek and foreign artists - Vincent Van Gogh being a primary example - compose an authentic celebration of nature, and were thus treated by farmers. The villages were empty, adults and children - even babies and the family’s livestock - would move to the fields and the celebration of the harvest would include, in addition to hard work, a series of lively cheers, songs, laughter and dances. A mystical awakening even for the most humble and wanting lives of the time. Days that

DIMITRIS ANASTASIOU

Dimitris Anastasiou, The Four Seasons, Part 2: Summer (self-portrait with sunburn), 2018-Oil on wood panel, 40 x 30 cmCourtesy of CITRONNE Gallery and the artist

began at dawn, to avoid the midday heat, but also because the grain could be more easily harvested, imbued with the humidity of the night before. Yet, according to Nikos Sarantakos, writer and translator with a particular interest in linguistics, the ancient meaning of the verb “to harvest” was “to spend the summer” and this was then replaced with the meaning “to reap”.

“Flowers of the rock facing the green sea with veins that reminded me of other loves glowing in the slow fine rain, flowers of the rock, figures that came when no one spoke and spoke to me that let me touch them after the silence among pine-trees, oleanders, and plane-trees” (Giorgos Seferis)

“Flowers of the rock facing the green sea with veins that reminded me of other loves glowing in the slow fine rain, flowers of the rock, figures that came when no one spoke and spoke to me that let me touch them after the silence among pine-trees, oleanders, and plane-trees”−−Giorgos Seferis

With reference to Greek mythology, the goddess Theros is the personification of summer and one of the Seasons - winged divinities - daughters of Helios. Her usual depiction is as a winged figure holding a sheaf of grain and a scythe. Her “sisters” are Ear, Opora

Philippos Theodorides, Untitled, 2022-Acrylics and oil on canvas, 160 x 140 cm

-Courtesy of Zoumboulakis Galleries and the artist

“Summer - the sense of time taking root and standing still.

Excessive heat that gives birth to the sea, light, the rustle of the tamarisk tree and smells that bring your youth to mind.

No unnecessary movements are allowed - the only motivation to get up, to get sweaty, is the body right beside you; it is the only consolation.

The elusive God who entered your mind and has now messed up your sheets, makes you dream through the half-open curtains fluttering at sunset, hands entangled to touch the shadows on the wall; but above all else, encouraging you not to resist, and to love deeply”.

“The immensity of the sea dominates my summer, which begins as soon as the boat leaves the port and enters the light blue of the sky and the dark blue of the sea. These two elements unite and form an empty blue, which I try to portray in my works; a difficult process. The light of the Greek summer is sometimes a solvent, in the morning, yet even in the late afternoon it creates a painting atmosphere that interests me. This light is catalytic even in my personal quests. The landscapes I create, dipped in blue, without any realistic reference, create a dreamlike sense of place, with an allusive image”.

PHILIPPOS THEODORIDES

YIANNIS ADAMAKOS

Yiannis Adamakos, Aegean I, 2015-Oil on canvas, 130 x 160 cm

-Courtesy of CITRONNE Gallery and the artist

and Cheimon (Spring, Autumn and Winter). In fact, Athenians in antiquity considered Ear and Opora to be two months each, while Theros and Cheimon lasted four months. For Eros, on the other hand, the mythological narrative is truly grandiose: born before the Olympian gods, Eros incarnated not only the power of erotic love, but the creative love of eternal nature. It was the primal light responsible for existence and for the order of all creations in the universe. In his Theogony, Hesiod writes: “First it was Chaos, and next broad-bosomed Earth, ever secure seat of all the immortals, who inhabit the peaks of snow-capped Olympus, and dark dim Tartaros in a recess of Earth having-broad-ways, and Eros [Love], who is most beautiful among immortal gods, Eros that relaxes the limbs, and in the breasts of all gods and all men, subdues their reason and prudent counsel”. Later, in antiquity, Eros came from the union of Aphrodite (Love) with Ares (War), or with Hephaestus (Fire). Either way, his irresistible charm and influence was recorded for all time through the power of Sophocles’ lines, in the tragedy “Antigone”: “Eros, unconquered in war”.

“Loves are lurking, get ready piers smells like summer the sandy beaches and boats await, before you come, winter non-believer, may churches become the officials of those in love, and kisses their old sweet song” (Kostis Palamas)

“Loves are lurking, get ready piers smells like summer the sandy beaches and boats await, before you come, winter non-believer, may churches become the officials of those in love, and kisses their old sweet song”

Palamas

Alexandra Athanassiades, Seascape I, II, III 2020-Photo on archival paper, Edition 1 of 3, 100 x 73 cm

-Courtesy of Zoumboulakis Galleries and the artist

“Summer is an outgoing season and as the harvest, we reap the efforts of the past year by taking a break from our desk jobs, taking walks and going swimming. Our modern lifestyle forces us to move around and travel a lot, and the summer gives us the opportunity to rest, gazing at the open horizon and the light just for pleasure”.

“In love on the beach under the shade of a tree. Tamarisk I think. Embraced under the warm sun, in an archetypal and dream-like landscape. The tree is reflected in the water and breaks into thousands of pieces on the small waves lapping against the shore. Fragments of light, sea, branches, emotions, memories. Now and then.

Diving and surfacing. Summer”.

Edouard Sacaillan, Port, 2021Vinyls on fabric, 200 x 150 cm

-Courtesy of KALFAYAN Galleries and the artist

ALEXANDRA ATHANASSIADES

EDOUARD SACAILLAN

LORO PIANA

TOM FORD

BERLUTI

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

KITON

BRIONI ZEGNA

JACOB COHEN

SANTONI

CANALI

CORNELIANI

HERNO

MANDELLI

MOORER

ORLEBAR BROWN

PAUL AND SHARK

ISAIA

BOSS

VILEBREQUIN

POLO RALPH LAUREN

PT 01

MOOSE KNUCKLES

LARDINI

INCOTEX

BARBA NAPOLI

ELEVENTY

SERAPHIN

COLOMBO CASHMERE

PREMIATA

ON EROS YANNIS TSAROU CHIS

“I tend to believe that the deliciousness of the almond, or of dark flesh or black hair, are perhaps the very ideas Plato was talking about”.

words

by Eleni Papaioannou

Sailor sitting at the table, pink background 1980

Yannis Tsarouchis is born into affluence in 1910, on the top floor of a threestory neoclassical home in Piraeus, giving him the freedom to study the "silver and gold light" of his hometown, the beautiful buildings all around him, and the folk art of the Karagiozis shadow theater. Between 1929-1935 he studies fine arts in Athens, where amongst his teachers is the renowned painter Konstantinos Parthenis. His craft is honed with a traditional twist in the Byzantine painting studio of Fotis Kontoglou. At about the same time, he begins his professional stage design career (he has already been working on sets from a very young age), which will eventually

play a significant role in his creative output and financially support his art.

IDEALIZING EROS

A poem he composes in 1935 bears all the hallmarks of grandeur. You see, our young artist, as early as the age of 25, writes down a list of imaginary diary entry titles, which look like a supposed outline of a future autobiography. At number 46 his title is “The power of eros” while title number 47 is: “T. (Tsarouchis) discovers Art (decline of aesthetics)”. During the same time, he travels to Istanbul, France, and Italy, studying the masters and interacting with significant figures in the art

During his YOUTH, there is a MAN WALKING around Athens with WINGS attached to his BACK, INTRODUCING himself as “ EROS” & this WILL BE the creative SPARK to set off his INSPIRATION

1. Self-portrait 1926 - watercolor on paper

2. Yannis Tsarouchis in Rome 1970 Photographer unknown - © Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation archives

3. Green-grocer's shop in Mytilini 1965 - Oil on cloth

world. His first solo show in Athens a few years later, in 1938, immediately puts him on the map and on the road to greatness. A greatness that will be frequently met with brutal criticism that will not, however, ever slow him down. His path is strong and clear. His respect and deep understanding of the art of Parthenis and Kontoglou met with the powerful influence of the Karagiozis shadow theater, only to create something new and original. He paints what he sees, what he feels. He draws from nature. During his youth, there is a man walking around Athens with wings attached to his back, introducing himself as “Eros”. This will be the creative spark to set off

the artist’s inspiration. The first time we see wings in Tsarouchis’ work is on the portrait of his hero, the shadow theater artist Evgenios Spatharis. Spatharis had already worn a set of wings for one of his performances he did together with his father Sotirios, after which he gifted them to the artist. Tsarouchis focuses on details that others pass by. He is inspired by things like the zeibekiko dance, coffeehouses, dancers, cyclists. He places butterfly wings on footballers. The long-haired boys of his time become Caravaggio-like creatures in his art. When he walks the streets of Paris, as a young artist, he says he can see Titian’s portraits walking off

the paintings and strolling down the street. The idealized apotheosis of the common man becomes the center of his work. This is his magic, this is his renaissance, as it is ideally depicted in his masterpiece, The Four Seasons. As the poet Odysseus Elytis once said: “A revolutionary can’t be classical at the same time. But Tsarouchis is. The day this painter dared to look for Hermes not on Mount Olympus, but in the Olympus Coffee-House, a myth left the pages of books and came to life, and the artist’s eye was obligated to see the world differently”. According to the artist, "painting is a representation of the eternal fight for the absolute, which propels every

“WHAT EROS IS ALL ABOUT HAS BEEN ALREADY PUT TO WORDS BY PLATO... THERE IS AN EROTIC FRIENDSHIP BASED ON A SUBTLE, SUBLIMINAL HATRED. LOVE IS A STRUGGLE. A STRUGGLE FOR DOMINATION”, YIANNIS TSAROUCHIS

living organism, just like all great human undertakings." More than all that has been said about his lifelong preoccupation with the ultimate, his own words serve as a powerful testimonial to eros: "What eros is all about has been already put to words by Plato…There is an erotic friendship based on a subtle, subliminal hatred. Love is a struggle. A struggle for domination. Everyone wants to enter the circle to which their love object also belongs and is for some reason considered superior to their own. When a rich man loves a poor woman, he himself considers her class superior to his and wants to enter it. Eros is a social ascent to a class that one's loved one is a member of. Yet, this class is not always one that is seen as superior”. A beggar can be loved and regarded as one's superior. Another quotation states that "love itself is a type of reverence towards things" and that "if love is gone, life itself is missing".

A LIFE OF ART

In 1967, when the Regime of the Colonels overthrows the government and imposes the junta in Greece, the political

situation becomes impossible for Tsarouchis who flees to Paris, returning to Greece on and off right after the dictatorship is overthrown, until his health requires him to finally settle in Athens, in 1983. He then launches the “Tsarouchis Foundation”, hosted in his house in Maroussi, where he spends his days until his death in 1989. Walking through the door, one feels him in every little detail, used brush, worn-in sailors’ hat, stained cloth, every step that leads to the second floor: the tiled, lightfilled room where he would photograph his subjects, before painting them. I remember what the great Andreas Empeirikos once said of Tsarouchis: that “his subjects are bare naked, even when fully clothed”. I think I can feel a sense of desire still floating around in the air. It is not a thirst for flesh, and I can’t quite put my finger on it, until much later, when I come across the following quote in one of his writings, that makes it all clear that to him, the greatest eros was towards his calling: “Art is not an occupation, it is not a thing to pass the time with. It is the religion of a vibrant, eternal passion”.

Copyrights: Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation archives

*We would like to thank the Yannis Tsarouchis Foundation (www.tsarouchis.gr) for the images and research materials.

1. Balcony on Spetses 1940 - watercolor on paper

2. Demeter and Eros 1971 - Pencil and watercolour on paper

3. Man with butterfly wings sitting on his heels 1965 - Oil and pencil on paper

“ART IS NOT an OCCUPATION, it is not a THING to PASS the TIME with. It is the RELIGION of a VIBRANT, ETERNAL passion”

ACCORDING TO TSAROUCHIS, "PAINTING IS A REPRESENTATION OF THE ETERNAL FIGHT FOR THE ABSOLUTE, WHICH PROPELS EVERY LIVING ORGANISM, JUST LIKE ALL GREAT HUMAN UNDERTAKINGS"

Victoria Hislop

Do you remember the first image that made you turn from journalism to writing?

I was on holiday with my family in Crete, and one afternoon we went to Spinalonga as tourists, intrigued by the idea of a former leprosy hospital. The children weren’t very interested but had been promised ice creams at the end of the trip. It was not so much what I saw, as what I felt. For some reason I felt very connected with the people who had lived there, and wanted to describe not only their suffering but their joy and their ability to survive too. It was a really irresistible desire to write about this. It is a very beautiful place in some ways, but it was its invisible past that inspired me and turned me from journalist to novelist.

How do you usually write? On a specific schedule or as soon as you feel something spontaneously about one of the heroes of your books?

When I am writing a novel, as I am at present, I have absolutely no idea of what I will be writing when that one is finished. So inspiration always seems to come when I am open to it, but unlike many novelists I know, I don’t have a drawer full of oven-ready ideas for the next book! My ideas in the past have always been sparked by a place, rather than the idea for a character. The characters seem to arrive to inhabit my world afterwards.

Behind the

interview by Aris Kavatzikis

The words in her novels become islands, seas and land, with blue and white colours. Her heroes have a historical heritage and shine through their imperfect humanity. The British author who literally became a Greek citizen is living a type of novelesque life, in search of the truth and defying fear.

portraits by Harry Mavrogenis

Do you think that your encounter with Greece changed your worldview?

Completely. I feel very fortunate to have this passion for Greece. It is a very deep one. And not based on anything that I can explain rationally. The best way I can illustrate it is that my sister and I travelled to Greece together for the first time when we were teenagers. We had the same experiences, the same food, the same journey but she never wanted to come back. And I am now a citizen of the country. It’s wonderfully mysterious, like the best parts of life.

You have been a travel writer for several years. How do you approach places you visit for the first time?

I always approach a place with an open mind. I am interested in learning what the guidebooks don’t always tell you. I think you discover the best things and places by getting lost – I would say you only find something when you lose something else, your road for example. We were brought up with a strict instruction never to talk to strangers. I love talking to strangers! It’s the very best way to have unexpected insights and to have surprises. I think everybody in the world has a story or a situation in their lives which is unique to them and worth listening to.

You have already visited Sani Resort in Halkidiki. Do you remember any iconic images that you would like to share with us?

I particularly remember the sea at the Sani Resort – it was the cleanest, most beautiful and actually the warmest sea I have ever swum in. I remember it being emerald in colour – really magical.

Who gave you the motivation to visit Sani Resort?

At the time there was a bookshop within the resort, and I did a presentation of my books to the hotel guests. It was fun. Quite international!

have made you a better wife, mother, or friend?

I have sometimes written an ideal version of myself – for example Eleni in “The Island”. She is such a good and devoted mother. And she made me think that I could try to be a better mother.

Have you given your heroes and heroines characteristics of your own, very close people?

I think it is inevitable that when a writer creates a character, there are elements from people they know – either those they like or dislike! So definitely yes, but I like to make an amalgam sometimes, a character-cocktail you could say.

All your novels have a historical starting point. When did you “fall in love” with history? From your school years or later in life?

Yes, I do think it changes how I see things, because I think Greeks see things very differently from the British – and I enjoy approaching things with a new mindset.

What do you always take with you from Greece every time you return to London?

Physically, I take oregano and olive oil. But spiritually, I return to London refreshed, energised, full of vigour and sunshine. And usually full of stories. More interesting things happen to me in Greece than in London. In Greece everything is an adventure for me.

What would you say to someone who is planning a holiday in Halkidiki? What would you tell them not to miss? Swim and enjoy the resort and the landscapes around it. But don’t forget to spend at least a day in Thessaloniki, which is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe with an extraordinary multicultural history – Muslims, Christians and Jews lived side by side, with tolerance and harmony right up until the Population Exchange in 1923. Its history stretches right back to ancient history too.

Have you ever thought that writing might

I didn’t study history at school after I was 14. I wasn’t at all interested for some reason. I think it was because we were only taught about British history and it bored me. Except for Henry 8th and his six wives, because that was extreme and colourful. So I only began to be stirred by history when I was travel-writing about places in Europe – because every location is there, and influenced and shaped by history itself. I think I had to grow up, in order to look back. So it was around 45 years of age when I woke up to it!

What is your first thought every morning, and your last one every night?

First thought in the morning. “Lovely, another day! Coffee!”. My last thought is about my daughter who is usually waking up as I am going to sleep. She lives in South America and I always hope that she will have a happy day too. She is always on my mind.

You have been outspoken in favour of reuniting the Parthenon Marbles. What got you into it? Were you afraid to go against a

“I think EVERYBODY in the world HAS a STORY or a SITUATION in their LIVES which is UNIQUE to them and WORTH LISTENING to”

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens • Astir Marina Vouliagmenis • Ikos Dassia Hotel Corfu Ikos Odisia Hotel Corfu • Ikos Aria Hotel Kos • Ikos Olivia Hotel Halkidiki Sani Beach Resort, Pop Up Kaleos Eyewear • Navarino Agora • Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

group of your fellow citizens?

I wasn’t afraid before, but I grew up from a very early age visiting the British Museum and feeling lucky that I could see all these extraordinary statues/artefacts/treasures from around the world in my own country. It did not occur to me for a second that this was wrong. And of course, I was not told about how many of these things were seized illegally/stolen/looted from other countries. So, I accepted that we had the Parthenon Marbles, like I accepted as a child that there are twelve months in a year. Simply a fact. And then, as I grew upI am often quite late to understand things! - I read and listened to all the arguments on both sides, and realised that Elgin had essentially stolen massive sections of these precious sculptures by brutally hacking them off the Parthenon. And it was not done with legal permission – he

knew that very well. And moreover, he simply wanted them to decorate his own house. He was a disgraceful and vain figure. There were too many people like him in the 19th century who really believed that the British were superior and could do whatever they liked.

So I have become a very active campaigner for their reunification, both in writing and in action, and I firmly believe that in the future they will be returned to Athens. The tide has already begun to turn. There is a new swell of public opinion and also the sense that past actions can be challenged in the present.

You spoke openly about the cancer you faced. How is your life today in relation to this? Is it a bad memory you have left behind?

Yes, it’s left behind and I am fully recovered

but I encourage women to check their breasts often – the earlier you find this kind of cancer the faster you can deal with it and stop it spreading anywhere else. I was very lucky, it was caught early. I learned a lot from the whole experience of surgery and treatment – and I feel a lot stronger for having gone through it and appreciate life even more than before. Every day is precious – you never know what’s coming next, so live it!

Will you share with us what you are preparing at the moment?

I have just completed the first draft of a new novel. I hope it will be published in the Autumn in the UK. It is mostly set in Greece - no surprise! - and touches on the theme of archaeological treasures and their theft… The story starts during the Junta period.

“My ENCOUNTER with GREECE changed COMPLETELY my WORLDVIEW. I feel very FORTUNATE to have this PASSION for Greece. It is a VERY DEEP one”

VISIONNAIRE

photography by Igor Cvoro for Dscene magazine

interview by Aris Kavatzikis

For businessman Dakis Joannou, Hydra is a very special context, especially after he and his family moved to Athens from his birthplace, Cyprus, in 1980, when they began to visit it fairly often. He remembers “the slaughterhouse being still active, it was frightening. At some point it was closed down, but the dynamism the space exuded had already left its mark on me. When a few years later we began working on the DESTE Foundation, I asked the Municipality to use the space for the programme we have every summer. It took quite some time, but we finally made it and hosted the first exhibition there in 2009. From the start, it was my idea to assign this project to successful artists, using a relatively small budget. This is because for these artists, who are used to working with enormous budgets, this type of project is an interesting challenge that requires them to tap into their inventiveness and talent, so that they can show a part of themselves.” The idea worked, and the artists who have engaged with the Hydra Slaughterhouse project space are some of the most influential in the contemporary Art scene, with Jeff Koons’ exhibition last year being the highlight.

The work “Apollo Windspinner” did not simply enthuse visitors and art lovers around the world - social media platforms were also inundated with inventive posts. This artwork has since become a permanent element of the island, and the rays of Apollo will continue to turn vividly, according to the winds blowing over Hydra. It was the mayor who first expressed the desire to make this artwork a permanent fixture. The next step required the collector to purchase the artwork from the artist, so that he could give it to the Municipality on a permanent loan. Indeed, the process went forward relatively quickly; the project was passed unanimously by the municipal council, of course with the approval of the Central Archaeological Council. With his intelligent humour, he notes that “after

Behind the compact and stiff accolades - collector, Maecenas or lover of contemporary Art - we essentially find an eternal teenager, with dynamism and curiosity, extremely giving and generous, with a disarming and subversive sense of humour. An ambassador and champion of dialogue, this great man has kept the child in him alive, allowing him to still be surprised and never be complacent.

Installation view, “Jeff Koons: Apollo”, DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra, 2022

photography by Eftychia Vlachou

numerous posts on social media, someone said it was like the Eiffel Tower of Hydra. I laughed, but for me the essence lies in the fact that the Slaughterhouse Project has become an institution that has been embraced by the locals, who have connected with it. The island’s permanent residents are also interested, and of course, we never excluded them - on the contrary. They are part of the plan, they are included in this”.

I wondered why it took such a long time for one of Dakis Joannou’s very close friends, such as Jeff Koons, to create an exhibition at the Slaughterhouse. The story is very interesting, especially when viewed from the collector’s perspective. “I had never dared suggest it to him, due to the small-scale budget. I thought the amount would seem amusing to him. About 4-5 years ago, we were having dinner in New York, and he was the one who asked, “Why not me?” When I explained, he was categorical, “I will do it with no budget”, he said. With the work “Apollo Windspinner”, an artwork that is far from his usual form, he wanted to honour our friendship and the history of our long relationship. In fact, he made my collaborators sign an agreement that I would not see the work in advance. In truth, the first time I saw it was at the opening, two hours before it opened to the public. He wanted to surprise me, to make me experience the first impression. I was deeply moved. This is also how our relationship began, with his work “One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank”, which was also the reason I began collecting art. I did not have any intention or aim of developing an art collection, but it was the first impression created by this particular artwork that set me on this journey”.

Dakis Joannou considers public art to be a very important matter; something needs to be meaningful and significant in order to be created or exhibited in a public space. Something similar happened back in 1985, with the deeply symbolic work “The Poet” by Kostas Varotsos. It was his first artwork made of glass, inspired by the Green Line and was placed at Ammochostos Gate.

“As a life

PHILOSOPHY I am PREOCCUPIED with the FUTURE, not even the present. The PRESENT IS SIMPLY the VEHICLE to the FUTURE”

photography by Paris Tavitian

photography by Eftychia Vlachou

1. Installation view, “kiki smith: memory”, DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra, 2019

2. Installation view, “The Greek Gift”, DESTE Foundation Project Space, Slaughterhouse, Hydra, 2021

3. Installation view, “Urs Fischer – False Friends”, Museum of Art and History of Geneva, 2016

4. Dakis Joannou, Maurizio Cattelan, Pierpaolo Ferrari for TOILETPAPER

Dialogue, participation, sharing; these are the cornerstones of Dakis Joannou’s existence and personality. This is also the purpose of the DESTE Foundation, which is energised by the participation of friends and curators. It is indicative that the Foundation does not have a Press and Public Relations office, or any system to promote its actions. “DESTE aims to participate in Dialogue, to make history through collegiality. Not just to record it. We are not a museum, we do not possess this perspective nor the didactic intention to explain what contemporary Art is. It is each person’s personal story and desire, and whoever wants to learn, will do so”.

I noticed his focus on contemporary Art, as he does not collect artworks by classic Greek or international artists. His view on making history does not align with the use of elements from the past. Besides, “as a life philosophy I am preoccupied with the future, not even the present. The present is simply the vehicle to the future. Going forward, forging new roads. That is what interests me and the DESTE Foundation’” he notes. Through his conviction I also understand his love for Instagram, as he operates his account and posts himself, while he does not hesitate to personally reply to people asking his opinion on Art, or those looking forward to his next steps.

Taking careful note of his very few public statements, I felt that upon hearing the accolade “collector” his face and reactions indicated a sense of restraint, maybe even denial. It is like this term does not align with his ideology. “DESTE was founded in Geneva in 1983, following discussions with Adelina von Furstenberg and Efi Stroutza. The Foundation changed my life, it is of vital importance to me, almost an extension of myself. But when it first started, I had no intention of starting a collection. Perhaps I had even misunderstood the term collector. I thought it simply meant a collector of trophies - of course, some collectors are just that. Personally, I never considered Art as a trophy. After purchasing my first artwork from Jeff Koons in 1985, I continued investing in artworks, getting to know artists and at some point, three years later, I realised that I indeed owned a collection, and that this could be a creative process. This is how our first exhibition, “Culture Geometry”, happened in 1988. The collection came about and was used as a tool to apply the DESTE programme. For me, being involved in Art was first and foremost a Dialogue, and about contributing to the creation of new ideas and new avenues”.

photography by Stefan Altenburger

A central pillar in his life is his family: his wife, Lietta, and their four children. As soon as he was “diagnosed” with a passion for contemporary Art and he began purchasing artworks, he says that “everyone was laughing at first, then gradually they began getting used to it, realising that I was not involved with something frivolous. It was not only my children’s horizons and perspectives that were broadened, but also those of my friends. I do not know whether in the past, anyone from my circle would have gone to the New Museum in New York City; now, it is something they search out”.

His family’s past is illuminated by his parents, Stelios and Elli Ioannou, who engaged in considerable charity work that he, as well as his sister Sylvia, could not but continue. The notion of offering is connected with his life; his upbringing was immersed in sharing. Besides, what is his engagement with contemporary Art and the DESTE Foundation, if not the epitome of sharing, using his collection as a vehicle? “Whatever I had, I always wanted to share, sometimes to the point of ridiculousness,” he notes.

His father was a great benefactor of Cyprus. The charity work of Stelios and Elli Ioannou began with the Christos Stelios Ioannou Foundation, dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of children with mental disabilities. This service was completed with the creation of the Centre for Prevention of Mental Disabilities, with pre-natal check programmes, while the foundation of the Boarding Houses for adults with mental disabilities without family support soon followed. “My father had a great desire to help people, especially the young who wanted to continue their studies. Even we, his family, learned about what he did after the fact. He had thought about creating a library/ learning resource centre for the University of Cyprus; it was his dream. Even though this project was frozen, with the insistence of my mother, in the end we managed to make his wish come true”. In fact, he was also honoured by the University of Oxford for the foundation and funding of a specific school, which was also named after him: The Stelios Ioannou School for Research in Classical and Byzantine Studies.

Dakis Joannou was actively and significantly

“You have a DIFFERENT type of ENERGY when ENGAGING with PEOPLE who POSSESS a certain ENTHUSIASM and many IDEAS, such as ARTISTS”

photography by Fanis Vlastaras & Rebecca Konstantopoulou

4.

involved in his family’s charitable endeavours in 1972, after the premature death of his brother, Christos, at the age of 26 in a car accident. Today, with his sister, they aim to take advantage of their father’s family home in Lefkara, Larnaka - one of the most beautiful mediaeval villages in Cyprus, well-preserved over time - by creating a library on the premises.

Returning to Art, we learn that this year’s idea for the Hydra Slaughterhouse belongs to Massimiliano Gioni, who will be curating a group exhibition entitled “Dream Machines” with Daniel Bimhaum. The exhibition explores the impact of technology on human imagination, staging a mechanic ballet of bachelor machines. Looking ahead to the summer of 2024, following this year’s exception of being a group exhibition, the project space will return to its former policy of hosting a single artist.

The man sitting across from me has stated that “I would not have been successful had I not been free; I am a captive of my curiosity and this captivity sets me free”. I cannot resist asking where this urge for creativity and endless energy comes from, and whether they are replenished somehow. He jokes, telling me he has not had a face lift. Even though his burden as a personality was always his strength and dynamism, balancing on the crenellations of situations, he admits that “you have a different type of energy when engaging with people who possess a certain enthusiasm and many ideas, such as artists. You channel inspiration and vitality. You must be present and active; otherwise, how can you survive?”.

1. “Guilty”, a collaboration between American artist Jeff Koons and Italian yacht designer Ivana Porfiri

2. Installation view, “Kaari Upson: Never Enough”, DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, Athens, 2022

3.Jeff Koons, Lietta & Dakis Joannou at the opening of “The Same River Twice” an exhibition organized by the New Museum, New York and the DESTE Foundation at the Benaki Museum, Athens, 2019

Installation view, “Monument to Now”, an exhibition organized by the DESTE Foundation as an official part of “ATHENS 2004, Culture”

photography by George Sfakianakis

photography by Fanis Vlastaras & Rebecca Konstantopoulou

LETTER FROM GREECE

TINA DASKALANTONAKI

The eclectic curator, who views the world and her country through a delicate veil of improvement aesthetics and incomparable consistency towards ancient Greek beauty, conveys her feelings about the Greece she adores through select items and images, essentially curating the pages that follow.

words by Aris Kavatzikis photography by Ioanna Roufopoulou

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For her, LIVING in GREECE is a GREAT LUXURY, especially SINCE she LOVES this COUNTRY DEEPLY for its HISTORY & UNIQUENESS

1 The curator with ceramics by Kika Hinari

2 Ceramic pitcher by Manousos Chalkiadakis, Museum of Cycladic Art

Catalogue from the “Kallos” exhibition, Museum of Cycladic Art & book by designer Ted Muehling, from “Mouki mou” (Diogenous 15, Plaka)

She looks at the Parthenon in ecstasy almost every day, walks around Athens at night smelling the jasmine and night blooming jasmine flowers, and seeks out picturesque chapels that refuse the modernity of electricity, their icons illuminated by the flickering light of candles. She is enchanted by bougainvillaeas on islands, she isolates herself on the island of Symi, also known as the “Lady of the Dodecanese”, and every time she sees the lemon tree in her garden in bloom, she rejoices with enthusiasm, as if for the first time.

For Tina Daskalantonaki, who grew up in the hotel industry thanks to her family background, living in Greece today is a great luxury, especially since she loves this country deeply, particularly for its history and uniqueness. She was born and raised in the lovely town of Rethymno in Crete, but it would take a long time for her to realise that what she would seek later in life would literally be the hubs of civilization, such as Knossos and Faistos, located just a breath away from her home. It wasn’t until she travelled to London at the age of 17 that she realised archaeology touched her inner soul and the very essence of her existence. She stayed there for five years. Coupled with the vibes and influences of the bustling city, through which she discovered the world anew, she felt a primordial passion for archaeology and archaeologists; in her view, they were the vehicles for transporting significant portions of knowledge.

She studied extensively in London, at North London polytechnic for Jewellery, Inchbald school of Design and Chelsea College of Arts for Architectural Interior Design and History of Art. The people she interacted with and who surrounded her were met with her diverse aesthetics. She always had a penchant for the sophisticated, the bizarre, the non-commercial. As curator of the gift shop of the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens since 2013, she can create and design objects that exude a sense of Greece, while also collaborating with hotels, businesses and international mega brands, giving birth to innovative concepts and ideas. Having travelled to multiple destinations and more remote regions of the country, she has met skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, making it her priority to showcase their rare artisanship and to introduce them to top fashion brands.

If she had to guide visitors around Greece, she would first take them to Delphi, in her view the centre and beginning of everything, and she would end at the Acropolis, Plaka and the National Museum of Athens. In between stops would include the islands of Delos and Despotiko, Naxos and Tinos, the emerald-hued Rhodes, Chalki and Kastelorizo, as well as the villages of Monodendri and Papingo.

Even though she has an outgoing personality, she loves to be alone and frequently embraces it: “life is better with pauses and silences”, as she says. Somewhere here, she switches off all lights, puts on her candles and continues to convey her love for Greece around the world.

She LOVES to BE ALONE & frequently EMBRACES it:

“ LIFE is BETTER with PAUSES and SILENCES”, as SHE SAYS

1. Ancient mosaics at the archaeological island of Delos, Cyclades

2. “Le Soleil se lève en Grèce”, par Samivel, ed. Arthaud

3. Ceramic dish from the Dodecanese, Museum of Cycladic Art

4. Artwork by the former Dean of the Athens School of Fine Arts, Panos Charalambous & ceramics by Thomas Kotsigiannis

5. Serving Utensil depicting the constellations of the curator’s family, by Thalia-Maria Georgoulis

6. Piece by Margarita Mirogianni, on the book “L ’Art de la Crète Néolithique et Minoenne”, Éditions “Cahiers d’ Art”

7. The Athenian Acropolis with the new lighting, designed and installed by Eleftheria Deko & Associates 7

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siete_vidas/shutterstock.com

Ancient Greek Sandals, Resort 23 Collection

summer is a STATE OF MIND female

interviews by Eleni Papaioannou

Four exciting women shaping up the new face of Greek fashion, share their most intimate feelings about the summers that inspire them.

“Free, happy, wild. Every summer of my childhood was spent on Syros Island, my mother’s homeland, my own personal heaven. After a winter of school and chores, I would be once again reconnected to the sea, sun and sand. This was my favorite time of the year, when I would blossom, as an original girl of summer does. Today, I stand in awe as I watch my teenage daughter connect to the island the same way I did all those years ago.

This feeling of continuity brings warmth to my heart as it taps on my memories in a new and profound way. All my childhood friends are here, we meet on the island like we did back then, no appointments, no plans… just sitting around the table of a small taverna as the sun goes down, making the most of the beauty around us.

I never miss out on my Greek summers, especially after the ten years I spent living and working in London. Summer is my ultimate inspiration. In fact, ZEUS + DIONE was conceived on a warm July night, back in 2012. Mareva (Grabowski) and myself were having a glass of wine on the balcony of my home in Syros, our children sound asleep, us talking about our careers and our lives, and the rest is, as they say, history.

As we are both summer girls, the first thing we wanted was to create a resort line, with all the kaftans, loose pants and dresses we would wear ourselves. We took the risk of investing in precious silk, exactly because we needed our designs to carry the essence of a summer breeze, in an absolute way. It was all about a way of living, and that is why we introduced ourselves as a lifestyle brand.

Today, that very same feeling has shifted to our winter collections, that carry the feel of the Greek highlands, with the shepherd’s capes and the beautiful traditional embroidery. Life and creativity evolve, as summer remains my driving force”.

1 Diving rock at her summer house in Syros

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One of her favorite looks S/S 2023 collection

3 Mimika Kolotoura in Syros

“ LIFE and CREATIVITY EVOLVE , as SUMMER remains my DRIVING FORCE”

Zeus +Dione Mimika Kolotoura

Rianna & Nina Rianna Kounou

photography Sandra Semburg

“I am the quintessential child of summer. I cannot exist if I don’t fully and wholeheartedly take in the summers of my life, this is the time of year I most feel like myself.

When I was little, I spent my summers on the Corinthian shores, fishing, swimming, looking for crabs till dusk. As soon as school was out, I was there, in my grandma’s house, barefoot and happy for three solid months. My first teenage crushes also came together with the summer, acted out by the backdrop of beautiful Aegina Island. Of course, I miss the sea like crazy now that I live in Germany, so I try to spend as much time as I can in Greece.

I never go anywhere else on holiday… my favorite beaches are the ones in the Peloponnese, with their pine and olive trees creating a rustic landscape not to be found anywhere else. This is where my summer home is located, where all my inspiration comes in abundance, where I have everything I need to create. That is why my collections, especially the summer ones, have a strong Greek DNA to them, even if it is not apparent at first glance. How can I describe Greek summers…When I think about it, there are three elements that, for me, are the cloth from which they are made of: Tiny fish, open-air discos, outdoor cinemas…”.

“My COLLECTIONS, ESPECIALLY the summer ONES, have a STRONG Greek DNA”

photography Thanassis

Krikis

photography Sandra Semburg

1. Rianna Kounou in her summer house in Peloponnese

2. S/S 2023 campaign look

3. Rianna’s summer house in Peloponnese 3

“My childhood summers taste of watermelon and stuffed tomatoes, they are fresh like a lemon popsicle, they feel like lycra swimwear drying on the skin, and wavy beach hair on my back. They smell of coconut sun cream and they are bright yellow and deep blue…

I was born on the 3rd of June, this is my absolute favorite month, full of exiting summer plans, hopes and dreams. Each summer was unforgettable, as my parents would take me to a different island. Now that I have kids of my own, I make sure they take in the best of the season, by getting them on a sailing boat so that we wake up every morning on a different, remote island.

I live in Corfu, and I absolutely love the way the locals emerge from their hibernation when the weather starts getting warmer. Right before the glorious Corfu Easter, they open their little shops, getting ready for the summer. As for me? My design table is in front of the sea, so it’s impossible for me to concentrate… add to that the heat and humidity, it becomes really challenging to work!

My favorite ritual is going to the beach in the afternoon and taking in the sun until it sets. It’s my special little meditation...I just let go and enjoy the precious moments given to me, nestling them in small mental boxes that I know I will open in the winter, to get inspiration for my work.

When I started designing sandals, I wanted their leather framework to be as minimal as possible, almost nonexistent, offering the illusion of walking barefoot, like we do on the beach. So I’d say that my go-to design is one that you almost forget you are wearing, named Eleftheria, after the Greek word for freedom. Whenever sandals are out and pedicures are in, it’s summertime for me! Sandals equal summer”.

“My DESIGN table is IN FRONT of the SEA, so it’s IMPOSSIBLE for me to CONCENTRATE”

1. AGS, Resort 23 Collection

2. Christina’s cottage house in Corfu

3. Christina Martini in the city of Corfu

Ancient Greek Sandals Christina Martini

Orsalia Parthenis

Parthenis

“In 1978, my father launched the Parthenis boutique in Mykonos, the island that became synonymous with both the brand and the summers of my life.

Greek summers became my inevitable playground. Endless hours of hide-andgo-seek at Alefkandra square, day turning into night in just one big, salty breath, the raw, uneven rocks on the hill with their unearthly energy, these are the elements that shaped me, summer after summer. Each year it comes around, I can sense it in the air, and I know I will be washed in the sun, soon.

This is the time of year I become more creative, embracing brighter colors and pure white palettes. Today the Mykonos I remember from my childhood is gone, yet I still get a glimpse of it on that same hill or, every now and then, when I gaze at the Armenistis lighthouse. And even though I am now in charge of the brand, and summer is filled with deadlines, responsibility and obligations, I am happy.

I know that the clothes I design are born into the summer, they have always been the quintessential holiday wardrobe, forever intertwined with summer and Greece. The very same feeling of non-conformist sensuality that gave life to the brand back in the seventies is still engraved on my creations, a boho lifestyle that meets its pinnacle when soft silk sits on sun kissed shoulders”.

“In SUMMER I become MORE CREATIVE , embracing BRIGHTER COLORS and pure WHITE palettes”

1. Orsalia Parthenis

2. Parthenis Cafe in Mykonos store

3.Parthenis, S/S 2023 Collection

photography Bill Georgoussis

Goes Blue Hollywood

From James Bond’s Corfu in “For Your Eyes Only” to Captain Corelli’s Cephalonia, Hollywood has taken many holidays in Greece, with the epitome being the Summer of “Mamma Mia”

words by Thodoris Koutsogiannopoulos

In the third and final act of Ruben Östlund’s “The Triangle of Sadness”, great winner at the Cannes Film Festival and Academy Award nominee in three categories for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Script, the protagonist is none other than Chiliadou Beach in Evia, the wonderful natural setting that also dominated the European Location Awards for 2022. With the legal framework that offers cash rebates for international productions that choose Greece as locations already in place in our country, the road is open for big budget productions to be filmed in Greece. Yet let us consider the risky - on all levels - decision made by 20th Century Fox to transport its crew, equipment and pampered stars to the cinematically unchartered waters of Hydra, over 50 years ago, to film the adaptation of the novel “Boy on a Dolphin”. Hailing from Ilia in Greece, the president of the studio Spyros Skouras aimed to contribute to the development of tourism in his country and, despite the risks involved, the movie was a great success: Sofia Loren was immortalised as Phaedra, a Greek sponge diver, alongside Alan Ladd; she sings the song "What is this thing they call love" by Takis Morakis in Greek, accompanied by Tonis Maroudas on the guitar.

Pierce Brosnan from the movie "Mamma mia!"

RGR Collection / Alamy Stock Photo

Nothing COMPARES with the UNPRECEDENTED success of “ MAMMA MIA” and the INESTIMABLE positive EFFECTS it had on the concept of the INIMITABLE Greek summer

The film was transported to Athens for processing, printing and review on Spyros Latsis’ yacht, Erietta, and director Jean Negulesco would receive instructions by telegram.

The enjoyable “Never on Sunday” by Jules Dassin and the larger than life personality of Melina Mercouri gave Greece a dynamic presence internationally. A few years later, in 1963, pop idol Cliff Richards was having a European summer adventure in “Summer Holiday” filled with singing and dancing with the Acropolis in the background, while Peter Finch and Jane Fonda (her third appearance on screen) we living out their illicit affair and few moments of sundrenched happiness in a setting strewn with Greek antiquities and folkloric summer moments in “In the Cool of the Day”. The scene with the American starlet, who by the way considers this the worst movie of her career, is carried away in an intoxicating hasapiko folk dance to the tune of “Kane ton Pono sou Hara” by Manos Hadjidakis, a song that was soon after performed by Nat King Cole with lyrics in English.

That same year, while still in production for “Mary Poppins”, Walt Disney visits the Odeon of Herodus Atticus to watch a classical music performance conducted by Herbert Von Karajan

In the film “ BOY on a DOLPHIN”, Sofia LOREN was IMMORTALISED as PHAEDRA, a Greek SPONGE DIVER 2

and the next day travels to Elounda to supervise the shooting of the film “Moon Spinners”, the story of a young woman’s love and intrigue (Hayley Mills), which also features Irene Pappas and Pola Negri. This production offered work opportunities to hundreds of local builders who were involved in set construction and repair work of the abandoned watermills and windmills, decades before the area developed into a top tourist destination. In fact, there is a road in Agios Nikolaos that has been named “Walt Disney Street”.

The filming of “The Big Blue” took place on the islands of Amorgos and Ios. Even though the tragedy of the underwater competition between Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno does not exude the notion of carefree summer, the huge success of this Luke Besson film had multiple positive effects on resparking people’s interest in the grand bleu of our islands.

However, the summer of the 1980s is depicted in all its lightness and carefree spirit in “Summer Lovers”, a film that could be renamed as… lots of love, lots of sea, and Peter Gallagher, who started as the love interest of both Daryl Hannah and Valerie Quennessen. This love triangle was directed by Randal Kleiser, immediately following his disproportionate successes with “Grease” and “The Blue Lagoon”. Perhaps this is why he was granted the previously unheard of permission to shoot the film in the archaeological ruins of Akrotiri, a break from the main

the movie "Boy on a Dolphin"

setting of Santorini with some scenes taking place in Delos and Mykonos.

The Island of the Winds took centerstage in “Shirley Valentine”, where Pauline Collins played a housewife from Liverpool who plans a bittersweet summer escape to freedom in a touching performance that was nominated for an Academy Award. And before Greek-Australian comedian Nik Giannopoulos transformed the island into a racecar track and setting for silly emotional intrigue in the “Kings of Mykonos”, the island also starred in “Greek Tycoon”. This biographical adaptation of Onassis’ life with “Jackie'' Bisset and Anthony Quinn ends with them moving from Little Venice to the Gialos (Old Port), dancing

“ NEVER on SUNDAY” by Jules Dassin and the LARGER than LIFE personality of Melina MERCOURI GAVE Greece a

melancholically, once again after Zorba the Greek, this time to the tune of the Samiotissa, a traditional song. Mykonos also featured in the rightly unknown and forgotten erotic drama “Fantasies” in 1973, when 45 year old director John Derek met and fell madly in love with the 16 year old star of the movie, who soon after changed her name to… Bo Derek! The movie was released internationally in 1981, after “10”, while in Greece it was released with the title “Naked Body in the Hot Sun”.

However, nothing compares with the unprecedented success of “Mamma Mia” and the inestimable positive effects it had on the concept of the inimitable Greek summer, since Summer became synonymous with the island of Skopelos and a hint of Skiathos. This is where the film adaptation of the famous musical was shot, starring Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard. If we have to choose two movies that showcase the unique light of the Greek summer, we would have to mention “Before Midnight” by Richard Linklater, filmed in Messinia, and “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin”, which despite logistical problems during production, took on the responsibility of transporting the entire island back in time, to resemble the appearance it had before the devastating 1952 earthquakes. In fact, award-winning director of photography John Toll insisted that, following an exhausting location scouting in Spain and the Pacific, there is no other place on earth that boasts the amazing light of the Ionian.

“Before MIDNIGHT”

and “ CAPTAIN Corelli’s MANDOLIN” showcase the UNIQUE light of the GREEK SUMMER

1

From the movie "Captain Corelli's Mandolin"

2

From the movie "The Big Blue"

SANIMemories

The Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece is an old Sani acquaintance, as this is the magical location of his childhood summers, where he felt the meaning of true freedom for the first time, and to where he returns almost every year.

words

by

Aris Kavatzikis

YANNIS MOSCHOS

He was born in Thessaloniki, where he lived until he was 26 years old. Before taking a deep dive into the theatre world, he could not escape from the professional route that his family of doctors had carved out. Thus, his first studies were in Pharmacy. “On the one hand, there was this family tradition, but I decided to finish my studies and then take the entrance exams of the School of Drama, Faculty of Fine Arts, which had just opened. That is what I did. In fact, we were the first students who graduated from this particular department,” says the director.

His theatre-loving mother is responsible for bringing him in contact with what was bound to become the alpha and omega of his existence. She would take him with her to performances by the National Theatre of Northern Greece, where he “caught the bug. That was when I said to myself, this is what I want to do with my life; it became my dream,” he highlights. “I still have memories and images, even though I was just 10-11 years old. I was fortunate to experience the golden age of the NTNG, with exceptional productions. I remember a performance of ‘Hamlet’ in 1981; directed by Jan Kaplan, with unique set changes, it had seemed magical to me”. Today he has a PhD in Theatre Studies from the School of Drama of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, while he directed his first production in 2002 (“The Days Before You Came” by Andreas Flourakis), on the historic stage of the Amore theatre. He has been leading the National Theatre of Greece since December 2021.

Like many Thessalonikians, his family had also associated the Halkidiki peninsula with summer holidays. His memories begin to open up, like a drawer filled with sepia-coloured photographs. It was his grandfather who acquired land in the area. His children

photo Sani Archive

portraits by Ioanna Roufopoulou

inherited the property, and the director’s father built the family summer home there. “Around 1982, our house was complete and we began going to Sani. My father loved this place very much, we would visit every Easter and every summer,” he remembers.

These childhood memories are indeed like indestructible postcards that will accompany us forever, when in our eyes the Promised Land was equated with summer. “Sani meant absolute freedom, connection with nature, walking around the forest, and opportunities for discovery. We spent many hours at the sea or going up huge hills with our bicycles. We felt safe, we did not know, neither us nor our parents, what fear meant on holiday. To describe it in a scenographic way, the setting was very different from what we have today: on one side there was just the hotel (Sani Beach), and Robinson Club (Sani Club today) on the other. I also remember the campsite, and I have those tourists in mind as an image. When

we were young, we would also go to the hotel disco - for us it was the ultimate fun. Even going to the hotel was the highlight of our holiday, and it was great that we would meet the same people, those who had summer houses in the area, there every summer. We were the known-unknowns, we would disappear and not come home on time. I also remember that it would take about an hour, by bicycle, to get to Sani Beach from our houses. The route was dotted with steep inclines and descents. It was tough, sometimes the incline was so steep that we had to stop and carry our bikes up the hill. But this has nothing to do with the development we see there today. There was no marina, it was marshland. Within 40 years, there has been a huge investment for tourism and to develop the area, which also means that the value of surrounding property has also increased. Yet, from my teenage years I will never forget the year the sea brought huge, strange-coloured jellyfish onto the shore. At the time, they were like divine creatures. We would not go into the sea, we would just observe the exotic jellyfish. As teenagers, and with a complete lack of environmental sensibility, we would play with them and unfortunately subjected them to “experiments” beyond their natural habitat. We considered that summer very special due to this bizarre event. The jellyfish never returned after that,” he remembers.

The distinguished director, who now boasts an institutional role, has a demanding everyday routine, without a specific schedule or breaks. His summers have shrunk. Festivals and productions have stolen time from his holidays. Nevertheless, he will always return, even just 10 days a year, to the place that made him fall in love with shallow, warm seas - in fact, these are what he looks for in any new destination. Today, the only thing he wants when he returns to his summer house is to feel calm and rest by the sea, in search of the seclusion required for his work. “I always enjoy the water at Sani. Being under the sun and in constant contact with the sea. In addition, my favourite holiday moment is midday siesta time and that special afternoon laziness”, says the director.

"SANI meant absolute FREEDOM, CONNECTION with NATURE , WALKING around the FOREST, and OPPORTUNITIES for DISCOVERY"

INTERVISTA

BALMAIN LANVIN VALENTINO MONCLER MARNI VERSACE JC EMPORIO

ARMANI ETRO HERNO NEIL BARRETT C.P.COMPANY DSQUARED BOSS

KARL LAGERFELD KENZO MAISON KITSUNE BALLY RAG AND BONE NORMA

KAMALI RIANNA+NINA CALLISTA GANNI

INTERVISTA+

AMBUSH ALYX HELIOT EMIL JUUN.J RICK OWENS VETEMENTS

71 Tsimiski str. THESSALONIKI

www.intervista.gr

intervista.gr

High aesthetics, absolute hospitality and luxury meet privacy and exclusive services, with the magical setting of the Aegean at Sani Resort. Opt for high-end accommodation in precious suites for the most Sani magical holidays of your life. As a Sani Suite Collection guest, you will enjoy a vast array of privileges such as personal concierge, in-room check in, VIP priority booking at the resort restaurants or exclusive in-room dining service, as well as the use of Volvo vehicles for transportation within the resort or via private chauffeured tours further afield.

words by Sonia Talantinou

SANI ASTERIAS

Luxury reloaded

The timeless elegance and discreet luxury of Sani Asterias are keywords. With these values espoused by Sani Resort, it ensures personalised services and the ultimate comfort for all guests. Its bright suites feature strong Mediterranean vibes, the balconies leading directly to the hotel’s private swimming pool. With 310 sq.m. of outdoor spaces, 180 sq.m. of elegant and luxurious interiors, a spacious private garden and heated swimming pools, the suite exudes a sense of grandeur and bohemian freedom. The highlight is undoubtedly the open space bathtub, with views of the idyllic natural landscape: a combination that is not easy to find. Here, every detail matters: the gastronomic experience of an exclusive menu, beauty treatments that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your suite, even the welcome bottle of champagne offered upon arrival. A taste of luxury that will transform your stay into a purely magical experience.

Deluxe One Bedroom Suite Grand Balcony Beach Front

Sophisticated elegance

Outward-looking and super elegant, Sani Dunes is a sophisticated hotel with fine aesthetics. Here, you can indulge in the tranquillity of the white, sandy beach boasting crystalline waters, and a morning or evening dip in the largest, lagoon-style heated pool in Greece. The same flawless style characterises the suite you have chosen. On the coastline of the Aegean, it offers the unique experience of opening your eyes in the morning and feasting on views of the sea, which stretch undisturbed from every room over the deep blue and Sani Hill, with its iconic castle. Exceptionally spacious, with strong wooden details and earth tones, the 30 sq.m. balcony just adds the final touches to a wonderful stay, for discerning guests.

SANI DUNES

If holidays for you go hand in hand with privacy, Sani Club is the haven between the sea and sky you have been searching for. Nestled in dense vegetation and surrounded by centenarian olive trees, on the outskirts of the resort, this secluded hotel with panoramic views over the open sea is ideal for nature lovers, offering endless walks in the woods and a wealth of local flora and fauna. Who would not love to wake up in the morning and enjoy a refreshing morning swim? Live out your ultimate summer dream in privacy, tranquillity and carefreeness in these 55 sq. m. of contemporary luxury. This suite works with the colours of nature, as shades of blue dominate the interiors, to showcase its exceptional aesthetics. Thanks to its private swimming pool, garden and fantastic sea view, this bungalow suite can host up to 4 people, making it the perfect escape from the everyday.

One Bedroom Bungalow Suite Private Pool

SANI BEACH

Timeless comfort

With the exotic, white sandy beach stretching 7 kilometres as a backdrop, the largest Sani Resort hotel welcomes you to the ultimate holiday experience. Boasting a timelessly social temperament, this is the perfect choice for those in search of intense moments and active days: from engaging in the fun of watersports and the action of mountain biking, to the ultimate zen setting of My Spa and discovering beaches at Ammos and Sani Hill. Here, every moment reveals a unique surprise… much like the ultra chic family suite measuring 125 sq. m., with spacious interiors that can host up to seven people comfortably. Its modern design with a twist of classic, earth tones and minimal interiors compose an atmosphere of elegant luxury, with its own private veranda. With the outdoor spaces offering endless views over the turquoise-green waters of Sani Cape, this is the ideal environment for relaxation - and more - for the entire family.

Deluxe Two Bedroom Family Suite

Deluxe Two Bedroom Family Suite

Tranquil hospitality

Hospitality takes on a family flair. Just a few minutes from the Marina, Porto Sani encapsulates the ultimate Mediterranean way of living. Tranquil and luxurious, it offers opportunities for enjoying cocktails in one of the lagoonstyle pools, or relaxing in one of the heated swimming pools, for people of all ages, as well as an array of gastronomic delights. Its renovated suites will serve as the backdrop for a magical escape for you and your loved ones, especially for young children. Everything in the 145 sq.m. Three Bedroom Family Suite, with its exceptionally modern and minimal design, is completely in harmony with the natural setting; your stay here will simply be enchanting. In one of the hotel’s largest and most impressive family suites, the private heated swimming pool and the privacy of the garden offer a heavenly and completely safe environment, a sure bet for unforgettable holidays.

PORTO SANI

Pampering

Beauty editor Iliada Klangou lets herself go for three days in the paradise of Porto Sani The Spa Suite, and records the holistic experience she felt in her body, her mind & her soul.

words by Iliada Klangou

photography by Aris Rammos

PORTO

I pressed send on the last urgent email, and hurriedly shut my suitcase. On the way to the airport, the notifications kept beeping one after the other, adding to my to-do list - and to the pressure on my neck. During the short flight to Thessaloniki I had intended to begin reading the new book by Irvin Yalom, but my stress soon overwhelmed me. I found myself making a mental plan for the forthcoming three days, focusing not on what was ahead, but on the deadlines that were chasing me. Soon I would realise that the universe had other plans.

Arriving at Porto Sani I was welcomed by clear, bright sunlight flooding the verdant landscape, as well as an authentically gracious welcome at reception. A warm towel for my hands and a refreshing misting of thermal spring water was perfect for immediate cleansing during check-in, while a lovely, relaxing fragrance diffused in the air had already started, unbeknownst to me, bringing me closer to my core. My senses started to align with the grandeur of nature, harmony and beauty. The wooden key card, completely in tune with the resort’s zero plastic philosophy, opened the door and revealed a magical space, where everything was designed perfectly, down to the smallest detail: from the high aesthetics of the interior and a genuine luxury that is not

SANI The SPA SUITE offers a RICH MENU of FACE and BODY treatments DESIGNED by the FAMOUS French BEAUTY brand, ANNE SEMONIN

ostentatious, to the eco-friendly sofas on the spacious balcony that boasted exceptional views over the marina.

I searched out the final “destination” of this journey: Porto Sani The Spa Suite, which offers a rich menu of face and body treatments designed by the famous French beauty brand, Anne Semonin. I find myself in an oasis, where the relaxing music flirts with the appeasing rain sounds of the ceiling fountain, while the amazing crystal sculpture by Konstantinos Varotsos charges the space with clear energy vibes.

With an open invitation to try any of the sought-after spa treatments by Anne Semonin I wanted, I admit this was no easy choice. In the relaxation room, sip- ping on a herbal tea and with the guidance of the expert team, we created a bespoke menu of three signature anti-stress and anti-aging treatments that detox the body and the soul, involve aromatherapy, while also deeply relaxing and invigorating the face. In fact Anne Semonin is famous for its holistic treatments that combine the rarest and most effective essential oils, natural extracts and marine ingredients with powerful massage techniques, as well as the latest in cosmetic technology.

The first day I enjoyed the Gold Rush Body Ritual, a treatment for deep relaxation, anti-aging and radiance - exactly what every tired body and face needs (1 hour & 45’). The treatment begins with a full-body scrub using the Ultimate Gold Nourishing Massage Balm, mixed on the spot with sea salt. After showering, this is followed by a Made to Measure Full Body Massage with a focus on the tense, stressed parts of the body (neck, back, etc.) using

a rich, nourishing gold balm that caresses the skin with discreet flakes of 24K gold. The treatment continues with a lifting face massage using the same product, and ends with the application of the Ultimate Gold Firming & Lifting Serum, which contains real 24K gold, a precious metal known for its anti-aging properties.

Next day’s treatment focused on the face: I tried the Immediate Rejuvenator with Coolifting Shot, which combines two amazing face massage techniques with an innovative machine that performs needlefree mesotherapy treatment (1 hour & 30’). Rejuvenation, hydration, radiance, toning, anti-aging: everything my face needed immediately was welcomed via this specially formulated treatment. The makeup removal and exfoliating mask were followed by two massages with Anne Semonin’s Firming Intensive Complex, which combines the most powerful essential oils (tea tree, eucalyptus, ylang ylang) and minerals for rejuvenation, intensive hydration and firming. The first massage aimed to improve microcirculation and to provide immediate lifting effects, while the second to remove lymph and toxins, combatting swelling and dullness - a combination that leads to impressive results! Next step, the high-end Coolifting technology, which injects pure hyaluronic acid on the skin at high speed, providing deeper penetration, intensive facial hydration and immediate smoothing of fine lines. Finally, the Detoxifying Mask with Cryogenic Action, a peeloff mask with seaweed extracts and marine ingredients, seals this treatment to reveal a more youthful, toned and glowing face.

On the third and final day of my

visit, my experience is complete with the Heavenly Anti-Stress Face & Body Treatment , a divine two-hour face and body treatment. The ritual begins from the back, where a very special, self-heating mask with therapeutic mud and seaweed from the south of France is applied, with detoxifying and relaxing effects. A fullbody massage using Anne Semonin body oil ensues - I opted for the Energizing Body Oil, rich in antioxidants, with an uplifting aroma of ginger essential oils. Next, the face: make up removal and exfoliation always come first, so the skin is ready to enjoy the benefits of the lymphatic massage and the nourishing, restorative Cream Mask with jojoba, shea butter and marine ingredients. The impressive epilogue comes in the form of the Express Radiance Ice Cube, the iconic Anne Semonin

ice cubes adored by skintellectuals around the world! This must-have product combines the anti-aging action of cryotherapy with new generation neurocosmetology and select botanical extracts: as the face and neck are caressed by the Ice Cube this releases b-endorphin, the pleasure and wellness hormone that relaxes and tones the skin, revealing its natural glow (the box of 8 Express Radiance Ice Cubes I brought back from the Anne Semonin boutique at Spa Suite is one of the best skincare buys of 2023!)

It is very difficult to condense the experience Porto Sani offers its guests into words. What I keep in my heart is how this slice of paradise in the Halkidiki peninsula invites you to live the “here and now” in all its grandeur; and that, in and of itself, is simply invaluable.

“With the GUIDANCE of the EXPERT TEAM, we CREATED a bespoke MENU of THREE signature ANTI-STRESS and ANTI-AGING treatments that DETOX the BODY, the MIND and the SOUL”

A ΘEROS TALE OF LOVE

Evans: Men swim shorts Boss , Attica selections-Sani Marina.

Shirt Apoella , Apoella-Sani Marina.

Sunglasses Dior, Optomania-Sani Marina

Julia: Swimsuit Kiohne , www.kiohne.com. Sunglasses Dior, Optomania-Sani Marina.

Towel Missoni , Missoni-Sani Marina

Light and fine fabrics embrace the body, sunsets and beaches are allies in images of harmony and a tale of love dances, bedecked in the hues of summer.

photographer Mara Desipris

styling director Dada Ioannidou I

Left page

Evans: Shirt Nautica , Hondos Center Apollonia Politia, www.hondoscenter.com. Swim shorts from personal collection. Julia: Swimsuit Alaia , Grigio-Sani Marina. Trousers Ancient Kallos , Hondos Center Apollonia Politia, www.hondoscenter.com. Hat, Katerina Karoussos

Julia: Blouse Polo Ralph Lauren , Attica selections-Sani Marina. Sunglasses Linda Farrow, Optomania-Sani Marina.

Evans: Blouse Lacoste and shorts Polo Ralph Lauren , Hondos Center Apollonia Politia, www.hondoscenter.com. Belt Scotch and Soda , Attica selections-Sani Marina.

Jacket Rianna+Nina , Intervista,www. intervista.gr. Swimsuit Ermanno Scervino, Grigio-Sani Marina. Bag Saint Laurent , Grigio-Sani Marina. Sunglasses Linda Farrow, Optomamia-Sani Marina.

Top and skirt Apla , Apoella-Sani Marina. Golden earrings K18 , Thalia Exarchou -Sani Marina. Swimsuit Kiohne

Steel watch with rubber band, Omega Seamaster professional, Gofas-Sani Marina.

Julia: Swimsuit Kiohne , www.kiohne.com

Evans: Swim shorts Kiton , Kiton boutique-Sani Marina. Sunglasses Akoni , Optomania-Sani Marina.

Julia: Top and skirt Apla , Apoella-Sani Marina. Golden earrings K18 , Thalia Exarchou -Sani Marina. Sandals from personal collection.

Evans: Shirt Kiton -Sani Marina. Trousers Gant , Hondos Center Apollonia Politia, www.hondoscenter.com.

Left: Earrings, bracelets and ring in K18 gold with diamonds Crivelli , Thalia Exarchou -Sani Marina.

Right: Swimsuit Melissa Odabash , Melissa Odabash boutique-Sani Marina.Necklace and bracelets in K18 gold with diamonds, Messika , Gofas-Sani Marina.

Right page Shirt Apoella , Apoella-Sani Marina. Bermuda shorts Vathos Apparel , www.vathosapparel.com. Scarf Saint Laurent ,Grigio Sani Marina. Bag Marni , Intervista, www.intervista.gr. Sunglasses Gucci , Optomania-Sani Marina. Sandals from personal collection. Earrings Pomellato in K18 gold, Thalia Exarchou-Sani Marina.

Top: Dress Apoella , Apoella -Sani Marina. Hat, Katerina Karoussos

Bottom: Caftan Kiton , Kiton boutique-Sani Marina. Hat, Katerina Karoussos . Sandals Ancient Greek Sandals , Apoella-Sani Marina. Cuff bracelet in K18 gold Marco Bicego, Gofas-Sani Marina.

Dress La Double J , Grigio-Sani Marina. Sunglasses Gucci , Optomania-Sani Marina. High heeled platforms Saint Laurent , Grigio- Sani Marina. Necklace and ring in K18 gold, Era Jewellery-Sani Marina.

Dress Zimmermann , Grigio-Sani Marina.

Dress Ermanno Scervino, Grigio-Sani Marina. Hat, Katerina Karoussos

Julia: Shirt Karl Lagerfeld , Intervista, www.intervista.gr. Bermuda shorts Kiton , Kiton boutique-Sani Marina . Cuff bracelet in 18k gold Marco Bicego, Gofas-Sani Marina. Evans: Shirt and shorts Emporio Armani , Rodanos, www.rodanos.gr.

Julia: Shirt and trousers Zimmermann , Grigio-Sani Marina. Ring in K18 gold with coral, Gofas-Sani Marina. Ring in K18 gold with blue quartz Marco Bicego, Gofas-Sani Marina. Necklace in K18 gold with diamond and malachite Messika , Gofas-Sani Marina. Evans: Suit and shirt Boss , Intervista, www.intervista.gr

Right page Evans: Shirt and blazer Brioni , Diamantis, www.diamantis.gr.

Dress, Deux Hommes

makeup Maria Pagonaki

hair Vangelis Sehou – Can I Kiss Hair Salon

photographer assistant Zina Desipris

styling assistant Vasiliki Simeonidi

model Julia Riethof (D.Models), Evans Nikopoulos (D.Models)

SANI AROUND & ABOUT

Sani Resort is evidence that a terrestrial paradise can always acquire even more appealing aspects, enhancing every moment of your stay in this haven that respects the environment and embraces spiritual and physical wellness. The many faces of international, award-winning gastronomy, culture, sports, exclusive shopping experiences, limited collections and balanced nutrition for kids are just some of the privileges that make us fall in love with this resort, time and time again.

words by Sonia Talantinou

FESTIVAL

Summer of 2023, and a musical journey around the world at the historic and renewed festival begins! Let’s welcome the Brand New Era of Sani Festival, which over the last 30 years preserves the title of being a landmarkinstitution of modern Greek culture.

STARS ON THE HILL

Sani Festival inaugurates its new era and redefines our summer concerts. After serving authentic art and entertainment with high aesthetics and quality, it is enriching its internationally recognised DNA, meeting the demands of times. With an outward-looking premise, the “Jazz On The Hill” programme continues to attract great musicians while “Stars On The Hill” is diversifying its philosophy, turning to pop and rock. Here’s to a rare meeting of the international music scene’s brightest stars under the open sky at Sani Resort; a strong line up for demanding audiences.

1 Chris Norman

2 Bonnie Tyler

3 UB40 ft. Ali Campbell

4 Dianne Reeves

5 Jan Garbarek

THE JAZZ-ISTAS

The Sani Festival begins and ends with two grand personalities of the international jazz music scene. The greatest jazz, soul and blues vocalist of our time, the incredible voice of 5-time Grammy winner Dianne Reeves will infuse the Hill with unique sounds on 15 July. Similarly, the great Norwegian jazz saxophone player Jan Garbarek, a favorite with the Greek audience, returns with the Trilok Gurtu Trio for a magical finale on 26 August.

THE HIGHLIGHT

The veritable surprise of this year’s event is the historical artistic union between super star Bonnie Tyler and top rocker Chris Norman, frontman of the legendary band, Smokie. On 22 July, the most unexpected evening of the summer boasts two backto-back performances, for the first time on stage.

THE MUSE

One of the greatest singers of all time, Andres Lloyd Webber’s ultimate muse, Sara Brightman is performing at Sani Hill on

29 July. Brightman boasts an exceptional career as a lyrical performer, as well as a famous pop star. Her enchanting concert will also feature a live orchestra and a choir.

THE ALL TIME CLASSICS

Sani Festival welcomes August with UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in what promises to be the most entertaining party of the summer. On 5 August, one of the most influential and timeless bands in the history of music is crowning Sani Hill, for an evening filled with music, rhythm and dancing.

THE NEW STAR

Chart topping Tom Odell , one of the brightest new stars on the international pop scene, is coming to Greece to introduce us to his universe. Save the date - 12 August.

A GREEK LEGEND

Enjoy the top Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos’ musical journey “From Pontus to Crete” on 19 August, a contemporary look onto the wealth of our demotic (folk) tradition from a diverse perspective.

1 Stavros Xarchakos

2 Sara Brightman

3 Tom Odell

Haute gastronomy makes this summer all the more exciting, with Michelinstar awarded representatives of international Haute Cuisine visiting the Sani Resort kitchens

With Sani Resort being a landmark in international haute gastronomy, bridging cultures, flavours and traditions, for more than 15 years Sani Gourmet has hosted a galaxy of Fine Dining stars in a series of unique gourmet celebrations. Recognizing the discerning qualities of its target audience and their love for travel, wellbeing and the art of gastronomy, Sani Gourmet innovates and establishes new trends. A unique opportunity for food enthusiasts to enjoy comprehensive menus created by top international chefs, with wonderful champagne and wine pairings; an exploration of the finest aspects of pleasure.

This year, the Sani sky is filled with stars once more, as the internationally recognized Sani Gourmet is inspired by the theme “Savour the Stars” to host elite Michelin-star chefs. In particular, five distinguished chefs prepare gourmet menus for food connoisseurs, featuring signature dishes, exceptional skills and indisputable culinary mastery, essentially taking over the kitchens at Elia Porto Sani and Water Sani Asterias. Innovators of international gastronomy are called on to create taster menus, while in combination with Greek and international wine pairing, they offer a unique, comprehensive experience for the resort’s guests.

7/7, Elia Restaurant First-class Akira Back, winner of 1 Michelin star, who boasts an empire of restaurants in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea and Europe

22/7, Elia Restaurant Legendary winner of 6 Michelin stars, Hélène Darroze, with restaurants such as Hélène Darroze at The Connaught in London, Marsan par Hélène Darroze in Paris and Hélène Darroze in Villa La Coste, Province

29/7, Elia Restaurant French chef Christian Le Squer, winner of 3 Michelin stars, Head Chef at Le Cinq at the Four Seasons Hotel George V, in Paris

5/8, Water Restaurant The sophisticated Stephanie Le Quellec, winner of 2 Michelin stars, Chef at La Scene & MAM in Paris, inspired by the cuisine of the South of France

12/8, Elia Restaurant Javier Torres will represent the innovative Torres Brothers, Sergio & Javier, owners of the impressive Cocina Hermanos Torres in Spain and winners of 3 Michelin stars, with their live cooking shows!

1 Christian Le Squer

2 Hélène Darroze

3 Stephanie Le Quellec

4 Akira Back

5 Torres brothers

POP UP STORES

Fashion, sustainability and technology execute landing operations at Sani

Marina, with five exclusive pop up stores, for unrepentant style lovers

FASHION ALERT

Italian finesse in summer collections for fashion addicts

As part of the Pop up Sani Resort @ Sani Marina 2023, luxury brand pop up store X Grigio will host two popular and favourite fashion brands: Dolce & Gabbana and Etro.

The most exciting fashion experience leads you to the hippest choices in international fashion, inviting you into a world of incomparable style. Discover the most exclusive and updated selections of clothes and accessories for the summer; so hard to resist, get ready for endless shopping. Experience the maximalism of the famous Italian fashion brand and become the proud owner of a dreamy paisley pattern for the hottest and most stylish summer outfits.

STAY CONNECTED

The ultimate meeting point for high-tech shopping!

Technology will be part of your holidays this year, making them much more exciting.

K Tech Spot at Sani Marina has everything you may need: from state-of-the-art accessories and smartphones to laptops, tablets and gaming consoles. Discover an entire range of high-tech products that you need and desire. But there is more, as technology will also follow your every footstep, let alone witness your every adventure and personal moment. Drones, scooters and bluetooth speakers offer opportunities to enjoy every excursion to the maximum, while the premium personal care devices will offer you the treatments you deserve.

Highlight: Here you will also find the Service Point, to repair your smartphone, tablet and laptop in just 1 hour. As such, get ready to enjoy technology all summer long!

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

This summer, elegance, exclusivity and quality take centre stage

This year, Kiton has a double surprise in store for Sani Resort guests. The boutique of this chic company in Sani Marina hosts part of the spring and all of the summer collection, while in early August it will also showcase the men and women’s winter clothes and accessories collections, until 30/10. At the same time, at the Pop up event @ Fresco Wine Bar, hosted at Sani Dunes from 24 July to 2 August, master tailor Ciro Palestra will be present (26/7 - 1/8) for the 1st international presentation of the men and women’s winter collection of the made-to-measure company he represents, as well as a collection of their fabrics.

HELLO FROM SANI

The Greek summer at Sani inspires the creation of

sustainable objects

Hellofrom arrive at Sani Resort for their debut appearance, with their first summer store and a series of immersive pop ups. A boardwalk, kiosks, deckchairs, hammocks, and old style travel trunks adorn the space, transforming it into a stylish seaside country house-themed spot to freshen up, taste, and relax. "Hellofrom" recreates an archetypal Greek summer holiday and plays on this nostalgia to offer a number of new products and a series of events and immersive experiences. Reflecting the brand’s minimalist aesthetic and love of travel, the collection translates the Greek summer spirit into sustainable objects that immortalise the most joyful memories from a summer spent at Sani.

SUNGLASSES ON

The most basic and necessary summer accessory cannot be missing from Sani Resort

Alos Eyewear Cabinet, member of the biggest luxury eyewear group in Greece, PANAIDIS EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE , is opening a new pop-up boutique at Sani Resort with a special partnership with Kaleos brand, one of the biggest independent eyewear brands. This is where guests can combine searching for unique design sunglasses with a delightful shopping experience. The new pop-up boutique launch is planned for the upcoming June, and is going to be located at Sani Marina and Bousoulas beach.

JEWELLERY EXCELLENCE

Almost a century of Italian innovation, starting with Vicenza, is sublimated into the present in the best way

Translating contemporary Italian style through modern design, but always preserving traditional artistic features, the Umberto Cazzola dynasty is the protagonist of the Fope Event at Sani Resort. A unique opportunity to reintroduce the jewellery brand, while also admiring the exclusive collection of upper class pieces up close, exclusively hosted at Sani for this event. The one-of-a-kind creations will be on display for one week from 21/7/23, adding one more touch of luxury to your Sani experience.

STATE OF THE ART JEWELLERY

The legendary brand illuminates a Greek summer night

From Cannes to Sani Resort, the iconic Swiss haute horlogerie, jewellery, and accessories brand traversed Europe to engage with the Greek summer and spread its glamour over the luxury resort. On 10 August, guests of the Chopard Event will admire the exclusive collection of the brand’s highend jewels in a unique cocktail party, filled with masterful creations created by a veritable “artisan of feelings”.

Luxury and finesse meet high design in two splendid events for few, very discerning customers

ANNABEL TAKES OVER!

Children’s nutrition and holidays. The eternal puzzle that parents struggle to solve is already one of the most high-end services offered at Sani Resort. Here, young visitors take centre stage as they enjoy top meals created by Annabel Karmel , MBE. The internationally-acclaimed food expert and author - with more than 30 years experience and having published more than 50 top-selling books on children’s nutrition - reveals a new, exciting world of flavours with menus designed exclusively for our young guests. An expert in children’s nutritional needs and demands, with a penchant for nonstop experimentation, Annabel creates delicious, creative and particularly nutritious meals. From energy-boosting breakfasts to mouth-watering mains and refreshing desserts, she invites us into a world of authentic flavours, where we can try new and exciting offerings from her collection of awardwinning recipes. Some of her favourite recommendations for 2023 include crispy cod with sweet potato chips, broccoli, chicken and potato bites, mini burgers and watermelon/kiwi granitas. Life is so tasty at Sani!

At Sani Resort, a comprehensive hospitality experience requires gourmet surprises. Especially when children are exclusively involved

Sports fans will find that the Sani Resort academies and sports centres do not only match their needs and physical condition, but also their desire for adventure

LEARN FROM THE BEST

This summer, tennis enthusiasts will meet Toni Nadal , ex-Coach of Rafa Nadal and RNA Head Coach, while also getting to know their favourite sport. He will visit Sani Resort from 26 July to 1 August and act as Head Coach for selected days at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center. He will be present at the RNTC, overseeing all courts and courses while also sharing his advice and tips with guests. A unique opportunity to learn from the best and explore the wonderful world of tennis.

Rafa Nadal’s ex-Coach & RNA Head Coach comes to Sani Resort

READY FOR SURVIVAL

Sani Resort hosts British adventurer Edward Michael “Bear” Grylls and his extraordinary experiences

The legendary Bear Grylls will visit Sani Resort for the third time, 16-21 October, to participate in the Survival Academy, founded in collaboration with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, in order to convey his knowledge to as many adventure lovers as possible, while also participating in activities and sharing his advice and personal experiences with guests. As he states, “Our academy is unique, because it encourages kids to get away from digital devices, away from screens and embrace the natural world - it gives children the opportunity to be present in the here and now, and try something they have likely never experienced before. I have always believed that the currency of life is all about resilience: having that dogged, never-give-up spirit; learning how to deal with failure; learning how to build teams, how to be a leader and how to communicate well. The academy at Sani does just that, in the incredible natural setting of Sani Resort”.

BEYOND THE ORDINARY

When shopping becomes an experience for all the senses

A visit to “ Nous & Body Activation”, the new age sportswear concept store in Sani Marina is always an exciting experience, as it has been awarded for its innovative operations and services. This summer’s must-have list includes the Cloudsurfer running shoe, by On; ten years after its initial launch, the Cloudsurfer returns with new technological innovations in performance, as well as in terms of sustainability. Its performance sets new standards in cushioned landing, increased shock absorption and controlled, rolling motion. It is worth noting that the new dying methods employed require the use of 90-95% less water, while the total recycled content of the shoe is 30%, with the top part of the shoe composed of 100% recyclable materials. In fact, due to an increased awareness for saving water, the new Cloudsurfer was successfully presented and launched on World Water Day, with the aim of collecting and bringing water to people in need.

MUS MER

IS A SEA OF DREAMS

Summer is synonymous with holidays. Sun and sea. Magical sunsets. Carefree times. Everything that defines this season, and will become our allies. Summer is… Love and Fun.

SoundLink Flex Bluetooth speaker Bose, K-Tech Spot by KotsovolosSani Marina

Summer is the freedom and coolness of another era. Be inspired by the coffee table book Coolness – The Pure Freedom of Elegance by teNeues Publishing.

curation by Eleonora Kanaki I

Tsuki table lamps in Calacatta marble by DePadova, Moda Bagno Concept Store, www.modabagno.gr

Watch Square bang Unico Sapphire by Hublot, Gofas – Sani Marina

Bousoulas Beach Bar, Sani Beach

Every SUMMER has a STORY

From NELLY’S exhibition (Benaki Museum / Pireos 139, Athens, until 23/07/2023)

Elly SougioultzoglouSeraidari (Nelly’s) Members of the Oceanides chorus posing at the ancient theatre of Delphi, 1927 © Benaki Museum / Photographic Archives

Ring with evil eye 18 karats gold plated silver 925 by Antonia Karra, Apoella – Sani Marina

Tropicalia bag in white leather and raffia by Marni, Intervista, www.intervista.gr

Cotton tennis polo with checkers by Ron Dorff, Nous & Body –Sani Marina

Rimmed sunglasses Balmain Imperial, Sun Off –Sani Marina

The summer campaign of Ancient Greek Sandals journeys us to the Greek islands (Ancient Greek Sandals, Apoella – Sani Marina)

Paisley-print maxi dress by Etro, Grigio – Sani Marina

SANI RESORT · BLUE PALACE · COSTA NAVARINO

www.diamantis.gr

Pants by Stefano Ricci, Diamantis,

The enchanting BEAUTY of LAKE COMO paints the PERFECT backdrop for long DAYS spent lounging on the AQUARAMA

Sani Resort

Nautical style blouse, Boss, Attica Selections –Sani Marina

MBaseball cap by Moncler, Intervista, www.intervista.gr

spent lounging on the

White gold diamond bracelet Baby Move Pavé by Messika, Gofas - Sani Marina

Book “Riva Aquarama” by Assouline Publishing

© Oliver Pilcher

Photo Andrea Ferrari

SPINNAKER DESIGN GORDON GUILLAUMIER

Ceramics hand-crafted by Greek artists make waves and become the ideal solutions for special art de la table, such as the hand-painted ceramic collection by AM, available at the ARCH workshop (archworkshop.org)

LIFE is BETTER at the BEACH

Zimmermann, Grigio – Sani Marina

One-piece swimsuit, Marysia, Apoella –Sani Marina

Happy Sport Watch 33mm with rose gold, stainless steel and diamonds by Chopard, Era Jewellery – Sani Marina

Eau de Parfum Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford, Hondos Center Apollonia Politia, www.hondoscenter.com

Summer Walk loafers by Loro Piana, Ereiliadis, www.ereiliadis.com

WONDER LOUNGE

One-piece swimsuit by Melissa Odabash, Melissa Odabash Boutique –Sani Marina

Elixir 8- Flower Golden Nectar by Darphin, Drugstore –Sani Marina

Rimmed sunglasses Kaleos, Alos Eyewear

Chloé SS2023 campaign

Woven raffia bag Emporio Armani, Rodanos, www.rodanos.gr

EXPLORING THE SPIRIT AKIRA BACK of

interview by Aris Kavatzikis

His cuisine features passion, creativity, energy, attention to detail, as well as fun. A chef whose dishes blend memories and experiences, his homeland and his travels, he likes to create by engaging all the senses. Essentially, what he shares with guests at his restaurants is his very own life.

His name is synonymous with cutting-edge cuisine and exquisite taste in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A first-class and world renowned chef who has triumphantly built a global empire over the past two decades spawning 25 locations around the world with 9 more on the horizon coming soon. In addition to his lengthy resume and accolades that continue to mount, Chef Back is persistently at the forefront of innovation and artistry. On July 7th, at Elia Restaurant, we will enjoy everything the Michelinstar awarded chef was inspired to create for us, using his culinary heritage as a starting point, with the help of local flavours and seasonal ingredients.

portraits by Ektoras Nikolakis POV Studio

Your name has rhythm, it's original! Is it your real family name or a nickname?

As a child, I was a very good baseball player and wanted to play professionally. “Akira” was a nickname given to me since in Japanese it means “Ook” which is my first name (editor’s note: his full name is Sung Ook Back).

You were born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Aspen, Colorado. What always lives in you, in your soul… but also in your kitchen, as a memory of these two places that have defined your existence? It is true that I have lived in both Korea and the USA. I have also travelled all over the world, so my existence is a melting pot of all cultures and I try to share that experience through my cuisine.

For seven years you participated in the pro-snowboarding circuit and then, with the same passion, you fell in love with cooking. Are there any commonalities between these two seemingly disparate things? Yes, there are a lot of commonalities with the endurance, passion and creation it takes to be great at both cooking and snowboarding. Neither is easy, so you must have perseverance to reach your goals.

Your website opens with the expression "It was never your dream if you give up". Is this your life motto? When did you feel it? What have you fought for the most in your life?

I have always felt this way and lived my life this way. It was not easy as a child moving to another country and not speaking the language or having any friends. I learned at a young age that the harder you work for things, the more success you will achieve.

How exactly are your new dishes/suggestions born? Is it a solitary process of searching, improvising and experimenting? Or can a new dish emerge during a group cooking process?

They are born through my life and experiences. I may smell something, hear something, taste something, read something, see something that gives me inspiration and an idea of how to do something new or differently that has never been done before. Also, past memories and experiences help me create.

What is the feeling you want your guests to have when trying your dishes?

I want my guests to feel a sense of my life and experiences told through my cuisine which is why my dishes represent the many different stages of my life.

“I want my GUESTS to FEEL a SENSE of my LIFE and EXPERIENCES told THROUGH my CUISINE which is why my DISHES REPRESENT the many DIFFERENT STAGES of my LIFE”

Really, isn't it difficult to have consistency and stability in all the restaurants around the world that you work with? How do you manage it?

I have an amazing team of chefs and managers that have worked with me for years, they are the lifeblood of the restaurants. We also have a very detailed training program to make sure our service and cuisine is always 5 star and focuses on the customer experience.

When you are not working, how do you prefer to spend your time? Do you manage to have a personal life?

I spend my free time with my daughter doing the hobbies that she loves and when I have alone time, I love to play tennis.

On July 7th, you will be a guest at Sani Resort, and guests will enjoy your cooking at Elia Restaurant. What was the process you followed in preparation for this dinner? How important was learning about the area? How did you choose the ingredients for your dishes? I love embracing the local culture and utilising local ingredients. I have been to Sani more than once so I feel a connection to the area, which I plan to use in my dishes for the event. I couldn’t be more excited to participate and combine my cuisine with local flavours and seasonal ingredients.

Your dishes are never lacking in... flavour.

If you were to describe yourself as a personality and as a chef in five words, they would be… fun, passionate, detailed, creative, energetic.

“I HAVE BEEN to Sani MORE than once so I FEEL a CONNECTION to the AREA, which I PLAN to USE in my DISHES for the EVENT. I COULDN’T be MORE EXCITED to PARTICIPATE and COMBINE my CUISINE with LOCAL FLAVOURS and SEASONAL INGREDIENTS”

THE FLAVOUR MAESTRO

interview by Niki Mitarea

Every orchestra needs a conductor to help them perform optimally, offering sounds of enjoyment and pleasure. In the same way, the Corporate Executive Chef of the Sani Resort orchestrates his culinary teams, ensuring exceptional operations for satisfying even the most demanding palette.

Nikos Papastergiou

Sani Resort is inextricably linked with the creation of a superior culinary product, offered as an integral part of the highlevel services its guests enjoy. With the establishment of Sani Gourmet, a unique gastronomic festival for Greek standards, the resort is considered an innovator in its field, and continues in this vein of consistent determination and effort; the 27 restaurants, 13 bars and 12 special dinearound menus that form part of its daily operations are evidence of this.

At the helm of this complex and demanding process we find Nikos Papastergiou. He took on the position in January 2023, but his relationship with Sani and connection with the hotel’s gastronomic culture goes back many years. He has been partnering with the resort since 2012, working various positions of expanding responsibility in the hotel’s kitchens and culinary units. Thus, taking on the position of Corporate Executive Chef came as recognition of his devotion and hard work at the hotel, as well as of his personal development characterised by continuous education, multi-faceted experiences and creativity guided by the search for clean tastes and flavours.

As he confesses, cooking for him is a way of life, as he has dedicated his life to cooking from a very early age, setting high culinary goals and dreams. His recipe to success is his commitment to creative cuisine, his respect for his team, and his choice of quality ingredients.

“The secret is balance. What a chef gives to his cuisine is shaped by his

journey through the culinary community, as it develops over time and is created by his team, which influences the chef’s trademark touches in a significant way. As long as a team of individuals works in harmony, everything leads to perfection”, he says, and it is no challenge to discern the passion in his voice.

Food is culture, art, ethos and an example of gentility. It is respect for nature, history and tradition. The gastronomic culture of a place creates enjoyable experiences and memories for its guests. Chef Nikos Papastergiou’s opinion is clear. “Gastronomy is one of the most important tools, and Sani Resort is constantly developing, on a never ending search for new concepts and upgrading its staff. The resort restaurants are more of an experience, rather than a service. As such, it is definitely one of its attractions. The pleasure of our visitors is a consistent goal for us; chefs want to surprise our customers with their creations and the correct management of materials. We have many restaurants and each one has its own identity. Besides, this is our ulterior purpose: to create unique restaurants”.

Food is a continuous challenge for creative chefs wishing to promote their culinary philosophy and ideas. Papastergiou followed a long course until working in this position, at the finest restaurants in Greece and abroad, as well as larger hotel units. He enriched his knowledge and earned many experiences on his way. “Through my travels around the world and my work experience, I have received

"GASTRONOMY is one of the MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS, and SANI RESORT is CONSTANTLY developing, on a NEVER ENDING search for NEW CONCEPTS and UPGRADING its STAFF"

influences from many culinary cultures and ingredients. This has given me a degree of adaptability, so I can be the Corporate Executive Chef of the resort, which boasts a large number of restaurants from various culinary traditions”. He adds that “the global mixing of ingredients and skills is a natural development of our times. Easy access via the internet to a plethora of information, as well as the trends created by social media highlight this inevitable, global mixing. If handled with care and respect towards global culture, it leads to positive results. However, I believe that chefs need to build a strong base on which they can build through experimenting and making combinations”. Regarding his personal preferences, he notes that “of course, Greek cuisine would be my top choice, but if I had to choose one of my influences that would be Asian cuisine - I enjoy eating and cooking this food”.

Through inspiration, creativity, skills and good ingredients, chefs discover an ingredient that takes centre stage in their food. For someone who grew up in Greece and works in Halkidiki, with its pristine seas, he admits that his choice was always a one-way street. “I love fish, it is a food that is always present at our table, now and in the past. At a destination such as Sani I believe we take fresh fish as a given, and I am always sure to include it on my menus”.

On the matter of Greek cuisine and precious products, he notes that “Greek restaurants are in much greater demand, which proves that visitors are in search of this Greekness. Our products could have a top ranking among reputable ingredients,

something that has already begun. Many restaurants are working exclusively with Greek products, and they are doing a fine job. What we want is for more Greek products to become competitive in the global culinary market”.

With regards to the mode of operations in the kitchen, Nikos Papastergiou is very specific: “The main ingredient is none other than respect. Respect towards our colleagues, towards the ingredients

we receive, towards the way we process them and serve the food. All of these elements compose a sense of respect for the customer”.

Passion, techniques, ingredients… one could list several culinary secrets used by each chef. Each one has selected their weapon of choice; for Nikos, the weapon is none other than organisation and consistency. “These two ideas make up the recipe to happiness”, he notes.

La Vie En Rose

words by

Anna Barachanou, head sommelier of Sani Dunes, claims to be a wine lover and her position allows her to shape the restaurant wine lists of the complex, as well as the entire Sani Dunes wine cellar. “Our goal is always to achieve the perfect combination and wine pairing, which is the key to a successful meal. We create the wine list of each restaurant in accordance with its menu, with emphasis on Greek vineyards and their dynamism. The scope of Greek wine and grape varieties has nothing to envy from old or new world wines. Of course, an Italian restaurant will also feature a large range of Italian wines, with wonderful Super Tuscans, elegant Barolos, as well as legendary vineyards such as the Antinori family, that has been making history in the wine industry for 26 generations. Iconic and premium international wines are also featured on our wine lists. We must admit that Greek wines are highly preferred by guests from abroad, with the Assyrtiko variety taking the lead, a white wine with limitless potential and the ability to express the terroir with intensity. The popular Malagouzia white wine variety excites every palate, while Xinomavro wines - also known as the Greek Barolo or Burgundy - are winning over fanatic Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir fans. Of course, a good rosé wine knows how to steal the show”.

The range of rosé hues is magical and playful. From soft pink and bright rose, to strong cherry and soft pomegranate, as well as salmon pink or onion skin pink. An elegant and enjoyable wine that imbues a sense of freshness and clarity, while also generously offering the heritage of its red grape provenance, with rich notes of strawberry, rose, blackberry and red berries. Regarding its pairing with food, rosé wine is a passe partout, while also being the perfect choice for a standalone aperitif, accompanied by the colours of the sunset. Greek wine producers showcase an exceptional range of delicate rosé wines from traditional local varieties, while also leaving space for international choices, which brings marvellous results in the hands of skilled oenologists.

1. Xinomavro rosé 2022, Ktima Gerovassiliou

Vangelis Gerovassiliou is a master winemaker and produces a Xinomavro variety of rosé wine with a magnetising colour and aroma bursting with exotic fruits such as passion fruit and mango. Its fruity character is complemented by notes of cherry and sweet spices, with discreet hints of flowers. In the mouth, its strong and balanced body is supported by rich tropical fruits, gentle tannins, freshness and an impressively long aftertaste. Ideal for accompanying salads, steamed shellfish, Asian dishes, and summer vegetable casseroles, as well as lemon-infused white meats and white cheeses.

2. Pink Bang 2022, Techni Oinou (Wine Art) Estate

The Portuguese variety Touriga Nacional is not particularly well-known in Greece, but its careful cultivation and wine making skills at Techni Oinou Estate in Drama results in a modern and exciting rosé, which boasts an irresistible light rose colour. Its complex aromas will enthuse, as there are strong floral notes, aromas of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, and lavender, as well as hints of red pepper. Just one sip will create a burst of freshness in the mouth, with a gentle tartness and enchanting aftertaste of crispy cherry notes. Open a bottle as you enjoy dishes such as prawn saganaki (with tomatoes and feta cheese), pizza, sweet and sour chicken, as well as traditional dishes such as gemista (tomatoes stuffed with rice).

As we place a glass of rosé wine in the same line of sight as the colours of the summer twilight, we immediately realise the source of the strong arguments presented by fans of this rose summer symphony.

Niki Mitarea

SimonePolattini/shutterstock.com

3. Apla rosé 2022, Oenops Wines

A refreshing rosé wine of the varieties Xinomavro, Limniona and Mavroudi. This blend gives exciting floral notes, while also revealing hints of red fruits, strawberry, cherry and tomato. Oenologist Nikos

Karatzas makes a rosé wine with a special character that attracts at first… sip, given its balanced body, rich taste and fresh tartness. The bright rose colour and orange hues of Apla rosé invites you to enjoy it on a beach, with the sunset as a backdrop. It is also the perfect accompaniment for seafood pastas, orzo with prawns, as well as gemista (summer vegetables stuffed with rice).

4. Magoutes rosé 2022, Diamantis Magoutes Vineyard

Notes of red fruits and flowers dominate this fresh wine bouquet by Dimitris Diamantis’ Magoutes Vineyards. The first impressions created by its soft salmon colour are followed by aromas of gooseberry, red cherry and strawberry, with notes of rose and a hint of caramel. Made with the two dominant varieties prevalent in northwestern Greece, it contains 10% Xinomavro and 90% Moschomavro, the local and most popular variety in Kozani. The mountainous vineyard that produces these grapes is located in Siatista. Its heady Moschomavro heritage makes it the ideal accompaniment for seafood pasta and risotto, Greek vegetable casseroles, Mediterranean dishes and even pizza.

5. Thema rosé 2022, Pavlidis Estate

A bright rose wine of the Spanish Tempranillo variety that unfolds its wonderful and expressive wild blackberry and strawberry aromas, with rose notes highlighting its strong character. Indulge in flavours of pomegranate, butter caramel and its rich body and gentle tartness. A fine, balanced wine with a long fruity aftertaste. Works well with red sauce pastas, vegetable casseroles and traditional fried meatballs.

6. Akakies 2022, Ktima Kir-Yianni

Its attractive and glowing appearance captures you, as its bright rose colour features blue highlights. Its delicate aromas of fresh tomato, strawberry, quince and red fruits will excite. A charming wine from the Amyntaio wine region, with the Xinomavro variety expressing its refreshing acidity and long aftertaste. A wonderful accompaniment to Mediterranean and exotic cuisine, summer casseroles and light meat dishes.

T: +30 2373041570, +30 2373041825 Book your table: marina-fish.gr

Powered by nature!

With biodiversity in such sharp decline, the landmark agreement at last year’s UN biodiversity conference to protect at least 30% of the planet’s land and water by 2030, couldn’t come soon enough. With wildlife populations on land and sea plummeting by more than two thirds since 1970, it has become obvious that urgent action is needed to stop the devastating loss of nature.

In the face of this daunting challenge, what can a hotel do? At Sani Resort, we’ve long viewed our role and responsibility in biodiversity protection as critical. We’ve partnered with pre-eminent experts and launched projects on land and sea close to our properties to help in these efforts.

Over ten years ago, we commissioned the first study documenting the Sani wetlands with Birdlife International Partners, the Hellenic Ornithological Society. With an area of approximately 110 hectares, the wetlands are home to over 225 species of birds – with many of them rare and globally endangered. Our partnership to protect the area continues to this day, with visits from scientists throughout the year constantly identifying new species, testing the quality of soil and water, implementing measures such as artificial nesting islets when necessary, facilitating guest, school and local community visits, as well as undertaking awareness raising initiatives.

In the sea, we’ve teamed up with marine conservation organisation iSea, to create the “Thermaikos Dolphin Project”: the first systematic

*Group Director of Sustainability and CSR at Sani Resort

Having taken the lead with her team and “green” initiatives, Sani Resort’s Eleni Andreadis* traces the line that binds the natural world and eco- conscious operations.

words by Eleni Andreadis

effort to monitor the cetacean population in local waters. Since 2021, a marine biology team regularly leaves our base at the Sani Marina throughout the year with the Sani speedboat, encountering and recording bottlenose dolphin populations and additionally raising awareness about cetaceans through a variety of educational activities through our Little Guests programmes.

Last year, with the non-profit Bee Camp, we created the largest interactive Bee Spot in Greece. The aim of the project is to showcase the important work of bees – the most crucial and emblematic pollinator – in bringing food to our plate.

With help of our guests and in partnership with the Forest Research Institute, we’re documenting the flora and fauna of our local forest, placing bird nests with cameras, insect traps, as well as measuring the forest’s carbon sink, in order to implement measures to enhance this.

Across these initiatives, we have encouraged guest participation, through our range of eco-guided excursions, as well as through getting kids to engage with nature-based play at the Little Guests facilities.

It’s not all about research and awareness raising, but also about understanding that how we conduct our business affects biodiversity locally and globally. Climate change and pollution are key drivers of biodiversity loss. As part of our triple zero promise, we’re working hard on achieving net zero emissions by 2030, as well as zero single plastic use and zero waste to landfill by next year. We’ve also committed to only using eco-labelled and safe cleaning products and recycle 100% of our greywater to cut down on water use.

There’s much more that we can do to help halt this staggering biodiversity loss. As guests, you can also take part, be it through conserving resources while here, for example by being mindful of towel use, or choosing a sea-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t harm marine life.

We welcome your help on this journey and thank you for your support throughout the years, as we rise to the urgent challenge of restoring balance with the natural world.

"At SANI RESORT, we’ve long viewed our ROLE and RESPONSIBILITY in BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION as CRITICAL . We’ve LAUNCHED projects on LAND and SEA close to our PROPERTIES to HELP in these EFFORTS"

10 STEPS

Welcome to the eco-conscious dreamland

With the sea, the forest and the wetlands composing the magical setting of Sani Resort, the award-winning World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort for 2022 is always keeping sustainability as its top priority, supporting conservation as well as raising awareness for the protection of the ecosystem.

words by Sonia Talantinou

1 Sani Green

At the heart of the Sani Resort’s operations and philosophy, the “Sani Green” flagship program focuses on energy efficiency, reducing waste, water conservation, the use of renewable energy sources and reaching the company’s Triple Zero goal (net zero by 2030, zero single-use plastic, zero waste-to-landfill by 2024) - in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dozens of certifications and distinctions, every year, further bolster evidence of the quality of services, as well as its claim to the most luxurious and sustainable resort.

2 Triple Zero goal: Net Zero

As the first carbon neutral resort in Greece (2020), the resort has long followed a strategy to minimise its carbon footprint, through procuring 100% renewable electricity, investing in energy efficiency, onsite renewable energy production and electrification of its fleet, aiming to be net zero by 2030.

3 Triple Zero goal: Zero Single-use Plastic

Sani Resort is aiming to have zero singleuse plastic items throughout its operations, front and back-of-house, by 2024. The initiatives include working with suppliers on removing plastic packaging in deliveries, placing water refill stations across the resort and piloting plastic-free kitchens within season 2023.

4 Triple zero goal: Zero Waste-to-Landfill

With a vision of achieving zero waste ending up in landfills by 2024, Sani Resort has developed an advanced system to reduce and manage all waste streams. With recycling rates of recyclable products reaching above 90%, all garden waste is composted, while initiatives to reduce food waste are also underway.

5 Water circularity

With climate change and tourism

placing even more strain on precious water resources, conserving water is becoming even more significant. All of blackwater and greywater at Sani is recycled for irrigation, after being processed through three treatment stages, guaranteeing its finest quality. Individual measurements of the consumption of potable water, water used for irrigation and wastewater treatment, as well as digital measurements, are leading the way towards the goal: reducing water consumption annually by 5%, through identifying and minimising leaks.

6 Blue Flag beaches

Endless kilometres of golden sandy beaches, with turquoise waters that take your breath away, make Sani Resort a veritable terrestrial paradise and top summer destination. The Resort has earned Blue Flag distinctions not only for the beaches but also the Marina. If you rise early, you might catch marine conservation organisation iSea’s biologists leaving the Marina to identify and record the resident dolphin population, a project enabled by Sani Resort.

7 Κids Nature-based immersion

Opportunities for kids to immerse in nature at Sani Resort abound. From the Sani Treetop Adventure Park that will get kids whizzing through trees, to scuba

diving and biking trails, to eco-guided trips and educational activities via the kids club tailored to the local biodiversity, like meeting an entomologist or a marine biologist, games, crafts and special publications, the possibilities are endless.

8 Eco-experiences for all the family

Unique exploration experiences offer a plethora of adventures through the complimentary eco-guide programme. The Forest Walk tour involves exploring forest trails to observe rare plants and wild natural settings while also learning about the history of the area and Sani’s collaboration to protect the forest with the Institute for Forest Research. At the first and largest interactive Bee Spot in Greece you will learn everything about bees, while birdwatching in the wetlands, in collaboration with the Hellenic Ornithological Society, will simply enthuse all visitors.

9 Εlectric ride

Explore Sani Resort easily and comfortably with your electric vehicle, without the added stress of recharging. Whether you are a guest of the resort renting an electric bike, or catching a ride with the in-house Volvo electric vehicles, or a visitor driving your own car, the Sani Marina, Sani Beach and Sani Club have numerous charging stations to suit all needs.

10 Collaboration with the local community and NGOs

With the Group’s philosophy primarily focused on human wellness, its social work is considerably rich and varied, as Sani Resort supports more than 40 charities, foundations and organisations. In addition, more than 60% of its materials and ingredients are sourced from local producers, offering employment to the residents of the wider area, while special focus is placed on recruiting from within the community.

10 BLUE FLAGS

460T RECYCLED ANNUALLY

40 CHARITY PARTNERS

100% RENEWABLE ENERGY

Role model, source of inspiration, with a unique character. He is a genuine athlete, who continues to conquer every peak even when the odds seem stacked against him, making victory appear simple and easy.

interview by Agapi Gavriilidou

photography Renaud Corlouër

I HAVE DEDICATED MY LIFE TO SPORTS & IMPROVING

He gives his entire being on the court, and has offered us great sporting moments. He has made his mark on history, and many consider him to be the GOAT tennis player, having won a total of 22 Grand Slam titles (14 French Open, 4 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 2 Australian Open). In addition, he remains a low-key persona, who works hard and tries to spend time with his family. He recently became a father, and this new role suits him very well. High-level athletes often seem distant, unapproachable, isolated. In his case, this is not true. He is always smiling, through the good times and the bad, while he knows very well that the younger generation is in need of his guidance. This is how he came to create the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Sani Resort, which became the vehicle through which everyone can be introduced to tennis and fall in love with it. Rafael Nadal speaks to us about everything, revealing the different aspects of his character.

You are a great athlete, a role model for every young player -not only tennis players- a true inspiration for many people. At what age did you realise you could be a professional with a great career?

Thank you for those kind words. I am just a tennis player, an athlete if you like, who has dedicated his life to sports and to improving. I do my job, my tennis, with passion, always trying my best, not only in matches during competitions but also every day, with practices and all the things that a professional player has to do. So I guess from that, and with the results I

have achieved I realised, little by little, that I could improve and become a successful player.

Considering that you are now a father, how difficult is it to find a balance between your career and your family?

It is the best feeling ever and I am very happy for this exciting moment of our lives. The only thing so far that has changed in my career is that I have other things to care about every day, not only my tennis. But my focus is still on playing, on competitions and adjusting the times

so that I can do everything well.

Which was the most difficult moment so far in your career and which was the greatest?

I have had a lot of difficult moments in my career, especially with injuries. But I always managed to come back; come back even stronger and those were also great moments. The moments when you know how much work has come before, and that you managed to win a great event.

If you could take one shot from another player, which one would you choose? And if

"BECOMING a FATHER is the BEST FEELING ever & I AM very HAPPY for this EXCITING MOMENT of our LIVES"

you had the opportunity to play a game from the past once again, which one would it be?

I think I am happy with what I have and the tools I have to play. I have also improved during all these years. Clearly, if I would have to choose a great serve, a great return, a great forehand… there would be many players to choose from. But that’s not the reality; the reality is to work with what you have and to improve.

How does winning Grand Slams now compare to when you were younger?

It’s always been a great feeling, that is obvious. The Grand Slams are the pinnacle of our sport and to win them requires something extra, due to the duration of the competition, the 5-sets component, history and other factors. Clearly they become more difficult when you get older, so the feeling is just as amazing. But don’t get me wrong; they all had a huge value every time I won.

What’s the greatest match you have ever been involved in?

For many I suppose it’s the 2008

Wimbledon final against Roger Federer. But I have to say there were many more, and all of them were great matches. Sometimes I won, sometimes I lost, but they were great matches. To give you some examples, I lost an amazing match against Novak Djokovic in Australia that lasted almost 6 hours. I won other matches, also in Australia, for example the final against Medvedev… Again, there are many great matches I have had the luck to be involved in.

How important is mental health for a top-level athlete?

Health is very important in general, not only in tennis. Ultimately, mental health is health and obviously it has a lot of importance and relevance.

A few months ago, Roger Federer retired and in his final match in London, you were there for him. You and him together sent the most powerful message to everyone. Your emotional response to his retirement was something different and special. Would you like to tell us a few things about those moments? We saw you crying together in

O2 Arena, what were your thoughts?

I think everyone saw those pictures and footage, and there’s a lot to say.

I was sad, since my biggest rival was stopping his career and lots of memories came to mind. He has been a great rival and a good man. I have said repeatedly that those moments were sad for me, but also for our sport, since Roger brought much to tennis. With him stopping, part of my history in tennis has also come to an end, and that was a sad moment. We know that’s life and it was simply a natural reaction.

Do you have any thoughts about Greek tennis players, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari?

They are both great players and they have proved it these past years. Stefanos has been improving very much and has already won important tournaments, such as Monte Carlo. He is an amazing player, and also fans love to see him play. This also applies to Maria, who had great highlights these past 2 years. I am sure we will see much more of her in the future.

How did you choose Sani for opening the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center in Greece?

We were assessing different countries and markets to continue with our expansion and at that time we had the chance to meet Dimitris Issaris, Sani’s Sports & Recreation Director, who explained the project to us. I know we simply selected the best people in the region. Since then we have had a great relationship, also between the two families, and we believe that the customers feel the passion we both have.

Do you want to send a message to Greek people? Would you like to visit Greece and, of course, your tennis centre in Sani in the future?

I would love to come to Sani and see all the amazing facilities. I would highly recommend that everyone go and experience this amazing resort with a great Tennis Center. I suppose that later in my life I will have more time to enjoy the places that today I can’t enjoy as much.

"I HAVE HAD a lot of DIFFICULT MOMENTS in my CAREER, especially WITH INJURIES, but I ALWAYS MANAGED to come BACK"

The First Wealth is Health

words Aristotelis Spiliotopoulos

Enjoy wholesome activities for the body and the mind during your holidays at Sani Resort, for inner and outer wellness.

Learning is fun

The enchanting setting of Sani Resort certainly promotes creativity and a mood for learning. The Rafa Nadal Tennis Center is just one of the exceptional academies offering players of all ages the possibility to hone their talents, while other activities involve sailing, football - by joining the football coaching sessions in association with one of the world’s leading football clubs, Chelsea FC, run by the Club's renowned Foundation - water skiing and many more. But the learning does not stop here. Children can get in touch with nature, through bird watching activities as well as engaging with the bees, in the innovative bee-friendly garden, and the magical wetlands. Finally, the Lego robotics programme invites technology fans to gain basic skills in engineering, design and the sciences.

Survival mode

The Bear Grylls Survival Academy merits a special mention, as it invites participants to learn how to survive in nature. How to send an alarm signal should you need help, how to build a shelter to protect yourself from adverse weather conditions, how to reorient yourself should you get lost. All of this, and much more, awaits you here. This programme is suitable for the entire family.

Body & mind

Sani Resort offers the chance to indulge in a rejuvenating yoga or pilates session, with the Mediterranean Sea and the wholesome sea breeze as allies. Should you choose to combine your session with the wonderful sunset, you are in for a unique wellness experience that combines psychological and physical health. Absolute perfection!

Forest walks

The forest trails at Sani Resort will enthuse hiking aficionados, offering nature lovers intense moments, whether they opt for a brief hike or a full day trip. The surrounding natural environment composes an astonishing setting; discover unique flora by exploring the area’s natural wealth.

TreeTop Adventure

Participating in one of the exciting Treetop Adventures is a lovely activity for the entire family. Participate safely with a harness and move from tree to tree, admiring the amazing landscape and rich vegetation from above.

Let’s hit the gym

Should you want to continue your fitness routine while on holiday, the fullyequipped Sani Gyms can help. Of course, you can also combine fitness and nature at one of the outdoor gyms, while we recommend the brand-new Sparta Gym for those who want to test their strength. Naturally, a variety of personal training programmes are also available.

Morning jog

Your morning jogging session just got an upgrade. With the guidance of Sani’s experienced fitness instructors, do not miss out on the opportunity for jogging through verdant pine tree forests, following a specially-designed 5-kilometre route.

FREEDOM OF CYCLING

Do you enjoy biking? Have fun with the KTM certified bike club, one of the top names from the world of cycling. Covering 1,000 acres, Sani is idyllic for cyclists - explore the pine forest by mountain bike, taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean, or simply enjoy a picturesque cycle around the resort, the beach or Wetlands.

Water sports

Even if you are a complete novice, you can enjoy an exciting watersports experience by trying your hand at windsurfing, sailing on a catamaran, kayaking, waterskiing, wakeboarding and paragliding. This unique experience will accompany you for many months to come.

Aspiring archers

Are you famed for your steady hand and your eagle eye? Then you definitely should give archery a try. With the guidance of experienced instructors and specialised equipment available, you will learn all the secrets behind always hitting the target. Of course, this activity involves all required security measures.

Goal!

Another way to creatively and actively engage with your children is by participating in a football game at the 5x5 pitch at Sani Sports Centre. Developing and experienced football players can bring their best foot forward, without counting goals but rather the amazing moments and memories.

Should you CHOOSE to COMBINE your YOGA SESSION with the WONDERFUL SUNSET, you are in for a unique WELLNESS EXPERIENCE that combines PSYCHOLOGICAL and PHYSICAL HEALTH

Exercising at SANI RESORT takes on A DIFFERENT DIMENSION as the EXPERIENCE at popular SPORTS ACADEMIES as well as TRAINING in the heart of NATURE and the SEA rekindle BODY and SPIRIT

photography by Aris Rammos

Joel Figueras, Tennis Coaching Director

dream the Living

words by Aristotelis Spiliotopoulos

A dreamy residence on Sani Hill promises the absolute summer experience, thanks to its ideal design, its elegant and light decoration, as well as its unobstructed views over everything nature has to offer.

White meets wooden details, supporting the clean lines of the summer residence’s decoration, while modern minimalism is supported through the selection of furniture and light fixtures

Lovers of design will definitely appreciate this enchanting summer residence, which seems to have rightly earned a privileged spot in the emblematic Sani Club complex. The carefree essence of the summer is masterfully combined with expertise and timeless aesthetics, in a setting where the Greek element is obvious thanks to touches of wood and stone, as well as its contemporary and modern feel.

The residence’s architectural design was completed by Nimand Architects, the firm headed by Niki Manou-Andreadis, while Minas Kosmidis undertook the interior design. “Thanks to the location of the project, nature had a crucial role in our planning. We tried to create a result in complete harmony with the landscape, almost like its natural extension. The materials and color palettes used were all inspired by the surrounding natural environment, in order to engage them in dialogue,” he notes.

The color palette used is a tribute to earth tones, which showcase the natural materials used and add a sense of harmony and finesse to the space. The colors blend into the natural environment and highlight the surrounding aura and atmosphere.

The decoration is complemented with unique artworks and functional design furniture, which also further highlights the summer residence’s aesthetics, as well as other decorative items that are specially-curated so as to preserve a harmonious design.

The interior spaces have been stripped of excess, allowing for natural light to filter into the space and flood its every corner, while its connection to the outdoor spaces is seamless and natural.

The GREEK ELEMENT is obvious in this RESIDENCE thanks to TOUCHES of WOOD and STONE , as well as its CONTEMPORARY and MODERN feel

1. The outdoor space guarantees blue views and privacy

2. Detail from the residence’s interior staircase

3. The residence is completely integrated in Sani’s natural environment

The residence’s open spaces and choice of materials resulted in blurring the boundaries between the two spaces, while also allowing for total viewing on all sides.

Were one to stand in the interior spaces of this summer residence, one could not but admire the detailed work that went into its composition. From the impressive swimming pool with endless views over the wonderful Sani landscape,to the comfortable and modern chic furniture that promises unforgettable gatherings with friends and relatives; from the verdant setting to the healing and inspiring properties of the surrounding sea, it is no exaggeration to say this is the ultimate summer dream.

It seems that the goal of meeting “the need for decongestion, relaxation, hiatus and simplicity. A need to discard the unnecessary”, as Minas Kosmidis characteristically put it, has been achieved; and then some.

1. Table with a deep blue view

2. Combining white and wooden elements with marble.

3. The view from the master bedroom

4. Detail of the residence’s living room

5. Outdoor plants look like small artworks

The COLOR PALETTE used is a TRIBUTE to EARTH tones, which SHOWCASE the NATURAL materials used and ADD a sense of HARMONY and FINESSE to the space

ESCAPES...

words by Sonia Talantinou

...on the road

The exclusive Private Volvo Tour service takes you to the heart of the nature and history of Kassandra, Halkidiki, for a unique Sani Magic experience.

V

VOLVO 4X4 SAFETY AND COMFORT

A tour in one of the 7-seater Volvos - each tour can accommodate between 1-6 people - promises the ultimate safety and comfort. Guests board the vehicles at the reception of the hotel they are staying at. Thanks to the professional drivers, the secrets and hidden gems of the resort and wider area are gradually revealed to passengers on this unique journey.

photography by Ektoras Nikolakis POV studio

The SECRETS & hidden GEMS of the WIDER AREA are REVEALED to PASSENGERS on this UNIQUE JOURNEY

MAGIC NATURE

First stop, Koutsoupia Beach, south of Stavronikitas and along the wonderful hiking trail that begins from Siviri and terminates at Sani. From an altitude of 60 meters, admire the enchanting views of mainland Pieria, Mount Pelion and sections of the Kassandra peninsula, immersed in the sounds and aromas of nature. The duration of this stop is approximately 10-20 minutes. and includes discussions about the area’s history.

Koutsoupia beach

PICTURESQUE LOCATIONS

K assandreia

Taking an alternative off-road course, the tour traverses the quaint community of Kassandreia and the traditional and picturesque village of Afytos, arriving at the harbour of Nea Fokaia, founded by refugees from Asia Minor.

HISTORY

B yzantine Tower

The tour includes a visit to the imposing Byzantine Tower and the evocative St. Paul’s cave church in the village center, featuring a well filled with holy water. They say the Apostle Paul hid in the cave from his persecutors.

BYZANTINE TOWERS

N ea Potidaia

The road trip finishes with a visit to Nea Potidaia, with its landmark canal and the ruins of ancient fort walls. The drive unfolds alongside the canal and offers views over Sani Tower, while the driver explains how the area’s three Byzantine Towers (in Fokiaia, Sani and Potidaia) communicated when under attack by pirates.

1. Afytos

2. Nea Fokaia

3. St. Paul’s cave church

4. Nea Potidaia

5. Koutsoupia Beach

... by the sea

With the high-end Yacht Private Cruise service, the crystalline waters of the Aegean and the Kassandra peninsula become the new destinations on an extraordinary adventure.

AllinBlusive

This sailing experience begins with selecting one of the six vessels available. There are three motor vessels and three catamarans available, staffed with the AllinBlusive crew members (a captain and a stewardess). The vessels can host up to 10 people, for a day, a weekend, or even for more days as requested. The 4-hour cruise departs from Sani Marina. Cruises are available for 2.5, 4, and 8 hours, as well as for a special sunset cruise experience.

FEELS LIKE HOME

Check in, followed by a tour of the vessel. Drinks, fruits, and light snacks are offered on board, while the service also provides regular meals via the tasty selections from Room Service.

MAGICAL BEACHES

The stops differ each time, as there are many options; everything depends on the weather conditions, the type of vessel and the duration of the cruise. The magical beaches of Afytos, Kallithea, Siviri and Possidi are usually included, for endless dips and games in the water. After swimming, it is time for relaxation since drinks and food are served.

SUNSET CRUISE

The sunset cruise begins one hour before the sun sets, and is the most special one. With dusk painting the Greek sky in hues of reddish orange, the schedule includes night swimming, dinner and drinks in front of the safe and sandy Bousoula beach.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

This year our cruises are carbon neutral, while a portion of the cost is donated to tree planting efforts.

The SUNSET CRUISE is the most SPECIAL ONE , with DUSK PAINTING the GREEK SKY in HUES of reddish ORANGE

THE KINGDOM OF POSEIDON

Possidi cape

The dreamy Possidi cape - also known as the kingdom of Poseidon - with its iconic lighthouse, is at the end of the western edge of the Kassandra peninsula and is a classic stop on this one-of-a-kind cruise. Spend a wonderful day by the sea, taking advantage of experiences such as seabobbing, swimming, spearfishing or snorkelling, as you discover the magic of the deep blue sea.

SANI MARINA

Apoella

Attica Selections

Era Jewelry

Gofas

Grigio

Grigio Gallery

Hello From

Hertz

K Tech Spot

Kiton

Land of Sun by Anemi

Marina Market

Melissa Odabash

Missoni

Monna lisa

Nous & body activation

Optomania

Summer Store

Thalia Exarhou

The Drugstore

Tres Doux

Vilebrequin

SANI BEACH

Apoella

Mini Market

Rafa Nadal Tennis Center

Store

Yianni Hair Spa

SANI CLUB

Magali Raineri Jewellry Corner

Mini Market

Ulysses

SANI DUNES

Gofas Jewellry Corner

Senso Jewellry Corner

PORTO SANI

Kultia Jewellry Corner

Magali Raineri Jewellry Corner

Yianni Hair Spa

SANI ASTERIAS

Kultia Jewellry Corner

Senso Jewellry Corner

Store Directory

Words and photo by

NIKOS ALIAGAS

Above all, Greece is a feeling - profound and omnipresent - like an ancient presence that takes shape in the flickering light before the sea. The echo of a distant ancestor that whispers in the foliage of a multi centenarian olive tree; on this land made of salt, wind and light, everything is movement and memory.

I find my path near the boats, much like a promise always renewed since the dawn of time; it does not matter whether this be a promise of departure or arrival, it is the possibility of the journey itself that makes it resplendent. This eternal journey along the horizon, where man becomes a tightrope walker, child and adult all at once, reckless and also fragile - here, myths are engraved in the bark of a tree, in the smile of a child or in the silence of a sailor who remembers with nostalgia. What we do not see, we feel; what we think we identify, we envision; the frame does not enclose the image, but rather insinuates it.

Greece is that strange feeling of lightness that liberates itself in view of the abyss and faced with the fear of passing, a dream that preserves the creative form of the wind at sunset. The visible and the invisible, the smile of freedom.