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The Art of Living

In a vivid image that alludes to blue sapphires and beach pebbles or rocks, the anonymous painter tries to capture the universality and preciousness of the Greek spirit although this already sounds like an impossible task…

Timeless Luxury

Talking luxury in Greece is often thought to be a daring political statement, based on the global awareness of the deep recession this naturally beautiful country just emerged from. Yet luxury is inherent in the Greek lifestyle since ancient times, and on certain heydays across its long history it was quite accessible to a greater number of people. The healthy ingredients of the Greek cuisine are for other processed-food-dominated markets pure luxury. Since antiquity quality of living was a priority in many Greek city states. At the Greek symposiums (word that translates as drinking together) ancient intellectuals were philosophizing about life over several cups or water-diluted Greek wine blessed by its dedicated god Dionysus. Ancient Greek baths were the predecessors of today’s spas, including a type of steam bath called Laconia. Greeks knew how to swim in the sea and were often bathing in the rivers. Weather was nice and this is still in our days a luxurious reality. Confirmed biodiversity and privileged geography were always precious assets for the Greeks. It allowed locals to think, create, and develop a great culture expressed in the Minoan palaces of Crete, the Mycenaean golden treasures, the Athenian gilded age (5th century BC) when democracy was born, and the opulence of the Byzantine Empire. Since early 19th century a modern Greek state gradually attracted important foreign visitors, royal families, and Greek immigrants who came back to their motherland funding business. Shipping is the No1 industry in Greece worth 20 billion. Traditional shipping families including Onassis, Vardinogiannis, Latsis, Livanos, Angelicoussis, Niarchos and Goulandris are of immense wealth on a global scale and Greek-owned ships represent over 20% of the global tonnage.  Tourism is the other best source of income in the most coveted vacay destination that currently attracts more than 30 million visitors on an annual basis. They are always amazed by the Greek lifestyle, and for those knowing a little more, there is surely always something beyond these fascinating basics.

Beyond Greek Salad

Understated or ultimate, luxuries in Greece are best kept secrets known to insiders. Most people in the world have heard about Greek Salad, yet many don’t even agree on the ingredients of the original recipe which is just tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, a slice of feta cheese on top, sea salt and mountain oregano. This simple uncooked dish has been for many decades the most recognizable to tourists. Building on the concept of purity and simplicity Greek tastemakers and creatives of all kinds are able to offer exclusive products and services praised by global luxury connoisseurs.  Our mission is to guide you through the hidden paths of exclusivity, the treasures that cost a little more, and all things precious during your Greek stay. Hospitality, Gourmet, Mixology, Beauty, Fitness, Shopping, and Culture are taking great steps in Greece, and as a team of experts in these fields, we want to share with you itineraries and other lifestyle suggestions, the same way we are sharing them with our discerning clients and friends. If you really want to spend on ‘the best of the best’ in Greece, then let us tell you where and when you will enjoy it the most. Our itineraries are seasonally updated to include weather-appropriate suggestions, and our ideas are always enriched with everything latest in the Greek luxury market. We can also offer private consultation and send you a customized itinerary based on the duration of your stay and your preferences. Keep in mind that we always focus on the upscale side of things, and all the rare experiences you might need to invest a little extra in. Beyond Greek Salad will take you to all finest spots and experiences throughout Greece. It’s a luxury lifestyle guide for discerning readers and travelers.

Greek Luxury Moments

  • In 1956 20th Century Fox started filming the ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ mainly in the Greek island of Hydra which was the first Hollywood production in Greece starring Sophia Loren. That was just the beginning of the cosmopolitan aspect of Greece.
  • In 1958 Elizabeth Taylor is pictured next to her third husband Mike Todd at the Acropolis and at a party thrown for them at the hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens.
  • Astir Palace and Athens Hilton hotels opened in the early 60s visited throughout the years by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot, Ingrid Bergman, Anthony Quinn, Richard Nixon, Mikhail Gorbachev, Francois Mitterrand, Helmut Schmidt, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, Paloma Picasso, Princess Soraya of Iran, John Wayne, Telly Savalas, Sean Connery, Lady Gaga, Barack Obama, and the list goes on…
  • In 1961 famous photographer of the jetsetters Slim Aarons photographed some charming young women by the Canellopoulos penthouse pool in Athens with view to the Acropolis. This image is definitely the definition of hidden luxury in Greece.
  • In 1962 Princess Grace and Prince Rainier attend in Athens the wedding of Prince Juan Carlos I of Spain and Princess Sophia of Greece and Denmark.
  • In 1968 Jackie Kennedy married to Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis in a mini-length Valentino dress at the small chapel of his private Greek island Scorpios.
  • Images of Agatha Christie, Marlon Brando, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Paul Newman in front of the Acropolis are totally iconic.

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Sincerely,
The Beyond Greek Salad Editorial Team