The most authentic Greek experience

What a trip it has been! I’ve been to nearly 60 countries in four continents, yet the time spent at Live Bio this September was so beautiful it makes the rest of the world pale in comparison. My partner Mike and I were originally planning a short stay… yet we ended up experiencing 10 enchanting days and still we couldn’t get enough of the place; a place which is truly breath-taking, close to nature, local and authentic. The property is majestically located on a hill that affords each apartment an outstanding sea-view. We watched awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets every day from our balcony and started each day having breakfast and watching the sun brighten up the bay with morning colors – an unforgettable experience!

However, it must be noted the real beauty lies in the people. Magdalena and Periklis are marvellous hosts that made us feel at home even though home was, for the moment, a forgotten place. We absolutely enjoyed all activities they prepared for us – spanning from organic soap making and Greek cooking classes through to hiking, biking around Poros island, delicious dinners at local tavernas, Nemea region wine tasting and even a 3 day sailing excursion on their own boat around Spetses and Hydra islands – our personal favorite! We had everything we could ever wish for and more, as we were exposed to the true local Greek experience that can only be found in this exotic corner of Peloponnese.

Demonstrably, we are certain really nice Greek cooking classes can be found all over the world. No doubt. Yet actually living it on Poros with master-chef Katerina is absolutely top. We started out the evening by fixing up a bit from the day’s challenging, yet super fun bicycle ride up to Adelpi’s Temple. We drove in to town and we then all hopped in to one of the little boat ferries that shuttles people all day (and night!) long between Galatas to Poros. It is a really short but beautiful boat trip that reminds you every time, in case you’ve somehow managed to forget, that you have indeed found paradise and in paradise you take little Greek taxi boats to your evening cooking class. When we arrived we were greeted by some fresh lemonade, quickly followed by some delicious white local wine and a tour of the kitchen and garden – all organic, naturally. We then broke off into groups of two and started prepping all the ingredients we’d be using that evening. Everyone got a chance to work on all the dishes, but Mike and I mostly were responsible for the lemon zest tart. Leave it to us to get “stuck” with dessert! It took very little to get acquainted with everyone, and after a few hours spent in the kitchen we had made friends with the 6 other chefs-in-training, the wine was flowing, and now it was finally time to go out to the terrace, sit at a rustic long table under a full moon that peeked its perfectly soft white light through the grapevines, joined by all the friends we had made on out Greco journey thus far, and eat. And oh goodness, you wouldn’t believe it, but Greek food does actually taste even better when made with your own two hands… albeit under the gentle guidance of Katerina.

Having participated in this barrage of fun activities at Live Bio we still effortlessly managed to find peace. Peace of morning or afternoon meditation by the pool. Peace provided by contact with the relaxed Greek culture. Peace of the seafaring-style blue walls of the apartment we were staying in. Peace of Magdalena’s smile welcoming us every day. The peaceful sound of the waves hitting the boat steered by Periklis. We really want to come back. No, actually we are coming back. In May 2018 – we will host an Inner Peace Retreat at Live Bio and offer our guests not only holistic life-balancing activities but also an amazing true Greek experience that can only be had at Live Bio! Thank you and see you soon! 🙂