Ioannis Charalambous, Consultant at SOMA Spa ‘The Finest’ of 91 Athens Riviera, delves into the inspirations, philosophies, and unique treatments that define the spa’s luxurious and innovative approach to wellness.
As the mastermind behind SOMA Spa ‘The Finest’ of 91 Athens Riviera, Ioannis Charalambous shares the creative processes and wellness philosophies that elevate this spa experience to new heights.
What steps does SOMA Spa ‘The Finest’ take to ensure a welcoming and relaxing environment for first-time visitors?
I believe the most welcoming environment is created by our people. While we have incredible facilities designed to harmonize beautifully with nature—the light, the layout, and the flow of the space have all been meticulously planned—these elements alone wouldn’t suffice without the human touch. What truly makes our first-time visitors feel welcomed is the genuine care we provide. We listen attentively to our guests, tune into their needs, and offer authentic care throughout their wellness treatments and experiences. We’ve carefully designed unique welcome touches into all our treatments, aimed at surprising and delighting our guests. However, the magic of these touches lies in the skill and compassion of our therapists, who execute them with exceptional knowledge and care. It’s this blend of thoughtfully designed environments and heartfelt human interaction that makes our guests feel truly welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive.
How does SOMA Spa ‘The Finest’ cater to the diverse wellness needs of its international clientele?
We have introduced a diverse array of treatments and wet facilities to our menu, ensuring a holistic and enriching experience for our guests. Our offerings range from traditional Hammam rituals and unique massages to the SOMA Spa Rizes area, which features outdoor spa tents, and advanced facials designed to address specific skin concerns with tangible results. We believe we’ve anticipated and captured the varied needs of visitors traveling to us from around the world. Our therapists are extensively trained to attune to what is most relevant to our guests, regardless of their geographic origins. Our goal is to provide each visitor with one of the finest wellness and skincare experiences they have ever had, if not the best.
We ensure our therapists are not only skilled but also act as guardians of your well-being.
Ioannis Charalambous, Consultant at SOMA Spa ‘The Finest’ of 91 Athens Riviera
Can you describe the most innovative signature treatment at this spa and what makes it unique?
It’s always challenging to choose a favorite, but I would highlight our ‘Tension Tamer – Quartz and Amber Bolus Massage’ as a particularly unique offering. This treatment utilizes special quartz boluses designed to dissolve tension and soothe sore, aching muscles. The quartz and amber stones within these boluses allow us to precisely target and alleviate muscle stress. Additionally, the energy emitted from these stones harmonizes remarkably with our body’s structure, bones, and energetic flow. We also offer the ‘Bespoke High-Tech Massage,’ a comprehensive two-hour treatment combining hands-on full-body massage therapy with percussive and compression therapies. This innovative approach blends the art of manual therapy with cutting-edge technology, resulting in a deeply invigorating experience that words can hardly capture. Lastly, our ‘Radiant Renewal’ facial is another standout service. This facial integrates a hyperbaric oxygen dome, negative ions, and LED therapy simultaneously to reveal the healthiest and most radiant skin. These technologies work in tandem to promote cell renewal, calm irritation and inflammation, and expose the skin to beneficial vitamins through anions. This combination helps eliminate harmful bacteria, fostering a healthy skin microflora. There are many more exceptional treatments we offer, and I could continue, but these experiences are best understood firsthand..
How do you feel about creating a wellness experience in such a unique location at 91 Athens Riviera?
Having the opportunity to consult and work on such a unique project feels like a gift from nature and the universe. This project stands out as one of a kind globally. Despite the city being just minutes away, you feel as if you’re enveloped by nature, either by the sea or within the mountains. From day one, I’ve felt incredibly fortunate to be part of this project, from its design phase to implementation. Given the resort’s ever-evolving nature, the work here is continuous and dynamic. My aim is to continually enhance our offerings, always listening to our guests’ needs while also introducing elements of surprise. This unique location provides the perfect backdrop for innovation and growth. Working on this project has significantly contributed to my professional and personal development, but I believe we have only begun to explore its potential. There’s much more to come in our already advanced offerings.
