Name: Natalia Christodoulou
Lives in: Athens, Greece
From: Born in Athens, grew up and went to school there. Left when I was 17 to study at Hamilton College in New York. During my studies I spent a year in Paris at the Sorbonne and also 2 months in London studying theatre.
Occupation: I am a managing partner in an events company specialising in clients from abroad who want to organise events in Greece.
I also own and operate Villa Perivoli, a holiday rental house located in a large olive and lemon orchard in the Cycladic island of Andros. With my two close friends Despina and Melia we created Olive and Love Retreats, offering soulful retreat experiences in Andros island. We involve participants in the local island community and reveal the natural beauty of the island.
Tell us your first three jobs (ever!): First job at 16, I was working as an assistant buyer in a large supermarket chain in the shoes department (always a soft spot for shoes…) After that I taught French in college to beginners. It was lots of fun–we played a lot of hangman in French! Then I worked in Brussels at the European Commission as an intern (stagiaire) in the external relations Directorate of the EU.
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
What do you love about Greece? No denying it that one of the greatest advantages of Greece is the weather which allows us to be outside most of the days of the year. I love that! I also love the variety and beauty of the islands as well as the hilly mainland of Greece. For example, on the same day you can ski in the morning at Parnassos and take a swim in the afternoon at Galaxidi !
I find Athens to be a truly interesting city which still offers me new aspects to discover. It is somehow a merge of the East and West, with a mix of modern and historic neighborhoods, lively streets and open markets, impressive museums and of course when I turn my eyes and face the Acropolis, it still leaves me in awe.
Tell us something most people don’t know about you: I play classical music when I shower!
Where we are most likely to find you in Lynn’s Kundalini Yoga community? Night yoga and hosting participants in Olive and Love retreats.
First time you tried Kundalini Yoga?
In 1999 at a small studio in Filothei with a 75-year old teacher.
Tell us your top tip to combat climate change:
Stop buying new clothes !
Anything else you’d like us to know?:
The Olive and Love retreats is a passion project for me! I really enjoy meeting all the interesting participants who come, and I love showing them the beauty of the island and designing new activities to offer them a soulful stay. If you are interested in attending one of our retreats, I would love to tell you more.