The “Theasis” of Schinoussa

Schinoussa, belongs to the small Cyclades islands complex. It has been inhabited since ancient times. And according to tradition, its name came from the bush of Shino, which flourishes all over the island. There is, however, a second version, according to which the island was named after the Venetian lord Schinoza.

Schinoussa was abandoned several times by its inhabitants, because of frequent pirate raids. Since the mid-19th century, the island has begun to resettle, and in recent years Schinoussa has been developing tourism with the creation of new private accommodation. At the same time, it is also cultivated with the famous “Fava Schinoussa” crop, which even won the 1st prize at the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival, “Nikolaos Tselementes”. The island also produces fruit and vegetables, but also others such as: green beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, grapes, figs, prickly pears and wheat. “The residents of Schinoussa are tripled during the summer, and they leave after the end of the fiestas. This is the landmark. But in recent years, more and more people are staying behind. Young people, who left for study before some years, and they have returned. Some, however, leave for a few months in winter, as is very common in all Greek islands. I do that myself, but not for much longer, since the next goal I have set, is to visit cosmopolitan Athens only during the holidays (mainly Christmas), for business purposes (Tourism Exhibitions), as well as on purpose to meet beloved friends and family. But there are others who came from other places and who decided to stay here, investing in Schinoussa and to create a better quality of life on that islands line.” Nikitas Green tells us at humanstories.gr.

 

 

The summers on the island: “My summers as a kid on the island were unique! I’m not hiding my nostalgia. That sense of security and easy leaving that was providing to us. We were running and playing in the alleys of the island all day long, taking a break only at noon to eat something and continuing until the night. We were usually stopping playing only because some fiesta would have been set up on an island tavern. We were going to the taverns to watch those who were dancing! But the image that has remained indelible in my memory is when I was going with my grandfather to feed and water his livelihoods. Each ride, riding a donkey, was always accompanied by a different story of his life. «Nikitas remembers.

Nikitas Prasinos, was born and raised in Athens, but was his origin was from Schinoussa. Nikita’s father was born and raised on the island. “I grew up in Glyfada. The truth is, that I never couldn’t live in an area far from the sea … « Nikitas tells us and continues to talk about his relationship with his “island”. “My relationship with ‘my island’, and I call it my island, because that’s how I feel, it’s special and unique! I may not have grown up in Schinoussa, but I have spent more than half of my life there and as the years go by, I catch myself wanting to spend more time on the island. It is my great wish that at some point I will stay permanently on my island. Not to visit it solely for business purposes, so that I can enjoy its tranquility, serenity and beauty. Is a blessed place”.

Nikitas owns Theasis Luxury Suites. Created in 2018, it is his personal bet as he tries to combine tradition with luxury. He succeeded?  This is the next question. We will find out that, only through time… “My passion for hospitality and the love about my place, made me to create this hotel. It is a ‘family affair’ since we have been active in the tourism industry for many years. Having become familiar with the needs and requirements of visitors, knowing their wishes, it was a personal bet to develop and implement what I have learned after years of personal work. It was something missing from the island but it took me years of study because I wanted it to be exactly what I dreamed it would be. I realized my dream, Theasis Luxury Suites, in August 2018. Luxurious and traditional – I admit that it was a difficult “marriage” – welcoming but nevertheless a warm place that will make you want to come back again. A basic goal for us, is that the people, leaving our Schinoussa, they have fallen in love and love the island just like me. “

And the name of this “Theasis”. “One sunny afternoon I was sitting in the backyard of my house, gazing at the endless blue of the sky and the hot sun shining on the sea. I tried to find the word that would interpret all these wonderful emotions that created the landscape I had in front of me at that time … And the name is Theasis that means view.  Because in the “Theasis” of the beautiful landscape and the endless blue, the visitor creates in his soul emotions and wonderful memories. “

 

 

The philosophy of Theasis Luxury Suites

“My main concern is to create a traditional and at the same time modern, separate accommodation that will satisfy even the most demanding traveler. Its installation, from the simplest to the most complicated, was undertaken by myself, without the help of decorators and architects. I wanted to set my own style. The principle that lies at the heart of the philosophy of “Theasis” is to treat every visitor as a beloved family member who returns home after a long absence. At Theasis, the values ​​of authentic Greek hospitality govern every aspect of the services it offers, making the stay of its guests a unique holiday experience. «But most important to Nikita is the daily communication with the people he hosts. “I want every visitor to feel at home. Call me by my first name. To convey to him an enthusiasm. I suggest activities that I would do myself, weather-bound beaches, solve queries and help where I can, even during the rest of his exploration in the Cyclades. Schinoussa helps in this “contact” as she has not yet become an overcrowded touristic place. Visiting Schinousa you really feel like you have a home away from home … “. Nikitas supports and continues: “Theasis is based on a site of outstanding natural beauty and is committed to preserving this natural wealth while at the same time choosing its human resources from the local community, investing in their development and thus creating valuable capital: specialized professionals tourism. “

 

 

Nikitas is pleased to find that he has managed them as a host. Because his vision is getting a response from the people. Theasis attracts people of all ages. “The people who have come got a common characteristic: They have traveled a lot. They know what they want, and they’ve been looking for it a lot. In the age of the Internet and social media you can find all the details of the benefits you will find. Many of them enjoy the luxury and the choices I have made at the hotel that they might not have been waiting for on such a small island. In the course of their stay, however, they seem to enjoy this little “luxury”. There are moments of relaxation and tranquility that make their stay special, such as starting your day gazing at the endless blue from your balcony, relaxing in a chaise lounge enjoying the Cycladic breeze and the tranquility of the night beneath. The personal touch with the people I host gives me the opportunity to hear their needs and expectations, and I am happy to see satisfaction, happiness and content on their faces. Because that says that I have succeeded as a host. “

 

 

Breakfast at Theasis is served at the Meltemi Restaurant, the family-run family business. “The reason why the Theasis breakfast is not served on the spot, is to avoid disturbing the privacy of its visitors. The Meltemi restaurant in Schinoussa is a small gastronomic paradise that belongs to my family. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, full of blooming trees and flowers, it is a beautiful treat for the whole family, every moment of the day. Our restaurant serves traditional Greek dishes made from fresh ingredients. Most come directly from my family’s farmland, herds and fishing nets. At Meltemi you can start your day with a full rich breakfast overlooking the most famous sunrise from Keros and Amorgos. Meltemi’s area also offers breakfast for Theasis guests. While noon and evening dishes of authentic island cuisine are served and if you’re lucky enough, you can also experience the unique experience of a Cycladic feast accompanied by my father’s violin Elias Prasinos. “

Dish preparation is a family affair. “My mother, Anastasia Prasinou and my sister, Evangelia, are in charge of cooking, while baking is my father’s job. And what makes Meltemi special, are the pure and local products that we use. “

How is winter in Schinoussa? “The truth is, that I’ve never stayed on the island during the winter. I have traveled to the Island on winter only some times for the renovation of our tavern, And more recently for the supervision and completion of Theasis. But I hope very soon to live the experience. The warmth of the fireplace, combined with the wind churning and the stormy sea, no matter how strange it may sound, inexplicably calms my soul and eliminates any thoughts and concerns I may have.“People, when they’re happy, they don’t think if it’s winter or summer,” – Anton Chekhov. Nikitas ends.

 

                  https://www.theasisuites.gr/