On my frequent daily walks throughout the city of Athens, I had often thought of stopping at the Apivita Experience Store, nested in an imposing, renovated neoclassical building in the heart of Kolonaki, but somehow never got around doing it until I received an Apivita gift voucher from a dear friend for Xmas.
According to the company’s website, the five floor Experience Store, designed by architect Irene Bourlou, embodies Apivitas’ philosophy, values and inspirations. With this thought in mind, I walked through the store’s heavy metal door in early January, to get my first glimpse of this impressive retail innovation that aims to give its customers a unique holistic experience that stimulates all five senses.
Upon entering the store my eyes focused immediately on the striking golden olive tree by sculptor Konstantinos Valaes, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge and Greek nature, which is located in the middle of the room and surrounded by a large table made up of open beehives.
This table, laden with Apivita products, is also a symbol of Greek hospitality with complimentary cups of hot tea, honey and a couple of healthy snacks to munch on . . . while checking out the store’s products, artistic elements and atmosphere.
At the registry area I picked up a few brochures which I intended to read while treating myself to one of the healthy concoction at the Juicy Bee bar on the first floor.
However, since there was no personnel in attendance, I enjoyed a cup of the complimentary tea and directed my attention to services offered and making appointments for both myself and my friend, later that week, at the Beehive Spa.
The Spa, located on the top floor of the Experience Store, is a genuine beehive sanctuary with cabins made of real wooden bee hive parts and honey tinted ceilings with crystal elements that are intended to literally immerse the visitor into the bee’s world.
There are many treatments available to relax your body, calm your mind and renew your spirits. I chose to try out the Aqua Vita Deep Hydration Facial Treatment and my friend the Apivita Signature Body Massage. Both of us were very happy with our treatments and although we felt the cabins were a bit tight, we agreed that the Spa oozes with good bee vibes and effective professionals.
Following our treatments, we were given lots of samples of Apivitas’ precious bee beauty products for our faces and bodies . . . which we are still trying and loving. . . and I’m pretty sure we’ll be going back 4more!
If of interest, the Experience Store also offers a range of lectures, seminars and “green talks” (as far as I know only in Greek) at the Hippocrates lecture hall on the 2nd floor of the building and, if you are in need of a hair-fix, then one floor up, you'll find a small “green” hair studio and barber shop to pamper your hair with all natural products. Last but not least, if you are into tailor made cosmetics, then a visit to the Natural Pharmacy on the first floor is a must!
For prices and any further information please call the store (contact info below) or check out the store’s website: http://www.apivita.com/apivita-experience-store
Solonos Street #6
Kolonaki, Athens
Tel: +30 210 3640560
Opening hours: Monday - Wednesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday - Thursday - Friday: 10:00 - 19:00