As the CEO of a fast-scaling Canadian tech firm, my life is governed by sprints, deliverables, and high-frequency decision-making. In our world, “downtime” is often just a euphemism for answering emails from a different timezone. This summer, however, I decided to run a different kind of algorithm. I booked a flight across the Atlantic for a brief, yet uncompromisingly luxurious, four-day escape to Greece.
What I discovered wasn’t just a vacation; it was a masterclass in the art of slow living.
A Modern Ritual in Ancient Streets
My journey began in Athens, specifically in the sophisticated enclave of Kolonaki. Walking through its chic, sun-drenched streets, the scent of espresso and wild jasmine suddenly gave way to something richer, deeper, and comforting to any true aficionado: the unmistakable aroma of premium tobacco.
I had stumbled upon an exclusive preview event just outside The Cigar, a premier boutique in the heart of the neighborhood. They were introducing a highly anticipated new line of Oliva Cigars. As a long-time admirer of Oliva’s flawless construction and rich, oily wrappers, I couldn’t resist. The service inside The Cigar was spectacular—impeccable, knowledgeable, and delivered with that warm, authentic Greek hospitality that makes you feel like an old friend. I walked out with a pristine box of ten, eager to let them rest until the perfect moment.
Navigating the Aegean Aboard a Masterpiece
The next morning, the true odyssey began. Through Valef Yachts, my family and I chartered a magnificent yacht—a floating sanctuary of sleek lines, state-of-the-art tech, and unparalleled comfort.
For the next three days, we charted a course through the Cyclades, steering clear of the usual tourist congestion to seek out the raw, understated elegance of Kea, Andros, and Antiparos.
Kea greeted us with its dramatic oak forests and quiet, crystalline bays.
Andros offered a rugged, mountainous majesty, rich with maritime history and elegant neoclassical architecture.
Antiparos felt like a well-kept secret, boasting serene, untouched beaches and a laid-back, bohemian allure that immediately coaxes your nervous system into total relaxation.
The Midnight Pairing
The pinnacle of the voyage, however, occurred at 2:00 AM somewhere between Andros and Antiparos. The yacht was gliding effortlessly through a calm, ink-black Aegean sea under a canopy of stars that you simply never see back home in Toronto.
I went up to the aft deck, cracked open my new box of Olivas from Kolonaki, and poured a generous glass of my absolute favorite spirit: Havana Club Tributo Añejo.
The pairing was pure alchemy. The medium-to-full-bodied complexity of the Oliva, with its notes of rich earth, subtle spice, and cocoa, danced beautifully with the deep, dried-fruit and toasted oak warmth of the Tributo. With the sea breeze carrying away the smoke and the gentle hum of the yacht’s engines below, the relentless pressure of the tech sector evaporated into the night air.
Live Like a God
To my fellow C-suite colleagues, founders, and relentless innovators: we spend our lives optimizing systems, scaling operations, and chasing the next milestone. But optimization without appreciation is a flawed model.
Take the meetings off your calendar for a few days. Fly to Greece. Rent the yacht. Walk the historic streets of Athens, eat the incredibly fresh, sun-kissed Mediterranean food, and pour yourself something extraordinary.
Disconnect to reconnect. Trust me—the gods had it right all along.