TEAM

George A. Raios - In Greece, Founder: True Adventure
George, our host and hiking guide in Greece, has extensive experience in mountaineering, ski touring, rock climbing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, and expedition leadership. His work emphasizes safety, risk management, and the highest guiding standards.A physical education teacher specializing in skiing and outdoor sports, George holds a master’s degree in Sports Management. He is also a certified Outdoor Activities Guide and the owner of his own adventure company. George has led and participated in high-altitude and international expeditions throughout the Himalayas, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, the Alps, and the Caucasus. His guiding philosophy combines technical expertise, environmental sustainability, and thoughtfully designed adventures, creating authentic experiences for small groups and private clients.

Thea Parikos - In Greece
The daughter of an Ikarian immigrant, Thea grew up in Detroit and spent every summer with her mother’s family on the island of Ikaria. After graduating from high school, she chose to make Ikaria her home, where she met her future husband and business partner, Ilias.What began as a three-year project to build Thea’s Inn in the tiny village of Nas—then a community with only one telephone line—grew into a lifelong commitment to sharing the island’s unique culture and way of life. In 2009, Thea became a host and consultant for National Geographic Blue Zones researcher Dan Buettner, providing a base camp for his team as they studied the remarkable longevity of Ikaria’s residents. Since then, she has welcomed researchers, health professionals, students, and travelers from around the world seeking to understand the lifestyle of one of the world’s longest-lived populations.Together, Thea, Ilias, and their family have expanded their vision to include Ilias’ teaching farm, a mountainside villa with guest apartments, educational gathering spaces, and an e-bike tour and rental business.Thea has hosted research groups studying healthy aging and degenerative diseases, students exploring natural health practices, and travelers searching for meaningful cultural experiences. She serves as Life Island’s host, guide, cultural ambassador, and, in many ways, an oracle for Ikaria.