Our Story
Philoxenia — literally “friend to strangers” — isn’t just a word in our name. It’s a concept that runs through our blood, shaping the way we live and connect with others.
Together, we have spent decades in corporate careers filled with countless multicultural experiences and travels across the world. Over time, we realized that what truly fulfills us is something very simple: bringing happiness to the people around us. The world of hospitality felt like a natural way to live that purpose : to welcome, care and share.
Our first project in Egaleo, the heart of western Athens, carries a deeply personal story. It’s the house where Christina grew up and spent her entire life before I took her away to live in Slovakia for a few years. With her wonderful parents — equally possessed with the Philoxenia DNA — living on the ground floor, the apartments above have been lovingly transformed into a pair of bright and cozy rentals.
Our story also reaches the coast of Artemida, where Christina spent her childhood summers and where we later made our family home. That connection inspired Odysseas Seaside Escape, named after our son — a new chapter of Philoxenia, rooted in a place that means so much to us.
That’s where Philoxenia Stays was born, from our desire to create a more sustainable, human-centered form of urban hospitality, rooted in connection, authenticity and respect for the local environment.
Our goal is to offer guests something different from the typical tourist experience — a memorable stay immersed in the local rhythm, where the aromas from nearby kitchens, the sounds of the neighborhood and the smiles of the people next door become part of your story.
David Spruyt
Born and raised in Belgium, I’ve had the privilege of living in Hungary, the Philippines, Mexico and Slovakia, enjoying a fulfilling corporate career along the way. In 2023, I moved to Greece — a country I’ve come to call “my final destination”. With Corporate life behind me, I decided to dedicate the next chapter of my life to something that always inspired me: sustainable tourism. I have since obtained a Masters in Sustainable Tourism, blending my business experience with a passion for creating meaningful, responsible travel experiences that give back to local communities.
Christina Bitsaxi
Christina grew up in Egaleo, where Gaia became her first home and the beginning of the Philoxenia story. From working with craftspeople to choosing the details of each space, she discovered her love of creating places that feel welcoming and personal. Alongside her continuing corporate career, Philoxenia Stays offers a welcome change of pace — a creative outlet where she can bring her love of hospitality and attention to detail to life.
Our Philosophy
At Philoxenia Stays, we believe hospitality is far more than offering a place to sleep. It’s an opportunity to create meaningful connections between travelers and locals, comfort and consciousness, people and place. Our philosophy is rooted in simplicity, authenticity and responsibility, living the true spirit of Philoxenia in everything we do.
Our Purpose
We exist to give travellers a local home away from home, nurturing a sense of belonging through hospitality that cares for people, connects guests with everyday local life, and respects the environment.
Our Mission
To offer travellers comfortable, thoughtfully designed stays in Egaleo and Artemida, combining personal hospitality with everyday local experiences. We work with local people and continually improve how we manage our stays to create memorable visits, support our communities and reduce our environmental impact.
Our Vision
To be a trusted example of sustainable hospitality in Greece, where guests feel they belong, local communities share in our success, and every stay contributes to a more caring relationship between travel, people and the environment.