Our Story - Meet the Founder, Nefelie Kalavrezou

Nefelie has always been driven by an insatiable curiosity for people, cultures, food and the world. From a young age, she spent hours immersed in National Geographic, captivated by the diversity of life on Earth.

Her upbringing was shaped by two distinct yet equally meaningful environments - London, a vibrant city by the water, and Athens, a coastal city that introduced her to the serene beauty of being by the water and beaches. These contrasting experiences sparked a lifelong appreciation for both the energy of big cities and the peacefulness of coastal towns - essentially, anywhere by the water was her sanctuary.

During her university year abroad in Toronto, Canada, everything clicked. While studying International Relations & Global Studies there, she also explored remote landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and Indigenous communities, gaining invaluable insights. A defining moment came when she witnessed a melting glacier firsthand - a powerful reminder of humanity’s impact on the planet, igniting her passion for sustainability.

Determined to pursue a career in sustainability and live abroad again, she stepped out of her comfort zone. However, just as opportunities were beginning to take shape, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted plans. After countless applications and setbacks, she eventually moved to Hong Kong - one of the few places still open for work. It was a difficult time, with strict lockdowns and three mandatory quarantines in less than a year. Yet, despite the challenges, she thrived - fully embracing life as a local, immersing herself in the city's rhythms, and experiencing the country in a way that only living and working there could offer.

In Hong Kong, she worked at a food sustainability consultancy, collaborating with chefs, restaurants, and hotels to drive meaningful change in the industry. This experience deepened her understanding of sustainability in hospitality and strengthened her commitment to responsible travel. But as much as she loved the experience, the absence of family for so long took its toll, leading to the difficult decision to return home.

Back in Europe, she continued her work in sustainability, joining a remote Ed-Tech AI & Sustainability venture while furthering her expertise with studies in Business Sustainability Management and Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism. Her work took her to Colombia and Bali, where she consulted for eco-luxury retreats, once again embracing the chance to experience places through a local lens - understanding their culture, challenges, and sustainability efforts from within.

In 2024, Nefelie founded Eco Travel Inspo, combining her multicultural background, love for slow travel and expertise in sustainable hospitality to offer a unique, deeper travel experience. Through her platform, she shares the insights gained from living in diverse locations, bringing an authentic, local perspective to every destination.