The Single House

THEY SAY MONACO’S name comes from the Greek word Monoikos, “single house,” and legend has it that Hercules himself landed here, alone, building a temple to honor his arrival. As a Greek, that story always struck a chord with me. Maybe it was destiny. Or maybe just the right moment but, eventually, I found myself drawn to this tiny Principality on the French Riviera.

I moved here in the early Nineties with my wife, Sophia Vaharis Tsouvelekakis. We met years earlier at the Astir Palace Hotel in Athens, which is now the Four Seasons. We married, started a family and built a life together that would grow into something much bigger than either of us imagined: a patchwork of businesses spanning retail, real estate, construction, and yachting.

Before my business ventures took off , I was a water polo player, competing at a high level with the Greek national team. That experience taught me discipline, teamwork and the thrill of competition, lessons that stayed with me long after leaving the pool.

My journey began modestly in Athens back in the early 1980s, selling fashion. One of my earliest and most lasting partnerships is with Replay, the Italian denim brand. I started small but, eventually, through my company Fashion Box Greece, I brought Replay to Greece and later to Cyprus, Romania, Turkey, and Monaco. For a time, I operated in five countries with the company even making it onto the Athens Stock Exchange.

Replay’s involvement with the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournament, blending sport and style on a global stage, strengthens the bridge between my two worlds, Athens and Monaco, a connection I feel very deeply.

In 2004, I co-founded Attica department stores. What started as a bold vision became the largest department store chain in Greece and the Balkans. I served as vice-president for nearly two decades, then as non-executive president until 2024, when we sold the company. It was a pivotal moment closing one chapter while opening new doors for the future.

My real estate journey began in 2005 with an investment in a mega-project in Romania, marking my entry into a sector that would soon become a major focus.

 Alongside this, I opened retail stores for Brooks Brothers in Monaco, Greece, Cyprus, and the Balkans. That brand has such a rich history, dressing 41 out of 46 U.S. presidents, and I am proud to be part of its story.

But retail was just one piece of the puzzle. Around 2016, I stepped further into construction and real estate, representing the Permasteelisa Group in Monaco, Greece, Cyprus, the Balkans, and Turkey. Working on One Monte-Carlo, a stunning architectural project right in the heart of the Principality, was a highlight. It’s one of those projects that stays with you, a symbol of vision and craftsmanship. Since then, I’ve kept exploring new opportunities in construction and property.

In 1993, I took my passion for the sea further by obtaining my captain’s license. That same year, I purchased and piloted my first yacht, M/Y Day Off , marking the start of a lifelong connection to yachting. Nearly two decades later, I launched Monaco Yachting Ltd with my 33-meter charter motor yacht, M/Y Best Off , which docks at the famous Port Hercules. That first summer season was tough, launching a new business during Covid, but it also opened a new world of bespoke charter experiences along the Riviera, offering high-end travelers a chance to explore the Mediterranean in style.

I also invested in Monaco Rib Boats SARL, distributing RIBCO boats - high-performance luxury powerboats proudly made in Greece - in Monaco, France, and Italy. It’s thrilling to be part of an industry that merges design, engineering and a Mediterranean way of life.

I’ve always liked having a foot in different sectors. It keeps life interesting and the challenges fresh. Family has been my anchor through it all. Today, Sophia and I live in Monaco with our two children. Sophia is very active, too, with her latest project being the MyCrown Collection line of products. My son, Spyros, is a yacht broker as well as shareholder and director of Monaco Rib Boats, following the call of the sea. My daughter Elya is the marketing and sales manager of MyCrown Estates real estate agency, while also consulting for art galleries and auction houses. My children play an active role in supporting many of my projects, and while working alongside family isn’t always smooth, as strong personalities can clash, the bond we share keeps us moving forward, one project at a time.

Despite making Monaco my home, Athens remains close to my heart. One project I’m particularly passionate about is The Ellinikon, transforming the old airport into a smart city with Europe’s largest coastal park. It’s a grand idea that speaks of hope and renewal, and investing in it felt like giving back to where my story began.

Looking back, there was no grand plan, just a lot of persistence, curiosity and a willingness to adapt. From the streets of Athens to the sun-soaked shores of Monaco, my path has taken many turns I never expected. Maybe that’s why Hercules landed here alone full of ambition, ready to build something long lasting.

By Konstantinos Tsouvelekakis

Contributor