Euphoria Retreat review by Tracy Wilson

Healing Holidays Wellness Advisor, Tracy Wilson, shares her lowdown on her recent stay at Euphoria.

LOCATION

Less than an hour from Kalamata Airport (or a scenic 3 hours transfer from Athens), the roads leading to Mystras are new, smooth and welcomingly relaxing. As you make your journey to Euphoria, the surrounding beauty of the mountains on the route gets you started on your relaxation journey.

LOWDOWN

As you drive up the small narrow road to the entrance of the retreat, you are greeted by what can only be described as old school architectural beauty. Cobbled stone walls and large arches, in a calming, light, stone finish. As you walk into the reception area through the spectacular, large, curved glass door, you are again welcomed by a sense of calmness – a theme throughout the retreat. 

Compared to many resort-style retreats around the world, Euphoria is relatively small and has a very intimate feel about it. The quiet, the calm and the natural beauty of the retreat will help lift any mood.

Being a holistic wellbeing retreat, the focus throughout your stay will be around finding a balance for the mind, body and soul.

LOOK AND FEEL OF ACCOMMODATION

All 45 rooms at Euphoria are each uniquely designed, with light woods and beautiful fittings and linens. The beds are extremely comfortable and individuals can choose their pillow type of choice from the pillow menu, provided prior to arrival. Toiletries from Euphoria’s own brand are also provided in the rooms, along with dressing gowns, slippers and your own yoga mat – should you wish to practice your yoga poses in the privacy of your own room or balcony.

FACILITIES

As beautiful and charming as the retreat and the accommodation at Euphoria are, it is the Spa which is the main highlight. Spanning four floors, this state of the art area combines all modern facilities whilst still in keeping with the traditional theme and design of the retreat. Features of the spa area include a heated indoor sphere pool that leads to a small outdoor lap pool; a traditional Byzantine Hammam; a waterwell used for Kneipp Therapy; a state of the art fitness room; a Speleotherapy-salt room; sauna’s and steam rooms as well as multiple treatment rooms and relaxation areas.

Throughout the day and varying from week to week, there are also multiple group classes available for clients to join. From hikes in the surrounding area, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, circuit training to name but a few, there is always something available to keep you busy in between your treatments and whilst lounging by the pool.

FOOD

Meals at Euphoria are served in their Gaia Restaurant, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. If on a programme, your meals will be individually prepared in conjunction with the results of your nutritional consultation. Healthy, colourful, tasty meals are served three times a day and in between, you will be treated to a mid-morning smoothie and a late afternoon snack.

I LOVED

The highlight of my stay at Euphoria was certainly the aura of calmness throughout the retreat. Whether you are taking a dip in the heated pool, relaxing in the wellness areas, having a massage or Hammam treatment or just sitting on your balcony reading a book, you certainly feel calmer than when you arrive. Even a short 3-night break, will certainly help refocus your thoughts and bring a new sense of energy and hope into your life.

I DIDN'T RATE

My only niggle with the retreat is purely down to my own personal fear of bugs and creepy crawlies is that the outside lap pool is partly surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees, which unfortunately attract the flying bugs to the water. However, if like me you prefer the sanctuary of the indoor heated pool, this will certainly not prove to be a problem.

BEST FOR

Those looking for a more natural, holistic approach to wellbeing and for those who believe that wellbeing is a combination of working on the mind, body and soul as one. It is not just about what you do to your body, but also what you put into your body and what you believe in with your mind.

INSIDER TIPS

Make sure you go on at least one early morning hike in the surrounding areas and don’t forget your phone, so you can take a few pictures of the beautiful surrounding areas.

THERAPISTS TO NOTE

A special mention is certainly required for the wonderful therapists, consultants and specialists working in the Spa. Each of them specialising in their own individual areas, yet working together with the rest of the team, ensuring that each person’s individual wellbeing experience is being met. Christina in particular, a wonderful therapist, and skilled in multiple massage treatments is highly recommended, especially if you wish to undergo the Byzantine Hammam experience.

However, it is not just the team in the spa that excel in what they do. Throughout the retreat, every member of staff you will encounter – from the reception to waiters in the restaurant to the cleaning people, everyone will welcome you with open arms and will go above and beyond in ensuring that your stay is the best it can be.