Hotels dedicated entirely to wellness are still relatively rare in Europe, and Euphoria Retreat is the only one of its kind in Greece. Since it emerged from the ground in 2018, it has had the honor of winning numerous awards for its unique design and the quality of its care. Pascal Languillon, Director of Luxe Wellness Club, had to test this wellness essential. Here’s his detailed account.
A majestic setting
We tend to think of the sea when we think of a vacation in Greece, yet the country abounds with wonders inland. Euphoria Retreat has set itself the challenge of attracting travelers from all over the world to come and recharge their batteries at Mystras, in a wild and beautiful corner of the Peloponnese, just 3 hours from Athens. The road from the capital to the hotel is really beautiful, and what a pleasure it is to arrive and discover this resort on the edge of the forest, with its majestic views!
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, the nearby archaeological site of Mystras is well worth a visit. A guided walk is organized every Sunday to discover this marvellous site, and for me it was one of the highlights of my stay in Greece.
The hotel itself is made up of different buildings that blend into the landscape, respecting the architectural style of the region. In fact, the nearby Mystras site was the architect’s inspiration. The gardens are magnificent and the scent of thyme quickly becomes heady.
I really liked the warm atmosphere created by the choice of materials and colors. Here, you clearly feel like you’re in a luxury hotel, but in a simple atmosphere that puts you at ease.
Rooms to relax in
Euphoria Retreat has 45 rooms and suites, and I was able to visit all the different categories. They all have the same charm. The Junior Suites in particular are beautifully appointed. It was in one of them that I stayed. Comfortable bedding, sofa, balcony, large TV… nothing is missing.
The bathroom courtesy products have been specially designed for Euphoria Retreat, using Greek herbs and pleasant fragrances. The overall impression is one of well-being and calm, conducive to relaxation.
A truly magical spa
Let’s face it: what I loved most about Euphoria Retreat was its spa, with its unique and impressive design. I’m used to seeing them in my line of work, and there’s something truly magical here, which is the very DNA of this extraordinary resort.
The spa is spread over 4 floors, around a central well that lets in the light, symbolizing the path to well-being. On the second floor, the indoor swimming pool, relaxation room, sauna and hammam… On the second floor, the treatment rooms. On the third floor, an indoor and outdoor yoga room, with numerous group classes. Finally, on the top floor, there’s an outdoor platform and an open-air Jacuzzi, in the syle of a Californian “hot tub”.
Due to Covid-19, during my stay, the entire indoor pool was closed to the public… What a pleasure it is to float alone, listening to the songs of whales and dolphins broadcasted underwater. A very pleasant experience that I wanted to repeat several times!
While the outdoor pool isn’t huge for a resort of this range, it does have the merit of being very beautiful, with its pine tree decor. The only drawback is that the shade sets in quite quickly in the mid-afternoon, so it’s best to make the most of the morning for sunbathing.
Special mentions go to the salt grotto for gentle detoxification, the outdoor Jacuzzi, which reminded me more of Scandinavia than Greece, to be honest, and the little thalassotherapy pool at the bottom of the well, where you can whirl around in the water while looking up at the sky… The sauna and tepidarium are also superb.
Unfortunately, my stay was too short to test the full range of treatments, but I did enjoy a few signature massages, which proved to be very relaxing.
The Mediterranean diet in the spotlight
Euphoria Retreat serves very good, relatively simple Mediterranean cuisine. Indeed, the concept here is to eat healthy and balanced, with preparations that you can make at home. It’s a far cry from the gourmet diet cuisine concepts I’ve tried at Palazzo Fiuggi or Sha Wellness Clinic, for example.
This orientation has the merit of allowing you to taste traditional Greek dishes and feel fully rooted in the region. It’s also possible here to taste good quality local wines and drink coffee. Of course, customers following a detox program are offered dishes tailored to their needs.
Euphoria Retreat uses a scientific method to provide nutritional recommendations. They call it the 3GL method: measurement of glucose, glutathione and glycogen.
After a small fingertip blood test and a respiratory quotient measurement, the nutritionist gave me a report showing my metabolic profile and my body’s state of oxidation, with diet and exercise advice to follow. I found this approach interesting, and it forms the basis of every wellness program reserved for Euphoria Retreat.
In conclusion, I’ve found that Euphoria Retreat attracts a friendly population of people seeking authenticity and even spirituality, and I’ve met some very nice people.
My video
Our feeling
Euphoria Retreat lives up to its name. Indeed, this wellness hotel is a true retreat for deep relaxation and a place where it’s easy to switch off. The spa is a great success, and in our opinion one of the finest in Europe. An upscale yet unpretentious place that simply makes you feel good.
Luxe Wellness Club
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Take advantage of our expertise in wellness breaks and contact us for a personalized quote for Euphoria Retreat.
Rates: From €255 in low season and €345 in high season for a single room, plus the cost of optional wellness programs (from €1,500 per program). Contact us to book this extraordinary wellness hotel and benefit from our advice and our advantage: a room upgrade (subject to availability).
Call us for the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652 or for the UK: +44 20 4577 3258 to discuss your holiday plans.
