Mystras

Odysseus Journey

Explore, reflect, discover, play

Over five days you will learn more about yourself in a profound yet playful way. Through the legend of The Odyssey, through group discussion, our core philosophy of the Five Elements and immersive experiences unique to Euphoria Retreat, you will shed light on any inhibiting emotions, dissolve them and revel in a new and joyful confidence. This is a fun and engaging process for seeing the passage of our life’s path. A retreat like no other!

Find and live your inner purpose through the lens of an epic story of Greek mythology. Like Odysseus does in The Odyssey, you too will reflect on your life decisions and where they are leading you. Join our expert retreat leaders to explore the narrative, along with the Five Elements philosophy and playful and meditative activities, to discover your Ithaca – in other words how to identify and reach your heart’s desires. Enjoy the journey!

Odysseus Journey is for you if you would like to share, smile, and explore with others, without thinking too much. You will assimilate and contemplate in an unusual way which incorporates metaphor, discussion and physical activities that use the facilities and philosophy of Euphoria Retreat.

Spartan Adventure Fitness

Build physical endurance and stamina – Train outdoor – Explore how Ancient Spartans were training to become great warriors.

Spend an outdoor activity, exploring the region of Sparta, while unleashing your physical fitness and celebrating your inner resilience, in the style of our local warrior ancestors. The Spartan champions were revered as much for their military prowess as for their unwavering physical and mental focus to reach optimum performance. Train like a Spartan and feel proud of yourself!

Like all our retreats, this is another playful experience of exploration and joy – with a physical focus. Your outdoor activities, ranging in intensity, will take you through the beauty and history of the land of the Spartans, keeping alive their spirit of fitness, open-heartedness, and a love for nature.

On this retreat, you will venture out on five daily excursions. On the 5-day retreat will go on a selection of excursions. Each activity takes place at a different location, so you have the opportunity to enjoy the unspoilt nature and culture of this historical area of the Peloponnese. Each day includes 2-3 hours of physical exercise, with activities ranging between interval training, running, cycling, rock climbing and hiking.

You will have plenty of time to recover and rest from your physical excursions and training with our spa facilities, treatments, and plenty of nutritious, energy-giving food.

Live the Spartan virtues of strength and balance in the battlefields where they were victorious. You’ll find this a soul-lifting experience too!

Emotional Harmony

When we have been through painful or traumatic life experiences, we can naturally, and understandably put up walls of protection and become guarded, defensive, blocked-off, self-critical of others and of ourselves. Ironically, in order to open our hearts and start living a more balanced and joyous life, we need to express our repressed feelings and surrender to our experiences with acceptance. It is only when we let negative emotions go that we can invite more color into our lives. Our Emotional Harmony program allows guests to connect with those narratives and embrace a new future. It allows you to speak your truth in a safe place, receive tender nurturing and come to a place where you feel centered and peaceful. Through a process of positive internal communication, you will come into terms with fear and feel ready to live a more harmonious meaningful life opening up in spiritual guidance and connection.

The Spa Area

“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” — Hippocrates

An Extraordinary SPA Hotel in Greece

Like all the best destination spa retreats, Euphoria is its own universe. One filled with codes, patterns and deeper meaning. An exploration of our spa is also a journey of self-discovery. As our founder Marina Efraimoglou says, “When you explore Euphoria we give you the keys to explore yourself. This exploration brings greater freedom and happiness, it is an adventure with no pre-conditions.”

Our Healing Philosophy: Euphoria Methodos

“Happiness depends upon ourselves” — Aristotle

During your holistic healing retreat at Euphoria, our facilities, treatments and harmonious design invite you to connect with your purest, truest self – untainted, just as nature intended. Here you can let go of the roles and expectations of society and simply ‘be’. In this relaxed state, you can connect with what is happening in your heart and soul, and with the divine, whatever that might mean for you. What you will learn on a holistic healing retreat with us is that when we connect with this essence, we become open to receive – and this creates the space where healing can occur. This doesn’t necessarily mean fixing every ailment, more the suggestion is to come into an acceptance of yourself, exactly where you are at. Your life, your journey.

We have developed a unique spa philosophy, our ‘Euphoria Methodos’, which marries East with West, ancient Hellenic Medicine with Traditional Chinese Medicine and science with naturalism. These converging approaches cannot be found anywhere else in the world and have positioned us as the best destination spa in Europe.

Developed independently, and yet almost in parallel, by Chinese and ancient Greek philosophers, The Five Elements theory separates nature into five categories (elements) each with distinctive characteristics that are reflected in patterns of human health and behaviour. On top of this, the ancient philosophers associated different elements with varying seasons and understood that the interrelated cycle of human life and the natural world underpins all things. So, whilst the ancient Hellenic and Chinese civilisations may have been far apart geographically, they shared a common understanding of the cosmos and human nature. Both nurtured a love for inner peace and complete health.

With a holistic – or ‘whole’-approach Hippocratic medicine goes hand in hand with Taoist spirituality, which is also based on wholeness and unity. This unique approach, which we call ‘Euphoria Methodos’, lies at the heart of Euphoria’s Signature treatments, Wellness programmes and retreats, all of which are designed to heal the inseparable whole of the complete individual. We understand that the physical, spiritual and emotional are intimately integrated, and we attend to every aspect of your care so that you might ultimately take your health into their own hands, become your own healer and reach a state of health and joy described by the ancient Greeks as ‘Euphoria’.

This naturalistic ‘Euphoria Methodos’ philosophy is evident everywhere at Euphoria’s spa, which embodies a holistic approach based on the understanding that our physical, emotional and spiritual selves are intrinsically linked, and, just as nature changes with the seasons, so too do our own energetic cycles. A health and wellness retreat at Euphoria aims to soothe your nervous system, reboot your energy levels and align your inner world with the rhythms of the natural world.

Cradled by Mount Taygetus our spa building is, quite literally, at-one with nature. Views of our ‘Garden of The Five Senses’ and the verdant Eurotas Valley, unchanged for centuries, are never far away. Inside, you’ll find a relaxed, nurturing environment, of equal beauty. The Five Elements – fire, earth, water, air and aether – form the cornerstone of our healing philosophy and are integrated into the architecture and design, with certain areas dedicated to particular elements and their related energies. To connect with these elements is to connect with both nature and your Self.

Fantastic Facilities

Fundamental to any stay at Euphoria is an exploration of our spa building. Not just an architectural wonder, here you can discover the most astonishing array of facilities, from swimming pools to exquisitely designed steams, saunas and much more.

Byzantine Hammam Spa

An ancient Eastern ritual that combines skin cleansing techniques and massage.

One of the most sought-after spa experiences and included in a number of signature therapies, our Byzantine Hammam channels an aura of eastern mysticism and healing energy. With each exfoliation and massage session, you’ll feel skin become more nourished and rehydrated as any tension in the muscles slips away and you emerge feeling fully revitalized. An integral part of daily life in ancient times, a Hammam is known to kill bacteria and boost immunity, ensuring the purifying effects will last long after your stay.

Cold Plunge Pool

A post work-out icy dip which leaves you feeling utterly rejuvenated.

Commonly used to reduce muscle inflammation and speed up injury recovery time, a quick dip in a cold plunge pool after a demanding exercise session will also leave you feeling rejuvenated. Ease yourself gently in, slowing the breath during the first few seconds and making as little movement as possible. This brief immersion not only strengthens the immune system; it’s known to be emotionally uplifting and mood improving too. And, when combined with heat treatments, Cryotherapy boosts the sympathetic nerves, releasing hormones which leave you fully alert and humming with energy.

Experiential Showers

A sequence of temperature-shifting showers for an enlivening, sensory experience.

Explore the stimulating effects of water temperature changes on the skin with an experiential shower. As you step from one cascading rain shower to the next, the water slowly shifts and you can alternate from water to bracingly cold, whilst enjoying Aromatherapy aromas from piping hot to lukewarm and, finally, bracingly cold. These gradual temperature changes not only allow the blood vessels to gently narrow and expand, stimulating the circulatory system and boosting metabolism, but also enhance your overall wellbeing. This results in more energy and being revitalized for the rest of the day.

Sphere Pool

An ethereal, cleansing experience symbolic of a spiritual rebirth.

At the very heart of Euphoria’s spa, you’ll find this distinctly avant-garde sphere pool. Surrounded by cocooning Byzantine domes inspired by the architecture of the iconic Hagia Sophia church, this ritualistic experience is both joyous and revealing. Spherical stone walls are home to booths with in-water benches to sit and a series of hydrotherapy jets pummel sore muscles into submission and help to release computer shoulders. Lighter and clearer, next glide into the sphere, half-filled with water waist deep at its outer rim, before fully submerging to a 4-metre depth at the centre. Even if you feel a little anxious, most guests revel in the enveloping womb-like sensation. Soothing marine sounds play softly under the water transporting you to into a more sensory world, a place where feel connected to your primal self, where dreams are born and where the body comes out of the head and into ‘feeling’. Even in the depths and the darkness, the light is always beckoning. Emerge blissfully light, carefree and released.

Finnish Sauna

Sweat out harmful toxins and let go of stress.

Casting aside the stresses of everyday life is fundamental to any cathartic journey. In our natural wood Finnish sauna, it takes only a few minutes to work up a deep and healthy sweat which provides a release – emotionally and physically – as nasty toxins and any impurities are flushed from your skin and muscles. The dry heat boosts blood flow, allowing you to feel fully rejuvenated, while the process of actively casting aside your worries practically guarantees a restful night’s slumber.

Ice Fountain

Cool down and improve circulation.

With cold flakes falling into an ancient sculptural marble bowl, the ice fountain is the perfect antidote to a thermal experience, such as a Finnish sauna or steam room session. Scoop up handfuls of the ice and rub gently over your heated body to feel a wonderful stimulating tingling on the skin as it immediately cools down. The quick blast of ice helps improve circulation around the body, releasing toxins, boosting the immune system – and leaves you feeling thoroughly refreshed.

Fitness Room

A state-of-the-art gym to channel your renewed energy.

Be inspired by the cutting-edge Technogym cardio machines and strength equipment in the generously sized and brightly lit fitness room. Once you’ve taken the first steps on the healing journey and begun a personalised nutritional plan, you’ll be bursting with renewed energy and enthusiasm for an adrenaline-pumping daily workout. Specialist trainers are on hand to offer guidance according to your abilities and condition, or you could simply follow your regular training routine. Either way, working up a sweat in our gym is a great way to not only make your heart beat faster but improve your mental wellbeing too.

Waterwell Kneipp Therapy

A series of circulation-boosting footbaths.

With a spiral staircase that connects all four floors, the 25m Waterwell is – quite literally – right at the centre of the spa experience. There’s a skylight above and, at the base, hot and cold footbaths marked by black and white pebbles which will introduce you to the healing effects of Kneipp Therapy. One of the oldest and simplest treatments of all, hot and cold water therapy works by narrowing the blood vessels, allowing vascular expansion that promotes circulation throughout the body. Regular sessions can help to support immunity and lymph drainage, as well as ease recovery from injuries.

Infinity Edge Pool

An invigorating swim in the fresh air.

Blurring the lines between the inside and outside, the infinity pool stretches out towards the horizon. Swim through a discreet opening in the wall and you’ll find yourself suddenly under the dazzling blue Mediterranean sky listening to birdsong and cicadas in the sunshine. Whether you relax by the water’s edge, simply gazing at the green forest and magnificent Mystras village below, or do daily lengths, this is a sensational spot – and a vital part of your spa journey.

Infrared Sauna

Harness the positive health benefits of radiant energy and heat.

Tapping into the multiple health benefits of infrared light, this dry, wood-lined sauna uses longer wavelength radiation invisible to the naked eye to generate heat and penetrate the body. As well as purifying your skin by releasing toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals, infrared light therapy can also boost blood circulation and metabolism, contributing to weight loss and pain relief. A comprehensive program can even enhance anti-ageing treatments.

Outdoor California Hot Tub

A well-earned soak, surrounded by nature.

Tucked away on the top floor of the spa, surrounded by a private forest and with panoramic vistas of the lush Mystras valley ahead, our outdoor California hot tub feels like a secret hideaway. Sit back in the blissfully warm bubbling water, listen to the tranquil sounds of nature and soak up the sensational view as you contemplate your transformative journey so far. After everything you have given to your body, mind and spirit, you deserve it.

Pilates and Private Exercise Studio

A dedicated exercise space to reach your personal goals.

Right next to the fitness room, the Pilates and private exercise studio is the place to tailor your health and workout needs with a personalized plan that hones in on achieving individual goals. You can join group core strengthening Pilates sessions – with an emphasis on the mind-body connection – or explore aerial yoga and other specialist exercises. Or you can simply take time to enjoy one-to-one sessions in TRX and other exercise disciplines of your choice.

Sanctuary Deprivation Pool

Encourages deep meditation and soulful self-reflection.

Perhaps the most immersive experience in the Euphoria Retreat spa. The sanctuary deprivation pool allows for a complete mental and physical escape in water where the temperature matches that of your body. By reducing all sound and light distractions, and adding just enough salt so the body effortlessly floats, you can block out daily worries and hone in on internal sensations to reach a state of deep meditation and self-reflection.

Speleotherapy - Salt Room

Ideal to clear the lungs, discover the natural healing properties of salt.

Partially translucent blocks of salt, all lit up in warming shades of amber, line the back wall of this very special treatment space. A natural disinfectant, with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, salt has a well-earned reputation in therapies that drive cell activity and boost energy and blood sugar levels. It can also help to alleviate asthma and allergies. The ambience is calm, the effect detoxifying as you lie back and relax, slowly and steadily breathing in the salt particles from the air. Sessions usually last around 20 minutes.

Steam Room

Invigorating at every level and with abundance health benefits.

An alternative to the dry heat of the sauna, the humidity of the steam room offers the same multitude of health benefits. Released into the atmosphere from a marble center point, the steam is around 43°C – meaning that it will clear congestion and open your sinuses within minutes, ridding pores of any harmful toxins. Energizing and cleansing (especially after a workout), stiff joints will loosen; muscle tension will ease and blood pressure lowers, leaving you feeling fully relaxed and utterly refreshed. Twenty minutes maximum recommended per session.

Tepidarium

A restorative, healing space that radiates therapeutic warmth.

Just as in ancient times, the full therapeutic power of our tepidarium is as much about its relaxing atmospheric lighting and subtle, beautiful design as it is about the restorative effects of moderate heat on the body. The finest marble has been used for the mosaic benches, walls and floors, all of which emit warmth between 37-39°C – just above body temperature – and keep humidity levels to around 20 percent. Lie back, let muscles relax and re-energize as your immune system begins to be restored. Ideal for helping with recovery from injuries and illnesses.

Watsu Pool

Personalized aquatic bodywork therapies in our dedicated pool.

Designed for supportive one-on-one bodywork therapies, the Watsu Pool is heated to a comfortably warm 35°C. Personalized sessions led by a specialized practitioner are often used to alleviate pain and discomfort by combining elements of massage, shiatsu, muscle extension and joint movement. The resistance of water of our Watsu Pool soothes physical tension so the body relaxes and, as you lie back floating in the chest-deep water, you will be cradled, rocked and gently stretched, which encourages a flow of energy. Our fully trained therapists will optimize each treatment according to subtle changes in your muscles and breathing.

Yoga & Meditation Rooms

Silent spaces, perfect for discovering inner balance and mind-body harmony.

Yoga and meditation form the cornerstone to a transformative experience that addresses physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. So, on your yoga retreat in Greece at Euphoria Retreat, two quiet spaces with calming views hold space for you to inhale abundance and exhale excess – where you can generate – and maintain – a sense of complete serenity. Whether you are joining our yoga retreat in Greece at beginner’s or advanced level, professional instructors offer guidance and support to achieving focused relaxation through breathing techniques and postures that will help you find soul-nourishing balance and mind-body alignment.