Euphoria Retreat
Mystras, greece
Family-owned, clever holistic retreat on the Peloponnese
The inspired creation of Marina Efraimoglou, an energy therapist who came through cancer, Euphoria Retreat is a truly tranquil holistic spa retreat on the Peloponnese of mainland Greece. Looking over the terracotta roofs of Mystras and surrounded by private pine forest, it is a lovely place to come to experience the healing power of nature. Transformative wellbeing programmes offer blissful treatments, deep healing and recharge.
our Reviewer SHARON WALKER says:
‘It’s no hardship that all this takes place in stunning surrounds, where the four-storey spa building is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown, carved into the side of a mountain, next to a Cypress grove’
our Reviewer Caroline Sylge says:
‘My afternoon sessions of acupuncture and other energy work are carried out by Katarina, a gentle, understanding soul with lovely hands with whom I experience some powerful emotional shifts in a short space of time’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Your warm welcome at Euphoria is rooted in ‘philoxenia’ – the Greek concept of treating strangers as if they are already friends. There’s nothing dogmatic here - just a celebration of living in abundance - and there’s no forced sharing in workshops or fake rituals. Think invigorating dawn hikes, colourful sunrises and yoga with valley and castle views - all in a healing landscape’
Experiences
There’s a huge and varied range of brilliantly crafted set-date group retreats and year-round programmes that draw on Chinese Taoist and Greek Hellenic philosophies to meet and balance your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing needs.
You’ll want to spend much of your time in the magnificent feminine spa, where water plays a central role. Walk across a picture of the moon in warm water (for a dose of yin) and look up to the blue sky (for some yang). The soothing circular, womb-like indoor pool features the sound of dolphins and whales calling from the deep. Expect to feel reborn.
Book signature massages (some can be taken outside), alongside holistic bodywork, acupuncture, reflexology and beauty treatments. Powerful energy therapies will clear blocked emotions and calm your thoughts.
The daily activity schedule includes total body workouts, Pilates, tai chi, energy movement and simple stretching. The gym is impressive, with Reformer Pilates machines and state-of-the-art equipment. Cooking classes and guided meditation sessions are also on offer.
Being outside in nature is key. Enjoy outdoor workouts in the countryside, yoga on the deck facing the pine valley of Sparta and runs along forest footpaths. Take time out to visit the ancient UNESCO site of Mystras. Go early morning - you might just get it to yourself.
Spaces
The magnificent spa is an immersion for the senses, complete with 25-metre well inspired by Pozzo de San Patrizio in Orvieto. There’s a salt room and a wet area centred around a large tepidarium with a sauna, steam room, plunge pool and marbled hammam.
The wonderful relaxation room that opens onto an outdoor terrace and a serene pool is a welcoming place to read, relax and hang out. Ask the staff to move one of the sofas outdoors and feast your senses with the sound of the breeze, birdsong and the rustling of leaves.
At the contemporary Gaia Restaurant, choose to eat at a large communal table, or at your own private space inside or on the expansive terrace with views.
En-suite bedrooms are in three different areas. The best, most exciting rooms are in the converted Leoncini mansion, where you can enjoy a romantic four-poster with Juliet balcony looking across the plains to the mountains.
Other rooms are comfortably designed with wooden floors, good quality furniture, comfy beds and individually designed soft furnishings inspired by Byzantine art's red, blue and gold icons. Those in the lower block feel more like traditional hotel rooms, while those in the higher block are more retreat-like.
Sustenance
Expect a blend of Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with an emphasis on simplicity, healthy living and flavour. Ingredients are seasonal and mostly from local farmers or the retreat’s own bio-garden.
Euphoria's cutting edge '3GLs' metabolic test measures important biomarkers and amino acids, so your menus can be customised according to your nutritional needs and you can achieve optimum health.
There’s a set breakfast, lunch and supper menu plus complimentary healthy snacks for those on wellbeing packages, as well as an a la carte menu, and vegan options.
Breakfast might include homemade granola with thyme honey and Greek yoghurt, or sweet potato and apple fritters served with tahini and molasses. Lunches and dinners include fresh soups, salads, and super light fish and meat dishes. Guilt-free (sugar-free) puddings include baklava and a delicious chocolate mousse.
Drinks include delicious local Mountain Tea, smoothies and coffee. Alcohol is available (if requested) but it’s not encouraged.
