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Take a deep breath, relax, and prepare to embark on a getaway that will have you feeling like a brand new ‘you’! Renowned for its blissful climate, nutrient-rich Mediterranean diet, and indulgent hospitality, Greece is a destination that guarantees to reinvigorate your senses and have you heading home full of life! Even though we believe that any trip to Greece can be considered a form of self-care, this particular itinerary will take you to the echelons of well-being. From exquisite spa treatments in Athens, to a unique retreat in Peloponnese and organic culinary experiences in Crete, this trip is what wellness is all about!

• 3 Nights in Athens at One&Only Aesthesis
• 4 Nights in Peloponnese at Euphoria Retreat
• 4 Nights in Crete at Phāea Blue
• Private Transfers

Arrival in Athens

Welcome to Greece, the fountain of Mediterranean healing. Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport your private driver will be waiting to pick you up for your transfer to the One&Only Aesthesis in Glyfada. Sitting on the golden shores of the Athenian Riviera, this stunning 5-star property is where luxury blends with seaside allure through an ethos built on exquisite relaxation. Once settled in, bathe in the chic atmosphere of Balmain-designed pool area, enjoy the sands of the retreat’s private beach from the comforts of your own cabana, or sample some reimagined Mediterranean flavors at the on-site Ora restaurant.

3 Nights — One&Only Aesthesis

Explore the ancient essence of Athens and commence your journey to rejuvenation at one of Guerlain’s world-renowned SPAs. In between indulging in the suggested treatments below, feel free to ask your Travel Advisor for recommendations of the best tours to uncover the cradle of western civilization in all its glory.

Nymph of the Athenian Riviera — Guerlain SPA Treatment

Channel the spirits of nymphs with an exclusive 120-minute treatment that takes you on a mythical journey of personal beauty and elegance. Savor a footbath amidst petals of delicate flowers, before reveling in the relaxation of a scalp and body massage with rose quartz stones, all while being embraced by the pampering, soft scent of Rose Cherie L’Art & La Matière Collection. Exclusively available at the Guerlain SPA at One&Only Aesthesis in Athens, this treatment offers a special opportunity to bathe in delicacy and explore the pinnacle of sumptuous, multisensory experiences.

Ultimate Black Orchid Age Reverse Guerlain SPA Treatment

Turn back time with a treatment that has the potential to make your skin appear more youthful after just one session!  One of Guerlain’s most esteemed SPA experiences, this 90-minute program of 4 or 8 appointments (depending on your availability) explores the powers of the Orchidée Impériale Black range through a process of masterful and sumptuous application. Using the restorative essence of the Black Orchid, this treatment is the ultimate step to unlocking your skin’s inherent regenerative abilities, refining its glow and texture in the process, and is the ideal way to preserve or recapture your youth.

Transfer to Peloponnese

Upon departing Athens a private transfer will carry you off to the Euphoria Retreat, a haven of serenity hidden away amidst the lush pine forests of the Peloponnese. Located within reach of traditional villages and the mystical town of Mystras, this is where Greece’s esoteric charm and natural splendor come together to create a blissful experience of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Regarded as one of the best destination spas in Europe, Euphoria Retreat lives and breathes with a healing philosophy. Once checked in, soak up the tranquil surroundings, explore the state-of-the art wellness facilities, or discover healthy Greek and Mediterranean nourishment at the GAIA restaurant.

4 Nights — Euphoria Retreat

Breathe in the refreshing air of ancient Peloponnesian woods and feel the surrounding nature reverberate with the spirits of the past, as you embark on a pilgrimage to wellness through the following essential experiences.

Euphoria Byzantine Hammam Ritual

Tap into the healing ways of the Byzantine epoch with a signature Hamman experience that is as immersive as it is purifying. This popular SPA treatment will see you take your place upon a heated plinth in Euphoria’s marble-clad Hamman room and feel the warm archaic energy resonate through your body; while an experienced therapist takes you through a cleansing ritual that involves scrubbing, washing, and massaging practices that have been maintained for centuries. Opting for either a 90 or 120-minute experience, you may also include an extra granular scrub and hair mask with either, or an extra hydrating face cream and mask with the latter version.

Thai Yoga Massage

Discover peace of mind along the contours of your body with a restorative massage that uses manipulation, stretches, and acupressure to realign the physical body into a state of pure bliss. Traditionally performed on a mat on the floor, with the recipient clothed in comfortable attire, your experienced therapist will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and feet to apply pressure along the body’s energy lines, facilitating the flow of energy and enhancing flexibility. This holistic approach not only alleviates muscle tension but also improves circulation, boosts energy levels, and induces a profound sense of relaxation.

Spartan Spirit of Adventure Retreat*

For those seeking to take their physical fitness to the level of Greek warriors, Euphoria Retreat offers its patrons the opportunity to embrace their strength through a 7-day journey to discovering the Spartan within them. With a daily regimen of 2-3 hours of exercise amidst the pristine nature that encompasses the resort, guests will explore the divine essence of Peloponnese in the most active and adventurous of ways. The recipient of the CondeNast Traveller Spa Guide award for ‘Best Fitness Programme’ the ‘Spartan Spirit of Adventure Retreat’ is an immersive experience that guarantees to take your wellness and resilience to peak heights.

(*Retreat runs on specific dates and will require adjustment of proposed itinerary.)

Journey to Crete

Following your retreat to Peloponnese, you will head to Athens International Airport for you flight to Crete, the birthplace of the Minoan Civilization. Upon your arrival in Heraklion Airport a private driver will be waiting to take you to Phāea Blue on the shores of Elounda. The island’s only luxury beachfront property, this 5-star residence offers its guests seamless access to the azure beauty of the Aegean and the island’s unique cultural essence. Once at the hotel, take time to unwind amidst the harmonious setting before experiencing its spirited connection to authentic Greek gastronomy through farm-to-table dining and seaside meals.

4 Nights — Phāea Blue

Sample the gifts of the earth and uncover the unique flavors of Crete at Phāea Farmers Feast pop-up restaurant, as you venture on a culinary journey of the island’s gastronomic heritage through the freshest ingredients and farm-to-table experiences. Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask your Travel Advisor for the best tours and activities to complement your delectable retreat.

Earth Cooking

Explore Cretan culinary roots by diving into the delicious ancient methods of Earth Cooking. Select the finest seasonal produce from the hotel’s organic garden, getting in touch with the land and its bounties as you bask in the invigorating fragrancy of fresh herbs and vegetables. Use these inspired ingredients to unlock a window into the island’s past through the process of Earth Cooking, which ensures that every dish is infused with gifts of the soil that has provided generations of Cretans with scrumptious and nutritious meals. Conclude by gathering around a table and breaking bread with fellow guests, sharing in the rich taste and cultural legacy of timeless dishes.

Departure

Now that you’re feeling revitalized and refreshed, it is time to bid farewell to Greece and its healing properties. After a nutritious breakfast, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to Heraklion Airport for your flight to Athens, where you will catch your departure flight home.

The post Mediterranean Art of Well-Being: A Wellness Journey Through Greece appeared first on Blog | Travelive.