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Nestled in the hills and forests overlooking the valley of Sparta and the Castle of Mystras lies the beautiful wellness resort called the Euphoria Retreat. To get here you can fly to Athens or the smaller town of Kalamata. It’s a 2.5 hour drive from Athens or a one-hour drive from Kalamata.
Photo courtesy of Euphoria Retreat
The Euphoria Retreat is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the Healing Hotels of the World, and has won many awards including the World Luxury Spa Award, the KIWI Best Wellness Retreat, and the Big Sleep Award by National Geographic Traveller, among others!
The Euphoria has so many options for wellness, spa, relaxation, and detox! The programs are divided into four categories:
· introductory programs,
· holistic wellness,
· weight detox, and
· yoga.
Introductory programs include:
Euphoria Discovery: This 3 or 5-day program is for someone who wants to try something new in a shorter wellness holiday. It includes a wellness consultation, nutritional analysis, participation in group daily wellness activities and the use of the complimentary spa facilities. Options are available for different meal plans.
Euphoria Escape: This short 2-day program is a perfect wellness escape! It combines a Hammam ritual and salt room, as well as some signature spa treatments curated just for rest and relaxation.
Euphoria Escape for Couples: This short 2-day program allows you to luxuriate with a loved one and enjoy some relaxing spa experiences. It includes spa treatments, delicious food, and beautiful scenery, and is combinable with different meal plans.
Photo courtesy of Euphoria Retreat
There are four Holistic Wellness programs:
Inner and Outer Glow: This program (3, 5, or 7 days) focuses on boosting your inner and outer beauty.
Relax & De-stress: This program is about “renewal” on every level, designed to relax your body and inspire your spirit. This 3, 5, or 7-day program is perfect if you want to feel rested and relaxed, joyful, more energetic, and be more connected with yourself.
Balance & Recover: If your immune system needs strengthening, this program might be for you. Carefully chosen therapies, energy healing, and movement practices come together, along with a personalized nutrition plan, to form the perfect 5 or 7-day balancing retreat.
Euphoria Boost Your Energy: This 3-day program blends meditative practices, gentle movement, and breathing exercises, along with spa treatments, to balance your energy and reconnect with yourself.
The Weight Detox Programs are varied and specific:
Euphoria Wellbeing Detox: This 3, 5, or 7-day program starts with a nutritional analysis and blood test, creating a program to increase your metabolism. You’ll receive signature treatments designed to help your body release toxins, meditative practices, and a wonderful base for long-term change.
Advanced Weight Management: This program lasts 7, 10, 14, or 21 days, and offers a scientifically detailed and successful approach to weight loss, including calculating how many calories your body uses at different heart rates, the origin of the calories from carbs, proteins, or fat, and a measure of amino acids in your body to personalize a nutrition and energy plan just for you.
Signature Nutrigenomics: This intensive 7, 14, or 21-day program is designed to reset your metabolism using a unique program involving extensive testing and a deep dive into your lifestyle, nutrition, and genetic habits.
Euphoria Fitness: You can choose a 5- or 7-day option, which focuses on nutrition, personal training, and coaching, all designed to boost your fitness level. This program is perfect for both those beginning their fitness journey a well as as regular exercisers who want challenge their limits.
Euphoria has just one yoga program, which encourages mindfulness through movement, meditation, and healing practices.
Yoga & Mindfulness: Lasting 3, 5, or 7 days, this program blends daily personal yoga sessions which nurture your posture, breathing, and meditation, with outdoor movement in the pine forest, and body work treatments which increase connection to yourself.
A few other highlights about Euphoria Retreat Resort:
· The resort is available for groups to come and organize their own specialized curated retreats.
· Euphoria offers various on-site curated retreats throughout the year, held on specific dates.
· They offer healthy cuisine based on Greek and Mediterranean recipes and fresh local ingredients. The dining hall is indoor and outdoor, and is located in the Leocini Mansion, a historical building from the 18th century.
· A variety of menus are available, depending on guests’ preferences and needs: vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, detox, and various weight loss options are offered.
· Many different room types are available, with views of the forest or the valley, and everything in between.
· There are some amazing local excursions to enjoy in the area, including seeing the Mystras castle archaeological site, the clear blue water of the Tripi waterfalls, the seaside villages of Mani, visiting the Olive & Greek Olive Oil Museum, and visiting the Dyros Cave.
Greek food
I’m a foodie; I love to create fun dishes and also to try lots of things! Here’s a rundown of some amazing Greek dishes that you should try next time you visit Greece, or even try creating in your own kitchen before you visit.
Greek Appetizers
Appetizers in Greek are called mezes, and include Greek salad, stuffed grape leaves, a yogurt-based dip, eggplant dip, tomato fritters, or fried zucchini.
Greek Main courses
Some Greek main courses include a lamb specialty dish, which is slowly cooked in an oven and infused with lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic. A Greek beef stew is made with orzo pasta or rice. Many Greek dishes include eggplant, which can be prepared with bechamel sauce, cheese, and/or a tomato/meat sauce.
But possibly the best-known Greek dish is the souvlaki, or gyro. This popular fast food includes a meat (usually lamb) or vegetables which have been grilled on a skewer and served with a pita and yogurt sauce.
Greek Sweet treats
Greek meals often end with a pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, milk, butter, and spices of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Baklava is the most well-known Greek dessert, but others include a Greek custard pie, an orange pie, and a spoon sweet, fruit preserved in a thick syrup and served in a spoon.
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling ready to head to Greece! Let me know if Greece is in your travel plans, and I'll help you craft a perfect itinerary!
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