“Did you go to Mystras?” a friend asked me. Mystras? You’ve heard of Mystras? While my own knowledge of Greece was limited to visions of islands with white buildings and blue roofs, and the vibrant vibe of Athens, my friend was fully aware of the importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Center just a few kilometers from Sparta, the original home of the brave.
Luckily I was able to answer her in the affirmative. I had just returned from a magical visit to Euphoria Retreat in the town of Mystras, a hopping distance from the Byzantine settlement of the same name, in the foothills of Mount Taygetus. Before my visit, I was bursting with questions about the difference between a fully immersive holistic experience, which Euphoria Retreat offers, and a hotel with a nice spa.
I was soon to learn the difference and to gain appreciation of the history, culture and people of this part of the Peloponnese peninsula. Here is an outline of my adventure.
- Getting to Euphoria
- The Welcome
- Stylish Rooms and Suites
- The Euphoria Methodos
- Sanctuary for Busy Minds and Salt Room
- Come to Euphoria with Me
Getting to Euphoria
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens airport, where we were met by Euphoria’s driver, we drew into the village of Mystras. There were seven of us so we didn’t qualify for Tesla that is sent for smaller parties. In the blink of an eye, we pulled up to Euphoria’s gate. I was surprised because every time I’ve ever stayed at such an encompassing property it has always been miles to the nearest town.
Who would know that the most wonderful space lies behind those gates? Outdoor space provided by an orchard, gardens, stunning vistas, and a vast private forest. Physical space in the form of 45 individually designed hotel rooms, gourmet restaurant, library and world-class spa. And space for the mind to switch off and reboot to re-emerge refreshed, revitalized, and perhaps more reflective.
Note: If you’re flying in from within Europe, check out flights into Kalamata, which is only 60 kilometers away. Yes, that’s Kalamata whence the olives hail and it’s a really pretty town.
The Welcome
Next, I was in a beautiful reception area (see above). As opposed to being on line at a desk, I sat in a very comfortable chair sipping thyme-infused water while serene tunic-clad staff with beatific smiles glided around. I thought I’d been kidnapped and taken to another planet. For someone who is always in a rush, I felt a bit prickly. Why was everyone so unhurried?
To put this in perspective, while in Barcelona on vacation, my husband asked me where I was rushing off to as I charged down the street in front of him. I looked at him, and said “I don’t know. I’m always in a hurry and I don’t know why.”
I took a breath, remembered Barcelona, and made a commitment to go with the flow. I was impressed that after only 10 minutes, I felt like this.
Stylish Rooms and Suites
I read on Euphoria’s website that there are “masses of natural light, a colour palette of yellows and golds and a hushed mood combine to create a harmonious, balanced environment which aims to take you deeper into yourself and inspires quiet reflection.” Look at the picture above and tell me if that isn’t true (That’s a photo of my room, taken by me and undoctored).
Rooms at Euphoria are so individual that I was told it is hard to categorize them as one would in a standard hotel. I had an Executive Deluxe which was spacious and certainly comfortable for two people. You can get a feel for the living and sitting area above; additionally there was a dressing area and large walk-in rain-head shower. The balcony overlooked the Evrotas valley and the Parnon mountain range beyond, providing a great view from my big bed when I woke up. Before arrival, I was sent a pillow menu so that I could select my preferences.
Some of my group had rooms with tubs but with the spa 30 seconds away, I had access to a whole host of water treatments. I loved my room. Every time I look at that picture, I want to be back at Euphoria where I felt calm, safe, enlightened and free. In fact, I want that same room next time I go. If you ask for room 306, just don’t do it when I’m there.
The Euphoria Methodos
After a healthy lunch and tour of the amazing spa facility, we had an introduction to the Euphoria Methodos and the theory of the Five Elements by Euphoria Retreat’s owner and founder, Marina Efraimoglou. who retired from investment banking following a bout of cancer in her twenties. Subsequently she studied ancient healing arts and philosophy, both Eastern and Western, before sharing her gifts with the rest of us via a deep-rooted desire to bring out everybody’s inner potential for health and happiness. Thus Euphoria Retreat was founded.
Ancient philosophies, including Greek, Indian, and Chinese, all focused on balancing elements – Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal – in some form to achieve harmony on a mental, spiritual, and physical level. Yet they are not all equal according to Efraimoglou, who explained that Indian and Chinese methods were rooted in hardship and scarcity, with suffering seen as a necessary part of personal growth. This is far removed from the “euphoric” basis of the Greek approach where the element of suffering is replaced by a belief that life is to be celebrated. Not having to worry about inclement weather or food shortages left the Greeks free to focus on the big picture of how they as individuals could best serve their society, which at that time consisted of small city states and a nascent seafaring tradition. Communication and assimilation were key and, along with happiness and joy, became the primary focus to understanding the world and one’s place in it. This was considered harmony as expressed by Ef Zin or “living well.” with body, mind, and soul balanced for true happiness.
Euphoria is continuing that tradition in the most wholistic of ways – the Methodos is the foundation of everything at the retreat. Through the soothing architecture, the color palette, balanced cuisine, therapies for the mind and body, and obliging staff, harmony reigns.
Efraimoglou ended by encouraging us to attend lectures and classes to round out our spa treaments. A proverbial lightbulb had gone on over my head. At this point I started to realize that Euphoria Retreat is the real deal.
Sanctuary for Busy Minds and Salt Room
My first treatment was the Sanctuary for Busy Minds. I’d had my eye on it since I saw it on my personalized schedule – my mind is rarely still so I was very much looking forward to this. The description said it combines various energy techniques to relieve stress and bring a profound state of calm. It’s not a massage per se but more like trigger point work with the goal of opening channels of energy on your feet, up the body, then focusing on the head. I have to say that I was able to empty my mind at one point, which I find really hard to do when I’m meditating.
Salt Room
Next I was off to the salt room, which was a first for me. I’m British. To me, salt is something you put on fish and chips and it’s not terribly good for you if you have too much. Of course, the crystaline compound of my favorite edible mineral is far removed from the refined stuff that graces tables. Here, beautiful amber-hued blocks of salt crystals (see photo) line the wall, emanating particles while you relax, breathe deeply, and let them work their magic. The effects include a slower heart rate, mental clarity and a detoxifying effect that helps with asthma and allergies. In short, you breathe better and feel calmer. I hadn’t been at Euphoria 24 hours and already I felt calmer than I had in years. What would I be like after a week here?
Next it was time to, ahem, relax before dinner in the exemplary restaurant, Gaia. In the interests of brevity, I’ll include more about Gaia on Day 2 when I talk about the spa and diet at Euphoria. Meanwhile, a little voice had started talking to me. It asked, “How will I ever go home?”
Come to Euphoria with Me
Enjoy special rates and extra perks at Euphoria Retreat for a week in September 2025. Join me as I return to my happy place. To hear more about this exclusive opportunity, please call me at 772-480-8621 or email jayne@ilxtravel.com.
Jayne Withers 