If you spend a lot of time in a car or on a plane, chances are you are not moving enough. Getting more activity into your life doesn’t have to be a huge performance, you can literally take small steps towards moving more. Even when you are traveling, you will have ample opportunity to put this into practice easily and frequently. Think about it. Do you try to get the closest possible parking spot to where you are going? Do you always take the elevator? Do you take advantage of the hotel pool? Do you dance around your room to your favorite tunes? (The latter is my favorite because there really is no one watching). Whatever you choose to do, if ou are amping up your current activity level, that’s wonderful.
Working out every day is a great goal, but it might not be realistic for you right now. Furthermore, if you try to commit to six workouts a week when you’re currently doing one, chances are that you won’t stick to the plan. Better to add one more workout to your weekly schedule until you become comfortable with your new routine (usually about three weeks), then add another. Keep doing this until you are exercising five or six times a week, or even every day.
The length of your workouts should be what fits into your schedule. Twenty or 30 minutes a day are better than no minutes a day.
Take Advantage of Down Time at Airports
Orlando Airport. Photo by Jayne Withers
When you have a delay or a long layover, you can sit and work, or you can work out. Even if your inner over-achiever wants to use the time to clear out your inbox, channel that energy and a portion of your time to moving. Walk the terminal, take stairs, or check out one of the increasingly popular in-terminal gyms or yoga rooms. The physical and mental benefits of squeezing in a workout include stress-reduction, which is always a bonus in these harried days of travel.
Schedule Your Workout Time Like You Would Any Appointment
Exercise needs to be a habit, not a whim. If you’re a reluctant exerciser or you’ve talked yourself into thinking you don’t have time to exercise, block your workout time in your calendar and honor it. While traveling, you can schedule time to hit the hotel gym, swim some laps, find a nearby exercise class, or go for a walk, especially if you are at a property by the beach. I follow my regular routine when traveling, which is a daily 30-minute Pilates, barre or cardio session from the Beach Body App, supplemented with a Pilates Reformer class or a beach walk if my location permits. Most hotels have workout facilities these days, so you will always have access to some form of exercise. Once you have scheduled your exercise appointments, the key is to hold yourself to them and make them a priority.
Perhaps your day is filled with business meetings or you have a jam-packed sightseeing itinerary with the family, and you have no idea how you are going to work out. If you only have 10 minutes to exercise, that’s okay. Give yourself permission for a shorter workout— 10 minutes are better than no minutes. Head to YouTube or an exercise app to find options for 10 minute ab or stretching routines. Or set a timer for 10 minutes and alternate planks, jumping jacks, and crunches. Maybe later you’ll be able to squeeze in one or two more 10-minute workouts. Before you know it, you’ll have completed 30 minutes of exercise without even noticing.
If All Else Fails…
The above five steps are simple and doable, and shouldn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. In any event, please feel free to reach out to me via social media or email if you are feeling stuck with your exercise routine. I’ll be delighted to point you in the right direction.
My book “Mile High and Healthy: The Frequent Traveler’s Roadmap to Eating, Energy, Exercise and a Balalnced Life” has two chapters devoted to exercising while traveling. MHH, as I call it, is available on Amazon or by contacting me directly.
“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.
The entrance to Euphoria Retreat. Photo by Jayne Withers.
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
The lobby lounge at Euphoria. Note the arches. Photo courtesy of Euphoria Retreat.
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
Room 306 at Euphoria. Photo by Jayne Withers.
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
Photo Credit: Euphoria Retreat
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
The Salt Room. Photo Credit: Euphoria Retreat
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.
Santorini welcomes over 2 million visitors a year, including up to 10,000 cruise passengers a day during peak season. NOUS, which aptly is the ancient Greek word for Mind, provides the perfect sanctuary for those who want to experience the uniqueness and beauty of this idyllic Greek island, while escaping the potential crowds. And NOUS Santorini does the escape thing really, really well. Situated in the village of Mesaria, NOUS is five minutes away from airport and ten minutes from Fira (Thira), the island’s capital, and a 20-minute drive from Oia to where everyone flocks to see the fabled sunset.
What strikes you first on entering the grounds at NOUS is the sense of space, a rare commodity at hotels in Santorini’s main towns. Every effort has been made to keep the property harmonious with the landscape, a fact echoed by the water feature that runs from the top of the steps down to reception, a gentle cascade for the eyes and the ears while you gaze at the Aegean Sea beyond the property. As you reach the bottom of the steps to enter reception, you get your first glimpse of the NOUS’s masterpiece and centerpiece – its one-hectare pool that requires a panoramic setting to photograph its entirety.
Check-in is conducted in the lobby lounge from the comfort of a sofa while the staff come to you to complete registration. You are given a WHATSAPP number to text for any eventuality. I used this for real emergencies like running out of the SPF 50 sunscreen that is provided in each room and to get help with my luggage. Responses were very prompt; I began to wish more properties would do this.
Artfully Decorated Rooms
The selection of rooms at NOUS is vast, and a large number of suites have their own pool. Of 119 rooms, 41 are pool suites and 17 pool bungalows. Garden units are amply spaced and the terraces are huge. You’re not on top of your neighbor at all, with the rooms set out like a European village because, well, you’re in Europe.
My pool suite was a dream. I had a large living room with kitchenette and glass doors leading to the ample pool deck. The bathroom was spacious with a huge walk in shower and plenty of closet space (lack thereof being one of my beefs when I’m traveling). The large bedroom also had a view of the pool and the Aegean Sea beyond. I should add that this was not a postage-stamp pool; I had space to swim comfortably.
I saw several categories of room while I was there. Of course, the pool suite was my favorite. It worked for me and one more person, had my husband been traveling with me. The suite would actually accommodate four if the sofa bed were used, although a pool bungalow or a 2-bedroom suite would work great for larger parties. If I weren’t in a pool suite, I’d pick a garden superior room. These come with a huge shady terrace, expanding your living area into a great indoor-outdoor space.
NOUS is part of YES! Hotels whose owner is an avid art collector. Each room at NOUS has a special piece of artwork specific to the space it is adorning.
Foodie Paradise
The Pool Bar and Restaurant
If breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, you’ll have no trouble meeting that goal at NOUS Santorini. The Pool Restaurant and Bar serves the best breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen, this could well be fueled by the fact that there is an onsite bakery that puts out a phenomenal variety of baked goods. There’s also a wide selection of cheeses, yogurts (Greek, of course) and cold cuts that one would expect with a Continental breakfast. And real honey that you spread off the comb. I mean, who does that?
The buffet has a good selection of hot items, and there’s an extensive a la carte menu too. I was really happy to see plenty of vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free. Since Greek coffee is phenomenal, I didn’t have to skip on my daily latte with almond milk.
Both breakfast and lunch can be taken inside or beside the legendary pool. The lunch menu features small plates, salads, and superlative entrees. My party dined on a memorable selection of dips, freshly baked breads, Santorini salad, chicken bao buns, fresh fruit, flat breads, grilled shrimp salad, mini tacos, and mushroom skioufikta.
Elio’s Italian American Chophouse
After my huge lunch at the Pool Bar and Restaurant, I didn’t think I’d ever need to eat again, but dinner was planned at Elio’s Italian American Chophouse where we headed for focaccia, Sicilian Shrimp in lemon sugo, Carne Cruda Piemontese, Eggplant Parmesan, Zucchino Crostini, and Tomato Panzanella. Those were the starters… The difficult decision after that was choosing between Branzino, Delmonico steak, or Lobster Tagliolini Fra Diavolo. (I went with the Delmonico). Dinner was complemented with a flight of Santorini wines delivered by the delightful resident sommelier.
Wine Cellar and Vitamin Bar
NOUS’s wine cellar is the perfect spot for private dinners and small receptions. Enjoy a tasting of local wines from the expert in-house sommelier. For healthy fare, head to the Vitamin Bar, located by the spa. Here you’ll find a selection of salads, juices and smoothies made with local ingredients. The Vitamin Bar is also a great place to grab a cup of Greek coffee.
The Largest Spa on Santorini
The spa at NOUS is the largest on the island. Besides five treatment rooms with outdoor spaces, including a couple’s room with private jacuzzi (shown above), there is a sauna, steam room, fitness center, and outdoor yoga area. The water theme continues to prevail with the stunning indoor-outdoor pool, by which the relaxation area is located. Dedicated to a holistic approach, the spa offers a variety of treatments at prices which are very reasonable for a 5-star resort.
Getting Around from NOUS Santorini
YES Hotels
From NOUS Santorini, you can easily get to Fira (10 minutes), the archeological site of the ancient city of Akrotiri (20 minutes), and Oia (20 minutes). A lovely afternoon out is a tour of one (or two) of Santorini’s famed wineries followed by dinner in Oia to watch the sunset. Alternatively, how about a private sunset cruise? I can arrange any of these for you to enhance your NOUS Santorini experience.
Book Now
NOUS Santorini is a Virtuoso property, which means that when you book with ILX Travel, we are able to take extra great care of you by procuring exclusive amenities. Please contact me for more information: 772-200-3956 or jayne@ilxtravel.com.
As a wellness travel consultant, I’m always excited to visit a new property. With the wellness travel market growing exponentially, as travelers seek to continue their healthy habits on the road or use their vacation time to reset, wellness-oriented properties are popping up all over the place. In some cases, this means adding a spa or fitness facility to an existing location, for others it means creating an environment that is truly focused on wellness; its raison d’être.
Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel falls into the second category, yet that hasn’t always been the case. When I first posted from the property, the reaction was along the lines of “Is that the place I remember from the Sixties? The Seventies? In my case, it was from the early Nineties when I lived up the road (Collins Avenue) in Bal Harbor. I would drive past the Carillon twice a day heading to and from my office. The Carillon is an institution on Collins Avenue, and a beautiful one at that. While having undergone renovations, many of the original features have, thankfully, been kept. I was thrilled to see the collection of memorabilia in the bar lounge curated from past visitors and the hotel’s archives.
The Largest Spa on the Eastern Seaboard
Fast forward to 2024 and the Carillon boasts the largest spa and wellness facility on the eastern seaboard at a massive 70,000 square feet. This includes a hydrotherapy circuit with nine hot and cold thermal experiences; over 75 weekly group fitness classes, including Pilates reformer (at no additional cost); a stunning oceanfront fitness floor; and a two-story climbing wall.
The array of spa treatments ranges from functional to integrative, traditional to touchless. I experienced two of the latter hands-free treatments, V.E.M.I. and halotherapy. My travel partner enjoyed The Oriental, based on ancient Chinese massage therapy aimed at balancing the body’s yin and yang.
There are 28 treatment rooms so if you are doing a girls’ or guys’ weekend, there is plenty of room to accommodate all of you for treatments.
As a huge fan of water-based treatments, I was in my element (pun intended) in the Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit, a collection of suites from which one moves one to the next, stimulating circulation and rejuvenating the body as you go. The thermal suites include the herbal laconium (my favorite), crystal steam room, Finnish sauna, an igloo shower, experiential rain showers, vitality tub, thermal loungers, and foot spas. For descriptions of each of these features, please click here.
Best yet, the Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit is open to all hotel guests for no additional cost.
Luxury All-Suite Accommodations
As a guest you will enjoy spacious luxury all-suite accommodations that feature one- or two-bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and separate living room. I’m a big fan of separating workspace from sleep space, especially when I’m traveling on business. With two of us in the suite, there was plenty of room to plug in when we needed so we could labor away while enjoying the view from floor to ceiling windows. (For the best views of the expansive beach, book a corner suite as shown in the photo below. Equally stunning views are available from the open plan kitchen and living area.)
Bedrooms can be configured with king or twin queen beds, which are the star of the show. This was my first experience with a Bryte Balance Smart Bed, which I got to program to my own preference of firmness. (If two of you are sharing the bed, you each customize your own side). Every morning, I received an email telling me how I had slept the night before, not only how many hours, but also how fitfully.
The spacious spa -inspired bathrooms feature a large soaking tub, shower with a double head, vanity, make-up station, and a separate loo. And a scale, which is handy if you want to track your progress. After three nights at Carillon and taking full advantage of the facilities, I was down another pound on my current weight loss journey.
Each suite contains an ActivePure advanced air filtration and surface purification system which was developed by NASA and is proven to kill pathogens and contaminants. I can’t think of many places that go to such lengths to make sure that you are sleeping well and breathing good air.
As you can see, Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel checks a lot of boxes – superlative fitness facility, excellent spa, spacious accommodations – so what about dining?
From Casual to Michelin-Starred Dining
I loved the convenience of the Corner Store, located in the lobby. This is a great source for smoothies, juices, fresh baked goods, and grab-and-go healthy meals. There is also a decent selection of beer and wine and snacks, should you want to put together an impromptu wine and charcuterie tasting. (For the record, I do that often when traveling if I don’t feel like eating dinner out).
I should add that there is a Publix supermarket literally across the street. With a very functional kitchen in the suite, we were able to enjoy salad and sushi when we didn’t feel like going out. In-room dining is another option, featuring items from the Corner Store and the Strand’s varied menu. The latter is a fine-dining restaurant located off the hotel’s lobby, with plenty of indoor seating and a large terrace overlooking the beach. The menu is largely Mediterranean with plant-based and gluten free options. We shared a tuna bowl, short rib fagottini, and quinoa. For dessert, we went to the very comfortable cocktail lounge for chocolate martinis. In case I forget to mention it again, the bar staff are awesome.
As you walk into the Strand’s bar, you’ll see a large double door on your left. It could almost blend into the decor because it completely belies what is behind. Open the doors to what was the Carillon’s private dining room back in the day and you are entering a magical space. The Tambourine Room by Tristan Brandt is a Michelin-starred dinind experience limited to only 18 guests at a time. The menu is based on Chef Brandt’s foundation in classical fine French and Asian cuisines. A 10 course tasting sourced from local producers excites the senses at $250 per person with $125 chef-selected wine pairing.
For The Non-Wellness Minded
What if you’re not interested in the wellness component? The litmus test for me is whether or not I can take my husband, who will not participate in any spa treatments, and you will never catch him in a fitness center unless he has accidentally taken a wrong turn.
He would have no trouble lounging under an umbrella on the 750 linear foot beach or by the cabana pool, enjoying food and libations from the Seaglass Café. He might decide to work on his tan by the adults-only saltwater rooftop Atlantic pool. He would love dining on the patio or inside at The Strand, and may even treat himself to the exquisite tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Tambourine restaurant. He would enjoy the full bar (great cocktails – big thumbs up to the Flores gin and tonic, a blend of Hendricks Flora Dora Gin, elderflower tonic, and orange bitters) and comfortable lounge. He would love the spacious accommodations, the views, and being able to relax and watch his favorite TV shows.
Special Summer Offer
Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel fits the bill whatever your interest – spa relaxation and rejuvenation; tailored goal-specific wellness programs; weekend getaways, business trips for folks who don’t want to get out of their healthy routine on the road, or anyone who wants to enjoy a beachfront getaway with spacious accommodations, fantastic facilities, delicious dining, and all that Miami Beach has to offer.
Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel is a Forbes 4-star resort and AAA Four Diamond Award, and a Virtuoso property, which means I can extend special amenities to you, including an upgrade when available, early check-in and late check-out, $100 resort credit for use in the spa or restaurant, $30 breakfast credit per person. Better yet, take advantage of the current summer promotion and get your 4th night free.
For more information, or to book your stay at Carillon Miami Wellness Hotel, please reach out to me at jayne@ilxtravel.com or 772-200-3956.
As I write, St. Patrick’s Day is but a week away and Irish fare is top of mind. This is the perfect time for me to share our recipe for Shepherd’s Pie, which is enjoyed as much in Britain as it is in the Emerald Isle. Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate comfort food and great for serving at large gatherings as it can be prepared ahead of time.
Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients. Do your mise-en-place (prep) and everything comes together quite quickly. Rather than regular mashed potatoes with milk and butter, indulge yourself by adding the egg yolks and cream. You’re worth it.
Remember that Shepherd’s Pie is made with lamb; it is the sheep herder’s pie after all. Use beef, and you have a Cottage Pie, so called because the mashed potato topping is supposed to represent shingles from a cottage roof.
Proper Shepherd’s Pie
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
2 pounds ground lamb
1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 sprig thyme, finely chopped or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
½ cup red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ¼ cups chicken stock
1 cup frozen peas
Salt & Pepper
1 batch of mashed potatoes (see below)
About 6 tablespoons of Cheddar or Parmesan cheese (I like Parm, which is not traditional, but Irish Cheddar would be a nice touch)
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives or parsley
METHOD
Sauté onion and carrots in olive oil on low until very soft.
Turn the heat to high, add the lamb and quickly brown .
Add rosemary, thyme and garlic. Stir quickly.
Add red wine and deglaze.
Add Worcestershire sauce and tomato puree. Stir.
Add chicken stock and frozen peas.
Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until liquid but not runny.
Season with salt and pepper. Add more Worcestershire sauce if necessary.
Put the filling in a large pie dish,
Scoop or pipe the potatoes on top.
Sprinkle with cheese and chives or parsley.
Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, until golden on top.
The Best Mashed Potatoes for Pie Toppings
INGREDIENTS
2.5 pounds creamer potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4 tablespoons butter
¼ cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
2 egg yolks
Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
Boil the potatoes until soft. Drain immediately.
While the potatoes are still hot, add the butter and mash. We recommend using an electric mixer for smoother potatoes.
