Euphoria Retreat is a luxurious holistic well-being destination spa nestled in the heart of the Peloponnese, surrounded by pine-clad forests, olive groves, and ancient Byzantine villages. Located in a serene hillside setting on Mount Taygetus in the historic village of Mystras, this retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary for those seeking a transformative spiritual healing journey.
Founded by Marina Efraimoglou, a former chairwoman of a Greek bank, after a life-changing health scare, Euphoria Retreat was created with the vision of blending holistic well-being with the natural beauty of the region. Marina retrained as a Chinese medicine practitioner and designed the retreat as a haven for self-discovery and healing.
With its tranquil environment and proximity to the historical heart of the Peloponnese, the retreat is easily accessible. Direct flights from the UK to Kalamata Airport are available from April to October, just an hour’s drive from the retreat. Outside of the season, a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Athens Airport through Sparta takes you to this rejuvenating escape. On arrival, I was warmly welcomed with a soothing herbal infusion, setting the tone for a truly relaxing experience amid the stunning surroundings.
The Hotel
Euphoria Retreat's philosophy is rooted in balancing the energies and emotions of the five elements—Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal—aimed at enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of every guest. The retreat’s design is inspired by the Byzantine era, with large arches and open, light-filled spaces that create a peaceful, calming atmosphere.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of towering pine forests, vibrant citrus groves, and breathtaking mountain views, every corner of the retreat is crafted to help you reconnect with your inner peace. As an adults-only sanctuary, the grounds maintain a serene and tranquil vibe, perfect for those seeking respite from the outside world. Euphoria Retreat also encourages calm and silence, with phones permitted only in the bedrooms and lobby area, ensuring guests can fully immerse themselves in the peaceful, rejuvenating environment.
Rooms
Set within three uniquely designed buildings inspired by Byzantine architecture, Euphoria Retreat boasts 45 rooms decorated in warm, earthy tones to create a peaceful, zen-like atmosphere. During my stay, I was fortunate enough to experience a Superior Deluxe room, which was spacious and equipped with all the modern amenities you'd expect. My private terrace overlooked the lush forest and valley, providing the ideal spot for my morning yoga practice, with a yoga mat conveniently provided in the room. It was the perfect setting to begin each day in complete serenity.
The Wellness Facilities
For those seeking to reset and reconnect with themselves, Euphoria Retreat offers the perfect peaceful setting for a rejuvenating escape. While some guests come to enjoy the relaxing facilities, most opt for one of the retreat's wellness programmes, ranging from burnout recovery to detox, weight loss, and mindfulness. These programmes are inspired by a unique blend of Chinese Taoist and Greek Hellenic healing philosophies, alongside modern medicine, to guide you on a journey of personal transformation towards a more holistic, socially aware, and spiritually satisfying life.
A key component of most wellness programmes is the 3GL analysis and respiratory test, which helps to assess your metabolic health. The 3GL analysis involves a simple blood pinprick to measure your glutathione levels. Since glutathione levels naturally decrease with age, stress, diet, and toxins, the retreat’s dietary concept encourages eating small, frequent meals to balance the body’s metabolic needs. When I learned that my glutathione levels were low, my daily snacks were packed with antioxidants to help regulate them.
What I loved most about Euphoria was the variety of activities available each day. With 3-4 wellness acivities, including hikes, yoga classes, fitness sessions, and educational lectures on the retreat's philosophies, I could choose to be as active or relaxed as I wished. A highlight of my stay was the hike to Mystras Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as an early morning run to a nearby village.
Spa
Upon entering the spa at Euphoria Retreat, I was immediately enveloped in a sense of calm. The spa spans four levels, with a stunning 25m water well spiralling through the centre, symbolising light and the emptiness at the core of us all. At the foot of the water well, a Kneipp pool, bathed in natural light, sets the tone for the restorative atmosphere. The spa features a range of facilities designed to promote relaxation, including a tepidarium, a Byzantine hammam, a salt room, experimental showers, a marble steam room, an outdoor California hot tub, and a Finnish sauna. The indoor-outdoor pool boasts a hydrotherapy circuit and a womb-like sphere, which offers a meditative experience accompanied by the soothing sounds of whales and dolphins calling beneath the surface of the water.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of experiencing some of Euphoria’s signature treatments, and here are my favourites:
Byzantine Hammam: This indulgent treatment began with a thorough body exfoliation, followed by a deeply relaxing massage. My therapist then rehydrated my skin with cream and cocooned me in a towel, leaving me to unwind in a blissful daze in the tepidarium.
5 Element Balancing Massage: Before my treatment, I filled out a detailed questionnaire to help my therapist identify the imbalances in my dominant element. The massage techniques varied based on each element’s energy flow, leaving me feeling deeply restored.
Sanctuary for Busy Minds: This treatment focused on opening the energy channels in my feet through gentle pressure on specific points, before moving onto my head. The relaxation was so deep that I kept dozing off, which made it all the more rejuvenating.
Each treatment offered a different form of restorative relaxation, making the spa experience at Euphoria Retreat one of the most tranquil and transformative I’ve ever had.
Dining
Euphoria Retreat takes a refreshing approach to dining, focusing on a balanced, nutritious menu rather than calorie counting. Using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, the retreat offers a variety of delicious dishes, including lamb, pasta, soups, and salads, as well as a wellness-focused menu for those looking to nourish their body even further. During my time there, I also met guests on the detox and weight loss wellness programmes whose meals were carefully tailored to their individual needs after consultations with the nutritionist.
One of the highlights of the dining experience was the communal dining table, which I particularly appreciated as a solo traveller. It was a great opportunity to connect with others, share stories, and enjoy meals in good company, making the experience feel even more welcoming and social.
Our verdict
Euphoria Retreat has quickly earned its reputation as a standout in the wellness spa scene, winning numerous awards since its inception just four years ago. A beautiful blend of luxury and holistic wellbeing, it offers the perfect escape for anyone looking to restore balance to the mind, body, and soul in a serene and peaceful environment. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or personal transformation, Euphoria Retreat is a truly exceptional destination.
Find out more about Euphoria Retreat here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082.