Tucked away at the foot of the Taygetos mountains in the Peloponnese, Euphoria Retreat is a wellness sanctuary like no other. With just 45 suites and rooms, this elegant, holistic haven offers a variety of programmes ranging from detox and weight loss to general well-being, alongside top-of-the-range treatments rooted in both modern science and ancient healing practices.
The setting is nothing short of magical – surrounded by forest yet just a five-minute walk from the tiny village of Mystras. The village itself is delightfully authentic, with a couple of small tavernas, a local mini-market and a little boutique. Just enough to feel connected to the outside world without losing the tranquillity that Euphoria offers in abundance.
From Worry to Wonder – A First-Timer’s Experience
Having never stayed at a holistic retreat before, I arrived with a touch of apprehension. Would there be enough food? Would I be starving by bedtime, craving a huge G&T and sneaking a biscuit under the duvet?
My worries melted away almost instantly. Whether you opt for breakfast only, half-board or full-board, the food is genuinely wonderful. Meals are nourishing, beautifully presented and surprisingly filling. There’s a strong focus on balance – with ample options for fish lovers, meat eaters and vegans alike. I was never hungry, never woke feeling empty and not once longed for the minibar. In fact, I slept peacefully each night in my clean, natural and calming room, without a single care in the world
Treatments That Make a Difference
Each day brought something new and restorative. My programme included a Five Element Massage, designed to bring the body’s energies into alignment. The therapist focused on my neck and shoulders – an area where I’d recently been experiencing discomfort – and I felt an immediate, lasting relief.
Yoga was another daily gift. The sessions were slow, considered, and deeply peaceful – more about stretching and reconnecting than forcing poses. Add to that the sound healing meditation and guided breathing sessions and I began to feel more grounded and calm than I’ve been in months.
One of the biggest eye-openers was the 3GL analysis. This in-depth look at how your body processes glucose, your gut health and metabolic function gave me a whole new understanding of how my system works. It was empowering – suddenly the idea of fitting back into my size 14 jeans doesn’t feel like a far-off fantasy but a realistic, informed goal.
The Healing Power of Silence and Nature
One of the most special aspects of Euphoria Retreat is its setting. The only sounds are the hum of crickets, the gentle buzz of a passing bee, birdsong drifting through the trees and occasionally, a distant chant from a monastery. It’s as though the landscape itself has been designed for rest and healing.
The grounds are beautifully kept, filled with natural scents and shaded spaces for reading, resting or simply doing nothing at all. You can feel the stillness seep into you the longer you stay.
The Final Treatment – And a Little Mystery
As I write this, I’m heading off to experience my final treatment – the Human Regenerator. I won’t spoil the surprise but let’s just say it sounds futuristic, intriguing and very much in keeping with the mind-body balance Euphoria is all about.
If you’re curious, you’ll have to call me… or better yet, book a stay and find out for yourself.
For Now, Just Me, the Forest, and the Sun
My days here have been filled with peaceful rituals, nourishing food, kind people, and a sense of space I didn’t realise I needed. For now, I’m off to soak up some vitamin D, snoozing gently to the rhythm of the forest.
Euphoria Retreat truly lives up to its name – a place to rediscover yourself, gently and joyfully.
