Euphoria Retreat is a luxury destination spa and transformational center in Greece’s mystical Peloponnese. Euphoria’s unique wellness ethos is rooted in Greek and Chinese philosophies based on the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. 

The destination reopened on May 26, with the launch of the new “Feel Alive Again” program addressing the need for recovery and reinvigoration with an immersive scheduled program, as an add-on to Euphoria’s other existing retreat programs, or through regularly scheduled activities, classes and workshops held across the property.Centered on recovery and renewal, the “Feel Alive Again” concept is about processing the past, releasing the negative, feeling safe and secure, reconnecting with people and harnessing both inner strength and flexibility.

Euphoria Retreat was founded by Marina Efraimoglou, who followed a personal path of inner development to create the special healing retreat. She had a successful career in the financial sector, founding her business Telesis in 1993. In 2000, Efraimoglou received the Kouros Award for Growth and Innovation in recognition of her role as the only female major shareholder, acting as president and co-managing director of a bank. She is also a life member of the board of IME (Foundation of the Hellenic world), which was founded by her family.

After a pivotal personal health crisis, Marina shifted her attention from the financial world to the worlds of holistic medicine and self-actualization. Committed to leading a more spiritual life, she studied in-depth with pioneers in the field including Deepak Chopra, and traveled the world seeking knowledge and experience in its most authentic form. Her passion for wellness and spas led her to visit the world’s best to learn from the leaders in the industry.

Since completing her studies in Chinese Medicine, Marina has worked in transformational healing for over a decade. The culmination of her studies, experiences, and intrinsic understanding of the human condition led her on an exhaustive search for the ideal location. She finally found it in the UNESCO-protected mystical town of Mystras—and Euphoria Retreat was born in July 2018. 

Why You’ll Love It:

At first glance, guests will be moved by the beauty and mystical powers of Euphoria’s authentic, natural setting surrounded by citrus groves, ancient ruins, and private energy forests. Guest will be drawn to its prominent Mediterranean spirit, intimate hospitality, and array of services inspiring self-discovery. 

Euphoria Retreat’s motto, “Your Life Your Journey,” offers personalized renewal and reinvention empowering guests to be their own healers, following a non-restrictive approach to healing that allows guests to choose how they want to experience the destination—whether for a simple rejuvenating spa break or a more immersive transformational program.

Euphoria’s cornerstone belief underlines the teaching of Ancient Greek philosophers sharing that life is joyful, exciting, full of growth, and discovery. The philosophy emphasizes individual freedom of choice leading to positive life change and harmony. 

What to expect:

Euphoria guides guests through meaningful self-transformation to achieve mental, physical, and emotional balance through bespoke programs, retreats, and therapies promoting health and connection to one’s self, others, and nature. The Euphoria Methodos (the retreat’s signature wellness ethos) incorporates both Greek and Chinese philosophies, and their common theory of the Five Elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. It focuses on how these elements are parallel to the natural cycle of life, seasons, and personal transformation, emphasizing that everything is connected.

Each element embodies distinctive characteristics that are reflected in patterns of human health and behavior. Furthermore, Euphoria Methodos is seamlessly integrated into the personalized wellness, fitness and nutritional programs; transformational retreats; innovative spa facility and treatments; culinary experiences; and Byzantine minimalistic Zen design inspired by the region’s traditional architecture. They have all been meticulously considered to offer an effective, comprehensive, holistic healing experience.

Atmosphere:

People that visit the spa for the first time will be amazed by its warm atmosphere, which is also surrounded by warm-hearted people that are ready to welcome and pamper them along their personal journey to transformation. Guests will have the chance to witness how well the natural environment is harmonized and balanced with the architecture and design, and they will feel the 'grounded optimism' that characterizes this unique place.

Feel Alive Program:

Throughout the summer, guests can enjoy varying “Feel Alive Again” components, which will be held across the resort - including picnics and sunset gatherings, breathwork classes by the swimming pool and nutritional workshops. Five Elements meditations and fun and expressive dance and performance work rooted in the Greek myths and tragedies (with a whole new purpose to ‘mask’ wearing and the release of emotions) will all be on offer, as well as journaling, forest treasure hunts, music and mandalas. “Feel Alive Again” is for anyone looking to step into the new, feel like themselves again, reintegrate and reignite.

Learn More: “FEEL ALIVE AGAIN” AT EUPHORIA RETREAT IN GREECE’S MYSTICAL PELOPONNESE

Wellness Offerings:

There is no “one size fits all” program and experiences differ from person to person. Guests are encouraged to meet with a specialist for a consultation to design a program personalized to their wellness, fitness, weight-loss, nutritional, and transformative goals. Themed group signature retreats and personalized programs are also offered.

Euphoria's Signature Retreats cover a variety of disciplines and intentions. For example, Euphoria offers the Spartan Spirit of Adventure retreat, where guests spend a week exploring Sparta through hiking, cultural walking tours, interval training, cycling, rock climbing, swimming, and much more. Activities take place in multiple cultural locations to enjoy the beauty and history at Euphoria’s doorstep. 

Personalized Programs are another way to experience transformation at Euphoria and include Wellbeing & Detox, Advanced Weight Loss, Relax and Destress, Yoga & Mindfulness, and even an Escape For Couples, among others.

Fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, and personal training are available, along with an array of treatments that cover energy healing, emotional healing, guided meditations, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and more. You can view a full list of spa and wellness treatments HERE.

Cuisine:

Euphoria’s approach to food and nutrition integrates a naturally delicious Mediterranean diet incorporating regional and ancient recipes that have been adapted to maximize their health benefits, retaining all the flavor and spirit of the surrounding countryside. The culinary team has nurtured relationships with responsible local farmers, producers, and winemakers, creating a menu that uses organic seasonal ingredients whenever possible—and from the retreat’s own vegetable and herb garden.

The retreat incorporates a nutritional assessment with the unique 3GL Therapy, a simple finger-prick blood test to measure glutathione levels—the most important antioxidant cellular protector in regulating metabolism. Recommended for stays of three days or more, this aids in designing a meal plan fit to individual needs.

 In tandem with the 3GL Therapy test and results, Euphoria’s personalized Five Meal Plan follows the scientifically-proved nutritional model of measured portions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner—in ideal proportions of carbohydrates, fibers, fats, and proteins—along with two smaller snacks throughout the day, achieving an ideal isoglycemic diet. This targets a gradual self-adjustment of biochemical and hormone regulation in the metabolism and a fast-feeding nutritional recovery model that will detoxify the body, fight inflammation, and reinforce the immune system.

The retreat’s restaurant, GAIA, serves à la carte options and set menus, offering the same nourishing and delightful gastronomy concept in a warm communal setting with stunning panoramic views. There is also a bar that offers fresh and healthy drinks, smoothies, and light alcohol with a curated wine list including the best Greek vintages. 

Accommodations:

At the foothill of an energy forest and the Castle of Mystras, Euphoria Retreat was built around the 1830s Leoncini Mansion. The property features 45 rooms and suites combining sleek Zen minimalist design with ultra-modern amenities including bioclimatisation, home automation systems, and plush mattresses exclusively-made for Euphoria that contour the body. Décor is inspired by the region’s Byzantine iconography in a vibrant color palette of gold, red, green, and blue.

Other design elements include solid-wood furniture, marble or wooden floors, and luxuriously fitted bathrooms with signature amenities. No two rooms are alike, and some even have their own Steam Shower. Insulation is provided for warmth and sound, ensuring a deep rest allowing for optimal rejuvenation.

All guest rooms open onto balconies, terraces, or courtyards with gorgeous views of the surroundings. An additional six rooms are available in the Leoncini Mansion and can be booked for exclusive use including a private dining room, perfect for business or leisure groups. 

The Spa:

The stunning focal point of the retreat is the four-level spa imbedded into the mountainside, allowing for a more holistic experience and authentic communion with nature. Each level of the spa represents a distinct passage in the transformational journey with a strong connection to Hellenic wellness philosophies and Byzantine-inspired design incorporating interplay of light and darkness, yin and yang, and a water motif carried throughout. At its center embodying this design philosophy is the 25-meter deep Waterwell Kneipp Therapy, doubling as a spiral staircase with hot and cold foot baths at its base and an oculus opening to the sky. 

The signature Sphere Pool offers a rebirthing experience with its curved walls lined with hydrotherapy jets and a water circuit. Other spa facilities include a Tepidarium, Byzantine Hammam, Watsu pool, steam room, cold plunge, circular Finnish sauna, andinfrared sauna. Additional on-trend facilities include Experiential Showers, a Speleotherapy Salt Room, and the Sanctuary Deprivation Pool—with a beautiful relaxation area and spa garden providing space for quiet contemplation.

The top floor fitness facilities include yoga, Pilates, and meditation rooms, and a fitness center with the latest Technogym cardio and strength training equipment. There’s additional outdoor space for exercise and a California hot tub. A connecting indoor/outdoor pool allows for magnificent views of Sparta and the ancient Mystras Castle.

Signature Treatment:

There are 15 treatment rooms with two doubles, which provide the perfect space for customized, signature, or traditional therapies. Signature treatments include:

• Five Element Balancing (50 min/147€), which is inspired by the theory of the five elements of ancient Greek and Chinese medicine, according to which nature is divided into five elements with distinct characteristics that are also reflected in patterns of human health and behavior, and in specific organs of the body. 

• The Royal Euphoria Bodywork (80min /220€) uses on-and-off body techniques to release stagnant energy.

• Guest also can experience specialist therapies like Acupuncture (50mim/147€) or energy healing with a Chakra Balancing Treatment (50 min/147€), among others. 

What is one thing that you hope guests will take away from a visit to Euphoria Retreat?  

After their experience at Euphoria Retreat, guests will feel warm and secure, not only by the unique environment but also by the people that are the heart of this place. They will feel fully pampered and relaxed. They will have managed to get in touch with their inner selves and to gain all the necessary tools in order to make the next step to transformation. For the guest, this combination of nature, architecture, people, and philosophy—blending ancient healing therapies with modern comforts and innovative practices—becomes a single, unified experience.

Featured Products:

The Euphoria Spa features products from Globalia and Biologique Recherche. In the Byzantine Hammam, products from the brand Charme d'Orient are used. 

For more information, visit EuphoriaRetreat.com and follow @EuphoriaRetreat on Instagram.

[Images courtesy of Euphoria Retreat]

Euphoria Retreat

MYSTRAS, SPARTA GREECE

 +30 2731 306 111

RESERVATIONS@EUPHORIARETREAT.COM