Within a year of opening, Euphoria scooped the coveted 'Iconic Greek Hotel of the Year’ award and visitors will not be in the least surprised. Perhaps it’s the setting – a 45-room villa amid pine trees and citrus groves, at the foot of dramatic Mt. Taygetos and the UNESCO-listed Byzantine town of Mystras. Perhaps it’s the stunning Zen interior with its staircases, archways and domes, its burnished golds and deep reds and dusky pinks reminiscent of a restored Byzantine palace. But probably, it’s the spa itself – a four-storey cathedral of health complete with, among others, a tepidarium, hammam, salt therapy room and a jaw-dropping hydrotherapy pool – 4m deep, shimmering in celestial light and circling a central sphere. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure: this is not just a hotel with a spa, it’s a world-class spa with fabulous hotel facilities.
Euphoria is the brainchild of Marina Efraimoglou, a former Greek banker who turned to Chinese medicine following a cancer diagnosis. It was her dream to create an oasis where Taoist remedies and Hellenic healing meet modern science, where both body and soul can be nurtured. According to the media, that dream's been realised. Already Euphoria has been called ‘the most exciting spa in Europe for many a moon’ and ‘the most outstanding European newcomer in years’. Believe the hype.
Highs
- The hydrotherapy pool where you can float in the cocoon-like sphere or swim through to an infinity pool overlooking the forest
- You're among health experts here - owner Marina is hugely skilled in transformational healing and Dr George Leon is a highly acclaimed molecular nutritionist
- The cavernous Gaia restaurant excels in healthy, wholesome meals - which can even be tailored to each individual guest's dietary needs (established via a pinprick blood test)
- An astonishing array of treatments for whatever ails you, from meditation and detox to fitness and weight loss. Plus you get one 50-minute treatment per room per night!
- The dramatic landscape and the ancient ruins of nearby Mystras, the last stronghold of the Byzantines
Lows
- Its remote location (the nearest beach is 40 minutes away) means it’s a bit of a trek to get to and, besides Sparta and Mystras, there isn’t a huge amount to see locally
- Only children aged 14+ are allowed and only those 16+ can use the spa
- The sole dining room is largely communal – great for solo guests, perhaps less ideal for those who like to breakfast in peace
Best time to go
As with everywhere in Greece, summer can be blisteringly hot – although Euphoria does have air-conditioning throughout. Spring and autumn are still very warm and probably better for walking, hiking and exploring the forest and local countryside.
Our top tips
Sturdy footwear is a must if you want to leave the retreat. You won’t need a car if you’re sticking to the local area, but you will need a hire if you want to hit the coast. If flying into Kalamata, the mountain road over Taygetos (route 82) to Mystras is jaw-dropping; but not for nervous drivers. If flying into Athens, we’d recommend a night or two at Nafplio on your way there or back; or exploring Athens if you haven’t already.