A short drive from Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals Euphoria Retreat, a five-star spa hotel in Greece that feels intentionally removed from the pace of daily life. Known for its careful design, immersive wellness programs, and focus on holistic wellbeing, the retreat has earned accolades, including TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2025 and a Michelin Key.
Where History, Nature, and Design Come Together
Inspired by Hagia Sophia, the retreat blends elegance with restraint. Stone arches and terracotta rooftops sit amid pine trees, with Mount Taygetos rising nearby and citrus groves stretching across the valley. The environment is calm, grounded, and deeply connected to its surroundings, offering a profound sense of place without distraction.
Located less than three hours from Athens, the retreat provides convenient access while still offering a noticeable shift in atmosphere.
A Spa Center Built for Deep Restoration
At the heart of the property sits a 3,000-square-meter wellness center designed to support physical and mental balance. Facilities include Finnish and infrared saunas, a Hammam, a salt room, and a cold plunge pool. The most talked-about feature is the Byzantine-style pool, described by Euphoria Retreat as “symbolic of spiritual rebirth.”
This pool sits beneath a dome and reaches depths of up to 13 feet. While submerged, guests hear soft marine sounds, creating a calming sensory effect that sets it apart from traditional spa pools.
Philosophy Rooted in Healing Traditions
Founder Marina Efraimoglou built Euphoria Retreat after leaving a career in finance following a cancer diagnosis in her twenties. The retreat reflects the practices that supported her recovery, with a strong focus on nutrition, mindful movement, and mental awareness.
Programs blend Greek and Chinese healing traditions, keeping the connection between body and mind central to every treatment, activity, and meal.
Program Options at Euphoria Retreat
Euphoria Retreat offers a wide range of structured programs tailored to different needs, fitness levels, and lengths of stay. Rates generally start at around €300 per night, including accommodations, spa access, and daily wellness and fitness classes. Treatments and specialized workshops usually come at an additional cost.
Many programs aim to restore balance on both physical and emotional levels. One example is the five-day Relax and Destress retreat, which includes about 20 treatments such as nutritional consultations, acupuncture, and a “harmonizing yin and yang” therapy designed to reset energy levels.
For guests seeking movement and challenge, the Spartan Spirit of Adventure program focuses on outdoor activity. Daily schedules may include trail runs, mountain hikes, and team challenges throughout the Peloponnese.
There is also a Leadership Retreat that combines wellness with professional development. Participants take part in group workshops, theater-based communication exercises, and neuro-fascia release massages, allowing space for both reflection and recovery.
Even travel blogger Rachel Heller, who expressed hesitation about the retreat’s more spiritual elements and had never attended a yoga class before, shared a positive takeaway:
“Given my general skepticism about Euphoria Retreat’s philosophy, would I recommend it? Absolutely…if you can afford it.”
Daily Life Beyond the Programs
Guests are not limited to structured retreats. A full schedule of fitness classes and outdoor activities is available to all visitors. Mornings may include circuit training, followed by outdoor yoga sessions, with group hikes on Mount Taygetos often planned for the afternoon.
The spa menu extends beyond standard offerings. One standout option is Watsu, an aquatic therapy performed in warm water where guests float while receiving gentle stretching and massage.
Dining and Nutrition on Property
Meals aren’t included at most retreats, and guests planning to eat only at Euphoria Retreat should expect to spend about €100 per day. The menu celebrates Mediterranean cuisine with clean, balanced flavors — olive oil, citrus, and fresh herbs take the spotlight, and some ingredients are grown on-site. Meals are designed to nourish the body while supporting wellness goals.
Exploring the area outside the resort rewards the curious. Mystras’ Byzantine ruins and cobbled lanes transport visitors back in time, while Sparta, five kilometers away, offers a slice of modern local life. A drive through the surrounding hills reveals small villages and olive groves, highlighting the Peloponnese’s understated cultural richness.
Euphoria Retreat stands out for its immersive wellness approach, thoughtful design, and carefully structured programs. Though it is not a budget-friendly option, the retreat’s focus on balance and depth makes it a compelling choice for travelers seeking more than a standard spa stay. The experience combines history, modern comfort, and healing practices in a way that feels intentional and quietly impactful.