My travels typically encompass wellness or a component of body, mind, and soul. I’m grateful to have experienced wellness programs in the U.S. and abroad and I must say that this wellness journey in Greece was truly an exploration of ancient and modern health and healing during the first half of the journey followed by more spa and culinary experiences. Go to Greece!
“The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.”-Hippocrates
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Agios Nikolaos, Crete
The adventure began in Crete, and it was a long and arduous journey to get there, so when I saw that my first session was a couple of hours after arriving, I had concerns. Still, I didn’t want to miss out on taking in the sunshine, bougainvillea-lined paths, and the stillness of it all. The Aegean Sea was in full view from my room, and I couldn’t stop looking at it while listening to “Two Rowboats” by Marie Hines, which played continuously in my room–I became obsessed with that song.
Kēpos by Goco Wellness Program
Although exhausted, I headed over to Goco Spa, as I was eager to get started with my consultation with Dr. Sultan Masoud Fawzi. I tend to get“ white coat” syndrome, but Dr. Sultan was a doctor like no other that I’ve ever been to. After his kind and caring way of discussing my health, my goals, and my concerns; here viewed my personalized plan for my Kēpos by Goco Wellness Program.
After consulting with Dr. Sultan, I went to the Personal Fitness Consultation with the 3D Scanner and Cell Wellbeing Epigenetic Analysis. The 3D scanner was an eye-opener as seeing yourself in 3D is a little daunting and yet important to improve health and well-being. Afterward, I gave up four strands of hair from the root for the Cell Wellbeing Analysis. This report went into great depth about possible environmental and dietary issues–the point is to identify these before they present physically.
The report was extensive as it covered several indicators for cardio, environment, vitamins, minerals, resistance, foods, and more. One of the primary indicators for me was under “interference” and showed the computer monitor and mobile phone as items to pay attention to (and, yes, reduce usage).So much vital information was included in this report, something we rarely get during an annual physical in the U.S.
Let me back up for a moment and share more about “kepos” as it’s an Ancient and Modern Greek word meaning” garden, oasis, sanctuary” and KĒPOS by Goco was inspired by the real-life garden in Ancient Athens by the Greek philosopher, Epicurus.
The rest of the components in my personalized wellness program included a BXR Fitness Session, Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, Therapeutic Water Circuit and Infrared Sauna, Yoga, a cryo-facial, and a much-needed reviving massage.
Guests at Daios Cove have many choices in personalizing their wellness program including De-stress, Age Management, Vitality, Revival, and Fitness.
Dining at Daios Cove
There were many choices available at this resort and while wellness was a priority, it was great to experience all the restaurants (and be mindful of the menu choices). From the Greek Yogurt for breakfast at Pangea to lunch at Taverna and the Beach and then dinner at Ocean or RHO–all venues offered a unique experience. There’s so much more to the island of Crete and while most of the time was spent at Daios Cove I hope to return one day to explore more of this large island.
Sailing to Santorini
The ferry ride from Crete was interesting, to say the least, and reaching Santorini was the prize. Seeing Santorini for the first time was spectacular and to think the caldera was formed over 3000 years ago, in 1600 BCE, in what was originally called Strogili. The magma from the volcano caused Strogili to collapse into the sea and this created the caldera. White-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and Greek hospitality attract over 3 million visitors per year.
There’s a special feeling you get when you finally get to visit a far-off place from your bucket list and, for me, Santorini was such a place.
Santorini is likely at the top of many travel bucket lists and has long been known as a honeymoon destination, however, it’s also a great spot for solo travel and offers many options for a wellness focus (and culinary delights!)
Did you know?
The Venetians named Santorini as it’s derived from “Santa Irini”–the Italian name for the Church of Saint Irene.
Andronis Boutique Hotel, Oia, Santorini
It was too early to check into my room at Andronis, which had left time to explore the Caldera. It was quiet when I arrived as it was still considered pre-season, but in the distance, you could see a ship getting ready to dock and by the time I walked out of a shop after purchasing a raw Lapis Lazuli ring (it had to be blue), I was met with a crowd. You’ve likely heard that Santorini will be limiting the number of cruise lines starting in2025 due to overtourism.
Despite the crowd, Santorini was one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever visited. A draw for Santorini, of course, is the blue-domed churches as I imagined photographing them so many times. As I walked upstream into a sea of people, I found it difficult to photograph the beauty in front of me, so I didn’t capture all that I hoped for and yet I’m beyond grateful to have witnessed the vibrancy of each dome and the unique village along the Caldera.
Blue is my favorite color, and I witnessed all shades of blue in Greece – Sapphire, Cobalt, Turquoise, Cerulean, Indigo, Azure.
“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has the power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.”-Eleonora Duse
I also refer to Santorini as the journey of a million steps as I ventured down steps leading to the most amazing hotels and restaurants. What you discover once you descend will be beyond exciting and so it was with Lauda, my hotel’s restaurant along the Aegean, for the most memorable dining experience. A million-dollar view and chef’s menu made for an evening of culinary delights. On to the next hotel…
Andronis Arcadia, Oia, Santorini
When you think about luxury in Greece, Andronis surely comes to mind. There are several Andronis properties throughout Greece, and Andronis Arcadia was the second one I experienced as Santorini was more about the wellness of spirit and soul as the surrounding beauty was uplifting and welcoming.
The highlights at Andronis Arcadia included the spa, Evexia, which means “wellbeing” in Greek, the pool area, and the dining venues. If you go, you’ll want to spend time at the spa as they offer ESPA branded services, an open-air spa lounge with personal tea service, and highly trained and caring therapists. The ESPA Inner Calm Massage, which I chose, was a restorative and welcome experience. The spa sources its aroma therapy essences from an organic farm in Crete. You can choose from a plethora of natural scents including Eucalyptus, Basil, Rosemary, Lavender, Lemongrass, Orange, Sandalwood, and more.
Lycabettus is in the Andronis Luxury Suites, and you’ll descend about 100 steps down to the restaurant with even more of a workout climbing back up. This was a steep descent along cement and stone steps, which were also sloped, but this magical evening was worth it…again. A chef’s menu, Greek wines, Insta-worthy desserts, and that million-dollar view. This popular spot offers outdoor seating overlooking the Mediterranean with some tables along the edge of the cliff. It’s a desirable location for a marriage proposal.
I loved exploring Pyrgos with its narrow, winding streets and steps leading to hidden passages and amazing views, blue-domed churches, and small shops. Walking along the beach in the coastal village of Kamari and stopping for a beverage was memorable and then meandering for more affordable shopping in the village of Megalochori.
Folegandros–a one-day journey to my favorite island!
Gundari Resort is located on Folegandros and my journey to Greece was prior to their opening, but I was able to visit this island that is in the southern part of the Cyclades, and it was one of my best days in Greece.
Much of Greece and especially Folegandros, reminded me of Arizona and the American southwest with its desert-like and rocky terrain, According to Greek Mythology, Folegandros was the name of the son of Minos, the former king of Crete and it may also be from a Phoenician word meaning a rock-strewn land, which is what it looks like.
Gundari, a luxury 5-star hotel, sits on 80 acres with buildings and surroundings that blend into the landscape. It was designed and built to be sustainable and some of its initiatives include a carbon monitoring &certification program through Earth Check, renewable solar energy for hot water and pool heating, and working towards zero waste and no single-use plastics.
The spa uses healing therapies and traditions of ancient Greeks along with native herbs for a unique spa experience. There’s a mineral pool and other offerings including meditation, yoga, and energy healing.
One of my favorite excursions on Folegandros included going into Chora, the main town on this authentically Greek island. Narrow cobblestone streets, blue and white buildings adorned with bougainvillea, several squares, small shops, and family-run taverns with simply delicious Greek food.
Back to Andronis Arcadia and dinner on the last night of this journey in Santorini was at the Beef bar, located in the hotel. This was an incomparable dining experience as I typically only eat beef 1-2 times per year, and I met that quota in one sitting. It started with a Bao Bun with Kobe Beef, followed by a sampling of the pepper-crusted beef, Wagyu, and Kobe Beef Teppanyaki as this is a menu meant to be shared. They do offer vegetarian and seafood options. There are Beef bar locations around the world with one in the U.S., in New York City.
The Dolli, Athens, Greece
Going to Greece wouldn’t be complete without exploring Athens and for this journey, it would only be for one night. There are many luxury hotels in Athens and The Dolli (Grecotel) is at the top of my list. The 46-room hotel is absolutely stunning the moment you walk in with its grand lobby and Le Salon with artwork by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau to all the amazing spaces throughout. The rooms are light and bright at this intimate boutique hotel, and it was one of my favorite rooms throughout the journey. The Roof Top Bar on the 5th floor is where you’ll get the most spectacular view of the Acropolis (try the Mastiha cocktail-Mastiha is a resin from the mastic tree with a pine/cedar-like taste).
My last evening’s dinner in Greece was at Grecotel’s Cape Sounio, on the Athens Riviera and an archaeological site overlooking the Temple of Poseidon. This idyllic seaside resort is about 45 minutes from downtown Athens and well worth a two or three-night stay to explore the area, enjoy the spa, and contemplate life in the presence and sacredness of the area.
There wasn’t time to visit everything I wanted to see in Athens on this journey, but I plan on returning to Greece to spend more time in Athens with visits to some of the smaller islands. That’s another story.
“It takes a lifetime to discover Greece, but it only takes an instant to fall in love with her.”–Henry Miller
More information:
Kepos by Goco Wellness Program
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