If you’ve never been to the Peloponnese, the peninsula in Southern Greece, my suggestion is that you start making your plans now! You’ll visit ancient ruins like the archaeological site of Mystras, take spectacular hikes in a place called the Lagadiotissa Gorge and explore world-class heritage sites like ancient Sparta.
But these are all sidetrips for what turned out to be one of the most enlightening, spiritual and learning experiences that I have had in a long time.
My destination was the Euphoria Retreat, a magnificent architectural oasis located a short walk from the charming town of Mystras in the foothills of Mount Taygetus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
A world-class wellness and longevity destination founded by Marina Efraimoglou, I went there to participate in their annual 10-day Wellbeing Festival around Macrozoe, the Greek path to longevity. It’s only one of many different retreats throughout the year, like Optimal Sleep, Integrative Female Health, Advanced Longevity & Metabolic Optimization, and the Odysseus Journey program (timely considering the recent release of The Odyssey film).
Marina, an inspiring woman who is full of personality, had asked me to join the festival to participate in a number of panels on longevity topics and to lead a group conversation on ways to live longer and healthier lives, based on what I have learned in writing both ROAR and Longevity Nation.
I’d be joining Dr. Monisha Bhanote, Dr. Louise Newson, Tiffany Cruikshank and many others who would all be conducting workshops and panels on health, well-being, biohacking trends and yoga sessions.
What I didn’t expect after the two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Athens airport was the sheer beauty of the location and the unique and inviting design of the resort that has a welcoming feel of Greek hospitality. Since this was my fourth stop on my Longevity Nation book tour, I was ready for a relaxed atmosphere. I felt it the moment I arrived.
A sweeping entryway with views of the Greek countryside sets a calming tone for visitors to this multi-level, sprawling resort.
Built into the mountainside one flight above the reception area is a 4-story spa that includes a magnificent gym (always important to me), yoga rooms, saunas, a tepidarium, treatment rooms, a Byzantine Hammam and Sphere Pool (more on that later), and areas for solitude and reflection.
There’s a feeling of intimacy at Euphoria as there are only 45 rooms spread throughout the complex, allowing for a sense of privacy and relaxation.
During the week, the group that came from Sweden, the U.S., England, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Holland, and other parts of the world would come together for a rich set of event offerings, as well as the bountiful Mediterranean food that was served buffet style, allowing people to join in groups or dine alone.
(Spoiler alert: every meal had so much fresh, sumptuous food prepared by the chefs that it deserves its own story. But trust me, you’ll want everything on the menu from the fresh grilled Mediterranean fish to huge salad choices with legumes, barley, quinoa, avocado and more. I could go on and on!)
The week had programming that started with an early morning hike or “forest bathing” with offerings throughout the day. While there was no pressure to attend everything, I was curious about all the offerings from the Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy session to Movement Medicine, meditation, sound healing and more.
There was also plenty of opportunity for solitude to enjoy the environment, take walks or runs into the hiking paths that start at the resort itself (my daily ritual).
Euphoria opened in 2018 and is a sanctuary to learn more about yourself, your purpose, and your future self. I love their mantra of “Reclaim the path to a longer, more vibrant life.”
For so many people at midlife (the majority of their guests that week), being at Euphoria is an opportunity to stop and do some serious self-care of mind, body, and soul.
One way that they guide their visitors is through the Methodos philosophy: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, a holistic perspective on leading a fulfilling life and enhancing longevity. Each element captures essential principles – willpower, vision, passion, commitment, and authenticity.
The Sphere pool is an introduction to water. It is a stunning spherical chamber whose design is inspired by Byzantine domes and is in the middle of the spa itself. It represents the water element, allowing an individual to float in the warm water to the sounds of whale songs beneath the surface.
It might be one of the most calming experiences that you will ever have if you let yourself submit to the sensory experience and paves the way for the other elements of Methodos.
What I loved about Euphoria is how it balances the traditional spa and wellness experience with new dimensions of longevity medicine and treatments. It’s done in a thoughtful and interesting way.
There is a vast menu of choices from advanced metabolic and biomarker testing to personalized nutrition plans, as well as red and near-infrared light therapy and human regeneration therapy.
What intrigued me was the OligoScan test, a non-invasive procedure that measured levels of minerals, vitamins, trace elements, and heavy metals in my own body.
Once I did it and had a consultation with their on-site doctor, I was able to learn what I needed more of (magnesium) and what I had too much of (mercury). When I took the results back to my primary care physician, I was able to make some changes for a healthier balance of minerals and vitamins in my body.
While all of the experiences and programming at Euphoria were inspiring and meaningful, what made my visit so special was the people.
Marina, who is warm, generous, inviting, and welcoming, makes you feel that a great friend is inviting you into her home. The staff was delightful in every way, attentive and helpful, smiling and saying hello as you passed them. It’s hospitality at the highest level.
My fellow “teachers” and attendees were a true delight to be with. I learned so much from Dr. Bhanote and read her book, “The Anatomy of Well-Being,” while I was there and ultimately bought copies for family and friends.
Eleana Papacharalambous, who is a part of the Euphoria team, played a role in keeping us all on track and moderated a “Macrozoe Forum” with several of us to explore how we have reinvented ourselves over the years.
One of the unique experiences was a hike with SANCTUM with co-founders Luuk Melisse and Gabriel Olszewski. Deep into the forest, we all wore headsets to listen to inspirational music and immersed ourselves in movement and being in nature together, but also within our own introspection.
For the sake of privacy, I won’t share what the attendees revealed about their lives, their hopes and dreams, but I’ll tell you it was all done in a warm space and place of discretion and acceptance.
I even found myself telling a deeply personal story about my upbringing that shocked me. Somehow the group had led me to a comfort zone that had me open up in an unanticipated way.
Upon reflection, the experience gave me some new perspective on my own life’s journey.
What was also fulfilling was the feedback that I got on what I was able to impart in the sessions that I led or participated in. The deep human interactions that I felt in my experience there were a testament to the kind of environment that Marina and her team have created.
On the last night of the program, we all headed down to the main square of the charming town of Mystras. In true welcoming fashion, Marina had provided music for the event and invited all of the townspeople and travelers to join in.
We dined, we danced in the square, we laughed, we hugged each other, and we felt a camaraderie and connection that we all need as humans. As I looked around, I saw joy and contentment.
Beneath the wide-open Greek sky with my newfound friends around me, I had a special feeling too. Do I dare say it? I felt Euphoric!
