Thinking of booking a wellness retreat in Greece? Then, you’ve come to the right place. As always, The Greek Vibe is out in the field discovering and experiencing first-hand the latest travel trends and one thing I can say for sure: wellness is now trending!
Although it may sound paradoxical, we often plan our holidays without really thinking about what we need. We’re so caught up in our fast-paced world and mind that we add more of that for our holidays. It appears that after Covid-19 this changed. Many people began to think about their health and well-being and started thankfully making it a priority.
► 6 Easy Ways to Stay Balanced and Be Well
Fast-forward two years or so and you’ll find thousands of travelers picking Greece not for its super sexy beaches and nightlife but for its retreats.
Yes, retreat tourism is the new thing and its gaining momentum by the day. According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the number of wellness trips worldwide are expected to reach 1.63 trillion by 2027.
So in tune with the times, today’s post focuses on planning transformative experiences that will leave you refreshed, revitalized, and inspired and answers all your questions about booking a wellness retreat in Greece.
To ensure you get the best and most accurate information, The Greek Vibe spoke with Niki Smirni, who is at the helm of Travelgems, one of the leading retreat planning companies in Greece and Europe, and she offers important insights on how to book the best retreat for you.
Before I get started I just want to say that booking a wellness retreat in Greece is more than just a trip, it’s an investment in your health and well-being and that’s the very best investment there is!
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Why Pick Greece for Your Wellness Retreat?
Before the concept of wellness entered our vocabulary and reality, it was a given in Ancient Greece thousands of years ago. That’s why Greeks had a gods for health, recovery, relief, treatment, and healing, and special healing centers known as the Asclepia, which you can still visit and should read more about here. Greece was after all the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine.
These ancient wellness and healing traditions continue to this day passed on from one generation to the next. I was blessed to learn from my mother and grandmother secrets that make life much easier, help me manage stress and anxiety, and improve my overall wellbeing.
► How to Live Long and Happy Like a Greek
Add to that Greece’s diverse and stunning natural settings from mountain to sea, the revitalizing Mediterranean waters, the scientifically proven ‘king’ of healthy diets, the Mediterranean Diet, and the guidance you can get from the wise words of the Greek philosophers, and you’ve got the recipe for the ultimate transformative wellness journey whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned retreat-goer. “Greece is not just a destination; it’s a holistic experience – one that rejuvenates the spirit, nourishes the body, and touches the heart. It acts as a healing balm for travelers from all walks of life thanks to its unique light, landscapes, blue seas and skies, and incredible weather,” says Niki. “But what truly sets Greece apart is its traditional lifestyle and warm hospitality steeped in centuries-old wellness philosophies.”
Wellness Retreat Destinations in Greece
Like I said above, it’s not by chance that Greeks constructed healing centers thousands of years ago. These were built in areas which were believed to have special healing energies, close to rivers or natural springs, or even at the foot of mountains or volcanos.
So today too you can find wellness retreats everywhere across Greece. I remember one summer not so long ago on Santorini meditating to the sounds of a handpan drum as we watched the sun dip into the sea. Just thinking about that moment still grounds me. Or on Crete where the healing winds lift all worries. So yes, you will find excellent retreats everywhere from Santorini, Zakynthos, and Crete to Skyros, Mani in the Peloponnese, and Attica.
Types of Wellness Retreats in Greece
You’ll find all types of wellness retreats in Greece depending on what you feel you need. These include yoga (many styles) and meditation retreats, detox retreats, commune retreats, luxury spa retreats, mindfulness and inner well-being and empowerment retreats, spiritual retreats, and adventure retreats, among others.
► Unlocking the Secrets of the Asclepions: Greece’s Ancient Wellness Centers
How to Book Your Wellness Retreat in Greece
“Not an easy task,” says Niki. “First and most importantly, what are you expecting to get from the retreat and what do you enjoy doing? What’s your focus? Relaxation, fitness, detox, or spiritual growth? Body, mind, spirit – all three?”
✓ Pick the season, duration (weekend-weeks?), and set a budget.
✓ Then you should do a bit of research, check what’s on offer, read reviews and testimonials from previous guests.
✓ Reach out to a reputed retreat organizer like Travelgems, and they will take you step by step through the process and help you make the best choice that meets your needs.
✓ You can also book directly online which may get you a discount.
✓ Check for early-bird discounts or off-season deals for lower prices.
✓ Ask about discounts for group bookings.
Maria’s Tips for Your Greece Wellness Experience
✓ A retreat is meant to cover all your needs but before you set off I suggest you definitely check out my 20 Things to Know for Your Trip to Greece.
✓ Make sure to pack appropriately. This is a tried and tested list of 16 things you need to pack for Greece.
✓ Stay open-minded – for some of you wellness is a whole different world which you may even have ridiculed in the past. Give yourself time and keep an open mind to new experiences. You won’t regret it.
✓ Maintain balance: You may be eager to try every activity available but remember that wellness starts from slowing down and listening to your body.
✓ Disconnect from all technologies (cellphones, iPad etc.). If necessary, plan a given time in the day – no more than an hour – to answer emails, messages etc. Also make sure to let people know that you’ll be away on a retreat… which means peace and quiet!
✓ Let go and trust!
☞ Feel ready to try something new? Contact The Greek Vibe partner Travelgems and tell them what you’re dreaming of. They’ll take it from there. Don’t forget to tell them that Maria from The Greek Vibe sent you.
► For the trusted resources I use when I travel in Greece and abroad go here
♫ I end today’s post about rejuvenation and balance with a Greek song released in 1985 about inner peace: “I Sotiria tis Psychis” sung by Alkistis Protopsalti to the lyrics of Lina Nikolakopoulou and the music by Stamatis Kraounakis. Translated loosely the song says that the salvation of the soul is a truly great thing.
Enjoy!
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