GREEK RENEWAL

In and around Athens, these retreats consider wellness as a vital part of the travel and escape.

- LUO JINGMEI

It is not surprising that Greece has hundreds of medicinal spas.

From antiquity, the Greeks placed great importance in the concept of wellness. But it’s not just about having a healthy body. A healthy mind and soul are integral to holistic health. Hence, hypnotherapy, massages, a balanced, detoxifying diet and therapies using natural herbs have been long associated with healing, rejuvenation and restoration. These rituals survive to this day.

Greece provides multiple sources for wellness experiences. The warm waters of thermal spas have healing benefits due to their mineral compositions while thalassotherapy in coastal hotels and clubs use a combination of seawater, seaweed and sea mud drawn from the nation’s ample shores. The country’s mild Mediterranean climate, mountain ranges and green landscapes – perfect for growing herbs and flora to be used in balms, potions and masks – are in itself a form of therapy.

The capital of Greece, Athens, is known for many things – history, culture and art. But it also offers a host of wellness offerings that one need not go too far off islands to enjoy. The best hotels know that one cannot leave without a taste of what Athens has to offer in terms of wellness. Here, we highlight four properties to consider, whether you only have a day or a week in the ancient city.

ONE&ONLY AESTHESIS