Nicola Thomas
I started working in travel in January 1980 so I bring over 40 years of experience in this industry to my business. Atlantic and Pacific Travel was my training ground and after a short break, when I managed to squeeze in a couple of years in the advertising world, I started Accent on Travel. 30 years this year - an achievement I am immensely proud of, especially after the last few! I have been lucky enough to experience many parts of the world - so if someone asks me where my favourite spot in the world is, well...you won't get a short answer! There are too many favourites to choose.
In light of the last 2 years I have decided that Accent on Travel will have a new address this year. I am going to live in Europe for the year and I will continue to work and give you updates on everything that is happening as I see it. Hopefully, many of you will join me on the other side of the world for a short or long time. So whether you email me, or text me or even better what’s app, I will be there. We can make times to talk and plan, so you too can explore the world.
Euphoria Retreat - My 5 Day Journey
Wed Oct. 19th 2022
In the town of Mystras, built on the side of a mountain overlooking the valley of silver and green olive trees
So here is my 5 day Wellness and Detox journey
No alcohol, no coffee, and whatever I get given to eat based on my consultation with the nutritionist.
Day 0 – I arrive the day before my programme begins.
I drove from Nafplio over the ‘non tolls’ road as I am sick of highways. It’s a grey, rainy sort of day as I head off.
The non tolls road takes me over two mountain passes. I have no idea what that involved. But the road was great = thanks EU.
But this image is not what I saw – I literally saw the road and only 5m in front of me. The road and nothing else.
It was a total white out for 30-40 minutes driving over the first range.
Then I started to come down and it cleared. Dramatic gorges, amazing bridges nestled into the mountains and no one on them, except for the goats. Oh look at the pretty goats. Oh look at the goats all over the road. The shepherd just stands and watches as I brake and sneak though. No advance warning.
I finally get to the town of Mystras and whilst google says turn right that means going onto the small square of the town and go round the table and chairs set out under the tree by the local café, and up a small road that looks like it’s going nowhere. I had already driven on the ancient roads of Nafplio onto the main square and taken out a restaurant sign. I wasn’t doing it again. No of course I don’t do that. Who would !?!?!? After a few times around the very small block I give in. Abandon the car ! A 4 minute walk gets me to the retreat. Right there behind that picture. So I walk back and I finally get to the town of Mystras and whilst google says turn right that means going onto the small square of the town and go round the table and chairs set out under the tree by the local café, and up a small road that looks like it’s going nowhere. I had already driven on the ancient roads of Nafplio onto the main square and taken out a restaurant sign. I wasn’t doing it again. No of course I don’t do that. Who drive over said square and up said dodgy road. Vous et ici.
The welcome is brilliant, and I am instantly into Retreat mode. All feelings of being lost disappear as I settle into my new home for 5 nights.
Euphoria’s heart is based around a unique philosophy incorporating the Ancient Greek, Chinese, Indian and Western Philosophies.
One thing I liked from the start is their respect for your decisions; Your Life, Your Journey. So yes they prefer you don’t drink alcohol, or coffee. Their healthy menu is outstanding. They have areas with no phones. But if you want to have a drink you can. If you want dessert every night – you can.
It’s all about how the ancient Greeks lived - Ef Zin – living well (unless you were a slave of course)
So anyway back to me!
The Spa – where I am going to be – a lot !!
It is a beautifully designed area, as you would expect. The Waterwell at the centre creates an atrium through all 4 floors and a curved staircase allows you to rise up through the centre of the Spa. The staircase is made from exposed concrete and is a great piece of architecture. Water is an important part of the therapies and there are some amazing pools, doing all sorts of different things. Treatment rooms, hammam, gym, yoga, Pilates, relaxation rooms. Outdoor relaxation, hot tub and walks into the forest we are nestled in.
Sigh, smile, sigh. It’s just magic
As is my room; a lovely bedroom and work area. A large bathroom and rain shower. And outdoor terrace with a view over the valley.
It’s been raining most of the day – and it still is – but I know the sun will come out tomorrow (sorry Annie)
My first appointment is at 6pm. And I arrived at 5. So walking calmly but with purpose – back to the Spa
First off I go to see the Doctor.
We talk about my aches and pains (haha that was a long conversation) but a few amazing things did come out – don’t cover your eyes no detailed medical history will be revealed.
Pro-biotics. I have been taking them on my travels. He said stop. After a month of taking them, your gut would have been restored and should be producing its own. The pills are interfering with your own natural production and can have side effects.
Have I had a bone density test, a thyroid test ? No and No. At my age (hmmm) all these things should be done. In Greece it is a given. Not so in NZ, and our thyroid testing is very limited. Doesn’t do the range of testing that is required to really understand what is happening. He’s trying to get me an appointment in Athens !
He has a theory about many of my ‘ailments’ - acupuncture, specific massages – all booked. Let’s see what the outcome is.
So the lovely Doctor finished and I am taken to my first session (even though its Day 0)
My Detox Cupping. Never had this before. I was bit nervous, as it involves glass jars heated with smoke and then stuck to you. Initially it was a little painful as he rubbed the warm glass jars over my back. But he changed something and then they stuck to me. Warm and cosy and actually I didn’t really know they were there, unless I moved and then they chimed together. Then in a literal pop, they popped off!!! It was a great 50 minutes. And I have the nice round marks of the glass jars to remind me. We shall see how long they take to fade.
So now its 8pm and I am starving as I didn’t have lunch
So down to the restaurant. Remember its Day 0 – and the Nutritionist is a date for tomorrow … I get the a la carte menu and what a delight.
You see this Retreat operates as a hotel as well. So book for a few days – lovely sightseeing around, great food and amazing spa treatments that you can just book as you go. Again Your Life, Your Journey.
Of course, I was sensible; goats cheese salad followed by Turkey and quinoa. So tasty and delicious. Special water with crystals was sipped alongside. Sadly, I did have to try the Greek ice cream. But that was a Day 0 thing. Not to be repeated, I am sure.
Stumble up to bed and sink into a lovely bed and for once, I used the pillow menu to get one that actually suits me.
A few trips to the loo because I’ve drunk so much water !
