Subterranean Byzantine bathhouse
Four subterranean levels carve directly into Mount Taygetos, running as a healing bathhouse rooted in Hippocratic and Chinese medicine.
“This Greek idyll is built into a mountain and has a large spherical pool as its physical and spiritual center.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Catacomb-like passages and board-marked concrete carved directly into the Taygetos hillside.
Notable
Hippocratic healing rituals and guided walking trails through the ruins of Byzantine Mystras.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and Wallpaper*.
Even the architecture is transformative: the materials are familiar but the forms are inventive, especially in the spa, which spans four levels.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Medieval Mystras sits within walking distance up the mountain, surrounded by pine forests and frescoed Byzantine churches.
The rooms
Solid oak furniture and muted Byzantine tones shape the rooms, and most open onto private balconies overlooking the citrus groves.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa
The marble hammam centers on a heated octagonal slab, and tall windows light the timber-floored yoga studio.
GAIA Restaurant
Regional Peloponnese ingredients shape the Mediterranean menu, served under stone arches or on a terrace overlooking the valley.
The Euphoria Retreat, situated near the Unesco World Heritage Site of Mystras, calls itself the first destination spa in Greece.
At the table
The lounge bar sits beneath a plaster arch, pouring cold-pressed juices, herbal teas, and Greek wines.
How it began
Former banker Marina Efraimoglou conceived the property after surviving cancer, spending a decade searching for this specific mountain slope.
Good to know
Stay here
Euphoria Retreat
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.