Wellness
Wellness
The mud bath
Water massage
lunch and delicious , healthy fruit drinks . The pool ’ s waters are an equal balance of seawater and therapeutic waters . At regular intervals , water jets from the center and the sides , creating whirlpools and fountains . Guests stand under the fountains , allowing the strong streams of water to massage their heads and shoulders . When the �o� o� th� �at�r �to��� ���ryon� swims away ; it is like watching a meticulously synchronized water ballet .
The inside pool is one hundred per cent therapeutic water . It is circled by numerous therapy rooms , steam rooms and a sauna . There are lounges �or r��a�ation ��t���n th� ��t��n� minute recommended periods in the pool . These interval periods provide a perfect opportunity for guests to visit the reception area where they may purchase a variety of excellent beauty products , sold exclusively by the spa .
Tsantila Vasiliki , the hotel manager , explained that most of the guests follow the routine prescribed by th� m��i�a� �taff an� �om� �or t�o fourteen-day periods a year . “ They are absolutely radiant when they leave ,” she said , “ and some say they experience a metamorphosis .” In my view , anyone who can experience a “ metamorphosis ,” — the lyrical Greek word for “ transformation ” — is favored by the gods ; - ) Ms . Tsatila said many guests compare the spa with the very cosmopolitan Cannes , France , because of its sophistication and distinctive “ European atmosphere .”
The mineral spring water is natural and originates from a depth of 3,000 meters . Its temperature is very high and rich in thermo-metallic salts and trace elements , hence its healing powers . The mud used for the baths is a special mixture of local and Italian mud ( I didn ’ t ask the logistics of transportation ). Because of the mi�t�r�� it i� �ai� to �� ��� tim�� stronger than natural mud and extremely powerful in relieving the body of toxins . My extraordinary bath lasted twenty minutes , during which time my entire body , except for my face , was wrapped in plastic . It was the closest I have ever come to being hermetically sealed .
During the mud bath , I was alone in a quiet , darkened room . The attendant came in every three minutes to wipe the sweat from my face , preventing it from going into my eyes . At the end of my time , I was helped into the shower for a thorough rinsing , and then I was placed in a pleasantly warm whirlpool tub . My head rested on a pillow and my eyes were covered with a mask . After my twentyminute soak , I showered , put on my bathing suit and a warm robe . I was th�n to�� to ���n� ��t��n min�t�� each in the internal and external pools , followed by a rest in my room .
It was the most serene afternoon nap I have ever enjoyed . I experienced weightlessness in my body and total peace in my mind . I was among the uninitiated in this therapeutic , toxic-releasing health regime , and it was one of the most bliss-producing experiences of my life .
The following day a very , very special treat awaited me . I was scheduled for “ Cleopatra ’ s Bath ”, a tr�atm�nt tr��y �t �or a ����n� �t began with an ultra-hydrating olive facial mask . Next , my body was moisturized with olive oil while I �oat�� on a �at�r��� a� an aromati� mist sprayed my body at intervals . ( Don ’ t hate me .) Legend has it that Cleopatra had both mud and milk baths and that these contributed to her well-being ( before the asp ).
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