Greece Spas
December 12, 2008 By: Lindsay Lambert Luxury Travel Advisor
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Six
Senses Spa at Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort
(www.portoelounda.com),
which sprawls along the seaside of Elounda, Crete, began welcoming
guests in 2006. The spa focuses on a holistic approach to health and
wellbeing, with guests embarking on individual “spa journeys”
that stimulate all five senses—and beyond, insiders say. The
signature Holistic Massage, Sense of Greece Journey and Royal Elixir,
which uses 100 percent natural Greek products like honey, royal jelly
and propolis, are among the most frequently requested services. The
spa’s extensive menu of treatments includes Greek, Asian,
facial, body and massage therapies, and an entire section is set
aside just for the guys. (Kids’ treatments are available, too,
on a more limited basis.)
Spa
Director Elli Soumaki (spamanager@elounda-sa.com;
011-30-28410-68000) oversees the facility, which this winter is
adding to its selection a new menu of detoxifying treatments. Guests
choose from Release, a classic detoxifying program combining
nutrition, treatments and exercise to facilitate cleansing and
improve overall well-being; Rejuvenate, which relies on yoga and Tai
chi and select soft-touch treatments to aide in relaxation and
renewed energy; and Reinvent, the aim of which is weight loss through
specialized treatments, cuisine and fitness routines—perhaps an
ideal way to combat the after-effects of holiday indulgences.
Here’s
a who’s who of the Six Senses Spa staff:
Antonis Sarris specializes in energy treatments, while Sergei Manik’s
specialty is deep-tissue massage. Request Crystie Potamianou for
facial and energy treatments; Maria Vlataki is also a top esthetician
for facials but is frequently requested for body treatments, as well.
Georgia Kokolaki has mastered a variety of massage treatments, and
Grit Hammer can’t be beat for a private lesson in Pilates or
yoga.
Contact
Head Receptionist Eleni Papadopoulou (spa@elounda-sa.com;
011-30-28410-68060) at least one week in advance of your VIPs’
visit to ensure availability for their own spa journey.
Make
sure your most private clients retire to a Porto Exclusive
Two-bedroom Suite each night. Like the spa, these suites are awash in
soothing neutral tones that are livened with sprays of sea-inspired
green and blue. Each suite features its own pool, two bathrooms with
air-bath tubs, and separate living and dining areas. Individual
furnished verandas allow guests to take in stunning views of the
Aegean Sea from their own private paradise. Ask Commercial Director
Manolis Giakoumakis (sales@elounda-sa.com;
011-30-28410-68011) to assist with booking; he can also offer insight
with regard to booking a stay at one of the resort’s sister
properties, the Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel or the Elounda Mare
Hotel. Keep in mind that occupancy peaks in July and August, and
prepare to book at least two months in advance.
Note:
Head Concierge Eleni Kourouni (kourouni@elounda-sa.com;
011-30-28410-68000) can arrange anything from dinner reservations to
private guided tours and countryside excursions for groups or
individuals, with transportation in a privately chartered chopper.
Another
Cretan sanctuary, this one just three miles outside the village of
Elounda, Blue Palace Resort & Spa (www.bluepalace.gr)
boasts a three-story, 21,000-square-foot spa that promises guests a
relaxing experience on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The spa,
a member of the Starwood Spa Collection, comprises traditional marble
Turkish steam baths, indoor Jacuzzis, three thalassotherapy pools, a
state-of-the-art fitness center and 23 treatment rooms, where guests
can indulge in a variety of signature services designed to reduce
stress, facilitate weight loss, decrease the appearance of cellulite
and aide in muscle and joint healing. With its emphasis on
Thalassotherapy, the spa specializes in treatments using naturally
healing elements from the sea, including thermal clay, plankton and
seaweed. What’s new? Spa staff are currently transitioning the
spa to a “boutique approach,” meaning that niche top
brands will be offered for each group of therapies.
Contact
Reservations Manager Katerina Youlaki (reservations@bluepalace.gr;
011-30-28410-65500) two to three weeks in advance of your clients’
visit to secure their preferred spa treatment times. Insiders say the
Elounda Wellness & Beauty Scrub, which uses the spa’s
signature olive oil-and-sugar scrub, and the Traditional Olive Oil
Massage are two of the most popular treatments. Suggest more
adventurous clients try the Rakotherapy treatment; the massage
unveils the therapeutic results of the traditional Cretan beverage
raki. High alcohol content and neutral oil combine to open the
senses and energize the body. Tip: Most treatment rooms offer
panoramic views of the sea, but for a peaceful seaside experience
request that your clients enjoy their treatments in a secluded
open-air pavilion.
For
a more rigorous spa experience, ask Youlaki about Luxury Bootcamp,
which returns in May. Celebrity trainer Joe Fournier, who whipped
Keira Knightly into shape for Pirates of the Caribbean, joins the
spa’s staff for one week, leading a regimen of exercise,
excursions, cuisine and spa treatments designed to quicken slimming
and strengthening.
Luxury
travel advisors should contact Director of Sales and Marketing Agapi
Sbokou (asbokou@sbokoshotels.gr;
011-30-210-363-3551), in the resort’s sales office, or, onsite,
Sales Manager Sarantis Nikolovienis or Sales Executive Maria
Kalognomous (sales@bluepalace.gr;
011-30-28410-65624) for assistance with room reservations. All are
eager to make sure the perfect room pairing is made. For couples, we
say Island Luxury Sea View Suites are a top draw; each is named after
a Greek island and has its own heated pool that’s surrounded by
a spacious veranda. Outdoor showers and Jacuzzis add an extra touch
of romance. If you’re sending a group or family, ask about the
resort’s spacious villas.
Keep
Front Office Manager Claire Anastasoglou (fom@bluepalace.gr)
a close contact. In tending to past celebrity guests, she’s
grown accustomed to requests that are “less than common”
and has arranged Champagne cruises for clients to the island of
Spinalonga, including an off-hours visit of the site itself; fishing
trips to private beaches with picnic lunches and snorkeling
excursions; and private helicopter tours of the islands.
Tip:
Let General Manager Theodoros Frangos (manager@bluepalace.gr)
know when your own VIPs are en route.
