Hippocrates Wellness Retreat

Ancient Greeks like Hippocrates were the first ones to study the health and healing properties of thermal waters and natural healing methods.  Lake Vouliagmeni is a perfect venue for a wellness retreat because of its thermal waters, the garra rufa fish skin exfoliators who live naturally in the lake, the astounding and calming natural setting of the lake, the surrounding terrain for an active walk and the site’s on site spa therapies.

Guests are welcomed with a lemon cooler while hearing about the geological marvels of Lake Vouliagmeni, coupled with an enlightening lecture of the history of natural healing in Greece from ancient times beginning with Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, to the modern era with Greece’s array of natural springs spas and alternative healing therapies.

Guests start their activities with a yoga class given by a certified Hatha instructor, the most gentle form of yoga.  (Other schools of yoga available on request).   This is followed by water aerobics led by a fitness trainer who explains the healthful effects aquatic exercising.    Thereafter guests may continue swimming in the lake to its farther reaches on their own.  This is followed by an illuminating lecture from a certified nutritionist covering such topics as the benefits of organic food, the importance of digestion and various diets optimum for sound health.

This day long activity takes place at the thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, a word meaning  “sunken” in reference to its previous life as a large cavern that collapsed following an earthquake.  The lake, a geographical phenomenal, is part of the National NATURA 2000 list and as a Site of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the Ministry of Culture.   Lake Vouliagmeni is located on the Attica coast, 25 kilometers from central Athens.

Swimming in Lake Vouliagmeni is an invigorating experience.    Its waters are full of healing minerals such as potassium, natrium, lithium, ammonium, calcium, ferrum, chloride and iodine which give relief to bone and muscle ailments.  Apart from the Lake’s health benefits, it is also a mystical marvel due to its labyrinthine underwater cave.  Although 3,123 meters have been explored, the cave’s end remains elusive.  The cave consists of fourteen tunnels, one of which measures 800 meters, said to be the longest in the world.

DETAILS

This tour is offered year round

12-16 guests

09:00 – 15:00   6 hours

TOUR ITINERARY

• 09:00 – 09:45 Transfer in private coach from central Athens to Lake Vouliagmeni
• 09:45 – 10:30  Welcome drink and introduction to the lake and a history of natural healing in Greece
• 10:30 – 11:30 Hatha yoga session
• 11:30 – 12:30 Water activities.  Swimming in the lake and enjoying the garra rufa   12:30 – 13:30    Nutrition lecture
• 13:30 – 14:30 Lunch at the Lake
• 14:30 – 16:15 Option to hike Faskomilia Hill paths or private spa treatment
• 16:15 – 17:00 Transfer in private coach back to central Athens

INCLUSIONS

• Transfers from central Athens hotel to Lake Vouliagmeni and back to hotel
• Tour Director
• Entry fees to Lake Vouliameni
• Complimentary welcome beverage
• One hour of yoga with certified instructor
• One hour of aqua aerobics with certified fitness instructor
• One hour gentle hike with guide
• 3 course lunch at outdoor taverna along the sea – 2 mezes, salad, entre choice of fish or meat, water, beverage or wine or beer
• VAT