For the average vacationer, the meaning of ‘welfare‘ remains a bit murky – ranging from crystals and chakra healing to intense workouts that leave you wet with sweat.
The wellness offer at Santo Maris Oia – which has its own special package – makes things clear and offers a gentle introduction to the concept, for the ‘secondary wellness traveller’, as a respected expert Suzanne Duckett places it. She helped put together the wellness itinerary and so her input and reputation justify the pricing.
Those who check in to a wellness suite, located in a man-made cavern-like structure to give the impression of being in nature, are greeted with a diary to write in during their stay, an essential oil and a diffuser to keep the spa into the bedroom, hand-selected facial and body products, and invites to morning yoga in the open air plus an off-site excursion deep into rural desolate land.
The idea is to immerse yourself in nature.
As the days of my stay wear on, it becomes clear that the wellness package at the hotel is for someone who wants to reap a few mental benefits without being rigidly reclusive – while still feasting on Greek-inspired food and kicking back in a resort lounger by a swimming pool.
Personally, I wanted wellness activities that went deeper – but most travelers will come to Santorini for a sun-filled Greek island getaway during a spiritual awakening, so Santo Maris Oia will probably do well for most people.
Spa
I’ve had two massages here – the gentle and relaxing Summer Meadows which was a full body and left me half asleep.
The next day I had the ancient Greek full body, which was much more intense and worked the kinks in my calf muscles, putting them through much needed manipulation.
My physiotherapist was Panayiotis Lelos on both occasions and he listened to my preferences for the massages, making them a wonderful experience.
However, as for the rest of the spa facilities, they were quite disappointing.
The ‘thermal’ pool was lukewarm at best and the ice machine masquerading as ‘cryotherapy’ (meaning ‘cold therapy’) seemed like a real piece and just an opportunity to use a fancy word.
The sauna and steam room were fine but they are hard things to do wrong.
Accommodation
There were rooms here lovely. First I was accommodated in a wellness suite with its own private pool.
As the day wore on, the pool water warmed up, making it ideal for a quiet dip before dinner, overlooking the sea in the distance.
Suzanne Duckett loves ‘blue mind’, the scientifically based concept that when you are surrounded by the color blue, you relax and soften.
Having a room that overlooked a pool, the sea, the sky gave me my blue mind fix. It’s hard not to feel calm with your own private place to swim.
One night I was walking back to my room, the neighboring hotel was playing loud party music and I complained ‘great, I’m not going to sleep for hours on end’.
But as soon as I closed the glass door, everything fell silent. bliss.
Half way through my stay I was moved to the main hotel to experience a junior suite, this one with its own hot tub which was also a joy to use – I mean how could not?
This room overlooked a smaller infinity pool which was also great for a swim – especially as often no one else was there.
Wherever you stay, the main pool (where morning yoga is taught) is within easy reach, and hotel staff often allow you to hop on the back of their carts if you need to.
Food and drink
Breakfast was my favorite meal here – although buffet style, the options were refined and changed daily.
From cheese to meat to sweet pastries, there was something for everyone.
At lunch and dinner menus are a bit small, but it’s worth trying the six-course tasting menu one evening as you can sample a lot without feeling uncomfortably full afterwards.
The meals here were delicious, as were the unique cocktails.
I had one that used locally grown herbs, which gave a fresh taste and aroma.
Another had a jasmine flower from the hotel grounds, which was so fragrant it was a delight.
Sustainability is important to the hotel I was told, and the evidence I saw of this was the elimination of plastic bags and bottles and the use of locally grown ingredients where possible.
Things to do outside the campsite in Santorini
A more active traveler (like me) will be bored on the spot, but those who enjoy their holidays with minimal exercise will benefit from the lack of activities.
However, there is plenty to see outside the hotel gates for a curious mind prone to boredom.
Oia
First, head to Oia, where there are many markets, stray cats and views of the glorious white buildings that Santorini is so famous for.
It’s a good place to pick up a keepsake.
ammoudic
While the on-site restaurant serves great food, food here gets repetitive day in and day out as the menu is on the small side.
Take a taxi or walk down a long hill to Ammoudi, a local fish restaurant shaped like a sailboat.
Dishes are pricey so be prepared to spend and think of this as a treat meal. The ceviche in particular stood out, so I suggest you add that to your order.
Tip: try to get a table on the top floor for the best sea view.
Volcanic Slopes Vineyards Winery
This was a highlight of the trip.
Located about half way up the island, it was a half hour drive to get there Volcanic Slopes†
When I arrived I was shown the vineyards and learned how the grapes grow to make sure they don’t get burned in the sun.
Then, in a cool cavernous building, I tasted the same local white wine from Santorini for five different years, and learned why the flavors were so different year after year.
Our expert was so knowledgeable and fascinating to talk to, you can’t possibly leave here without understanding more about wine.
Koloumpos Beach
Most of the beaches near Oia are pebbles, so if you want sand, head south of the island.
However, this rocky beach near the hotel (about a 10 minute taxi ride) was beautiful and peaceful.
It would be wrong to go to Santorini and not dip your feet in the sea.
verdict
Without a doubt, Santorini is a beautiful destination – and it’s no wonder its popularity is booming this year.
Couples seeking a romantic yet uncomplicated getaway will love the hotel and its lovely rooms with private pools and hot tubs, as well as the simplicity of the on-site offerings.
It’s also a nice idea to take the wellness practices and elements home with you – the essential oil, journal and beauty products are yours to keep. For example, if keeping a journal was a new and fruitful experience, this journey could be the building blocks for creating a regular mindfulness ritual.
However, while Santo Maris is a good base on the island, a seasoned wellness traveler will find the options a little scarce (I personally did).
I’m told this will be refined in the coming weeks and months with Suzanne’s further input, as due to the pandemic she wouldn’t have been able to visit and ‘test’ the implementation of the program until the same week I stayed.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that I have experienced all kinds of wellness as part of my job and for my own personal interests – including whitewater swimming, sound healing, reikibreathwork, and cryotherapy†
But what about the wellness newbie? This is a straight forward way to dip your toe in that blue spirit.
Santo Maris Wellness Suites and package from €518 per night with a minimum stay of four nights†
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