By Eleni Stasinopoulou

I’d already stayed at Minos Beach, the sister property just down the coast, so I thought I had a sense of what to expect from Minos Palace. I didn’t. You cannot understand what this place is hiding until you’re actually inside it.

From the road, even from the entrance, you get no clue. The arrival is impressive on its own, large-scale artworks greet you before you’ve even checked in, then it opens into something vast, a big freshwater pool lined with tall trees and palms. But that’s just the introduction. Walk further and the property reveals its real secret: an entire private peninsula between Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, crystal blue water on every side, rocky decks, little stone stairs leading straight into the sea. It genuinely feels like an island within an island, and the privacy that gives you is not something you can picture from a photo. You have to walk it to believe it.

The stay: Nothing less than an Infinity Lagoon Suite

I stayed in one of the new Infinity Lagoon Suites, part of the resort’s final phase of transformation for 2026, and the concept is a smart one. There’s your own private pool, and then a shared lagoon-style pool that flows between all the suites, so you get seclusion when you want it and a quiet sense of connection when you don’t.

Two sculptural islands sit within the lagoon itself, deliberately echoing the two real islands visible on the horizon, a small architectural wink that I only clocked on day two. Beyond the lagoon, open sea.

It’s a layered view, private pool, lagoon, horizon, and it makes the suite feel far bigger than its actual footprint. Bonus: a large olive tree that offered plush shade throughout the day in the most idyllic way. Of course, I sat under it for hours with my book.

The resort overall has 101 rooms, 12 suites and 9 bungalows, 28 of which come with a private pool, all adults-only. Everything is deliberately grounded in earthy tones and natural materials, which suits the setting rather than fighting it.

The real story: Nao, the longevity hub

Rooms and views aside, the thing that actually sets Minos Palace apart is Nao, the wellness concept the hotel built two years ago, and it’s unlike anything else I’ve experienced in Greece. It’s not a spa in the usual sense. It’s a longevity hub, built around diagnostics, science and a genuinely personalized program rather than a menu of massages.

Nao sends thorough pre-arrival questionnaires, so by the time you land, they already have a working picture of you. Once there, you go through biometric testing and consultations that build out a full personal profile: metabolism, cardiovascular fitness, sleep, stress markers.

We visited two or three times over the weekend. The first session was tests and questionnaires, followed by a conversation with Nao’s scientific team going through the results. The whole program carries the scientific signature of Dr. Evi Hatzianddreou, Director of the Nao Longevity Programme and its Scientific Board, who oversees every treatment and protocol on offer, and what struck me most is that this isn’t wellness dressed up in scientific language. It’s genuinely rigorous, and it’s built to actually be used, not just admired.

Once you arrive at Nao’s genuinely striking facility, your path toward longevity starts properly, and it keeps going after you leave if you want it to. The first evaluation measures your resting metabolic rate, the RMR, through a special mask you wear while you simply lie back and relax. From your breathing alone, they work out how your metabolism behaves in a state of complete rest.

Then comes something I hadn’t experienced before: a body scan platform that slowly rotates while it maps your entire body, giving the Nao team everything they need on fat percentage, where it’s distributed, your body proportions, and more. After that, a run of balance, endurance and strength exercises, plus breathing tests that measure how well you can actually control your own breath. It sounds clinical written down, but in the room it felt more like being properly seen than being tested.

From there, the day softened into the treatments themselves. We tried sound healing, and my husband was asleep within five minutes. Hydrotherapy followed in an indoor pool that’s genuinely beautiful, daylight pouring through big roof windows onto the water below.

Somewhere in between, I found myself under the sensory rain shower, water falling in slow, deliberate rhythms with shifting light and scent built into the experience, and it’s the kind of small, strange moment that ends up staying with you longer than the massage does.

And the massage, honestly one of the best I’ve had, opened with a magnesium leg mask that left my legs completely reset, no heaviness at all.

Nao’s facility itself is a two-floor space with treatment and consultation rooms, a lab, touchless therapy rooms with photobiomodulation and cryotherapy, a meditation area, red sauna and salt room, hot and cold plunge pools, a vitality pool, and that sensory shower tunnel, so there’s real depth here if you want to go further than we did. For anyone wanting to properly commit, Nao runs structured programs from a One-Day Discovery up to a Fourteen-Day Longevity Pro, all built around the same five pillars: nutrition, sleep, movement, self-mastery, and connection.

Days by the water

Away from Nao, the rhythm of the place is simple. You find small private spots shaded by umbrellas, or better, actual trees, with sunbeds tucked away where you genuinely disappear from everyone else.

We spent hours like that, reading, swimming, coming back up, no noise, no crowd. The hotel also has its own blue flag beach if you want sand rather than rock. Bliss.

Breakfast, but curated

This is the detail that surprised me most. As part of the Nao program, you don’t only see a doctor, but also meet with a dietitian who uses your metrics to build a personalized eating plan, then walks you into the breakfast room herself to guide your choices.

I’ll admit I’m not at my best in the mornings and mostly went with instinct. My husband, on the other hand, followed every recommendation and built what I can only call the ultimate healthy breakfast plate. The breakfast room looks straight out over the tip of the peninsula, so the view does some of the convincing for you.

Dinner is split between Amar, the beachside restaurant doing Mediterranean classics with a modern edge, and Mom, the all-day spot built specifically around the wellbeing concept. At Amar, the menu is signed by chef Michalis Marthas, with the view doing half the work before the food even arrives

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The Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, a beacon of luxury nestled on the sunlit shores of Navarino Bay, proudly announces its 2024 season opening. Offering an unmatched serene escape within a naturally beautiful setting, this resort stands as the first Mandarin Oriental in Greece, promising an unforgettable stay filled with luxury, comfort, and rejuvenation.

New Villas for Supreme Privacy and Elegance

Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino 2024: New Luxuries Unveiled with Exclusive Villas and Enhanced Wellness Experiences

luxury accommodation options, the resort introduces two magnificent new villas this season. The five-bedroom Royal Villa and a new three-bedroom Villa are masterpieces of design and comfort. These villas crafted by MKV Design and Alexander Waterworth, respectively, provide secluded sanctuaries with panoramic views of Navarino Bay. The Royal Villa, a splendid single-story residence, offers en-suite bathrooms in each bedroom, private spa treatments, and fitness facilities, ensuring a stay of unparalleled privacy and luxury.

An Enhanced Spa and Wellness Journey

rejuvenating journey at the expanded Spa & Wellness center of Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino. With seven treatment rooms, a 25-meter indoor-outdoor pool, and a variety of heat and water facilities, the spa offers a sanctuary for relaxation and renewal. Experience the exclusive Essence of Costa Navarino treatment, among other Mandarin Oriental signature therapies, designed to revitalize your spirit and body.

Active and Cultural Experiences
The resort encourages a balance of relaxation and activity. The Fitness Center, equipped with expert trainers, and the Beach Club, offering a range of water activities, ensure guests can maintain their fitness goals or embark on new adventures. Moreover, the resort’s proximity to historic sites, culinary experiences, and the 18-hole Bay Course with breathtaking coastal views, promises a rich and diverse stay.

Culinary Delights and Exclusive Dining
The Private Kitchen adds a unique touch to the resort’s dining options, offering bespoke dining or culinary masterclasses for intimate groups. From authentic Greek cuisine at Oliviera Restaurant to an exquisite pizza degustation menu at Pizza Sapienza, guests are invited to savor flavors that blend tradition with innovation.

For Younger Guests: Coral & Friends Kids’ Club

Ensuring a memorable family holiday, the new Kids’ Club Coral & Friends offers a variety of activities and adventures for younger guests, from arcade machines to beach bonfires, making every moment a treasure trove of memories.

Exclusive Offers: The Short & Suite Package

Guests are invited to indulge in the luxury of the resort’s elegant Suites and Villas with the Short & Suite accommodation package, including daily breakfast and other benefits, for an even more memorable stay. Discover more on the resort’s website 

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In our fast-paced world, finding an oasis of tranquility can feel like a quest. Two years ago, I had the fortune of discovering this oasis at Daios Cove. From the impeccable services to the mesmerizing views, I was instantly captivated. During my stay, the ever-passionate owner, Dimitris Daios, shared whispers of his vision for an unparalleled spa of exceptional standards. Those whispers fanned my curiosity. Fast forward to today, I found myself returning to this cherished spot, ready to “test drive” the realization of that ambitious dream. The experience? Utterly transformative.

Embarking on the KĒPOS by Goco Experience

This groundbreaking initiative is the fruit of an enduring collaboration between two visionaries: Dimitris Daios, the proud owner of Daios Cove, and Ingo Schweder, the CEO of GOCO Hospitality. I was told it took four years of research to shape this retreat, and every moment I spent there echoed that attention to detail, especially tailored for travelers navigating a post-pandemic world.

My Dive into Holistic Wellness

One can read about the teachings of happiness by philosopher Epicurus, but at KĒPOS, I lived it. It wasn’t just about holistic health or high-end sports. It was a mental and physical revival. Each meal, each therapy, and each expert consultation, including insights from specialists in traditional Chinese medicine, felt like a chapter in my personal book of rejuvenation.

Facilities That Left a Lasting Impression

I explored the expansive 2,500 sq.m. area that boasted of an awe-inspiring bay view. The cutting-edge cryotherapy session was a revelation. That cold embrace left me invigorated, casting away my weariness. And the spa suite, vitality pool, and Mind & Body Studio offered a medley of experiences I found hard to leave behind.

Signature Journeys: My Personal Tales of Transformation

Advanced Skin Regeneration by 111SKIN: This wasn’t just a treatment; it was a sensory journey. The aroma of sweet marjoram added to its magic, making every second memorable. My Relaxation Chronicle: The pools were a serenade and the massages? Pure bliss. With every touch, I felt my stresses melt away, leaving behind a rejuvenated me.

Daios Cove’s KĒPOS by Goco isn’t merely a destination; it’s a sanctuary. Having personally experienced its magic, I can say it’s definitely among the best spas in Greece and an ideal destination for those seeking solace, luxury, and a touch of adventure. Would I return? In a heartbeat.

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Unquestionably famed for its picturesque beaches, trendy beach bars, vibrant nightlife, and its status as a favorite among celebrities, the iconic Greek island of Mykonos is home to a hidden treasure, a secret slice of paradise promising holidaymakers the perfect balance between pampering and play. Nestled within Ornos Bay, overlooking the Aegean Sea, lies the award-winning Kenshō Ornos, a barefoot bohemian wellness haven. Inspired by the calming blue and turquoise hues of where the sky meets the sea, this 5-star luxury boutique hotel invites guests to prioritize balance, rest, and relaxation.

The Enchanting Kenshō Cave Spa

After a night out on the town, indulge in some well-deserved self-care at the hotel’s award-winning Cave Spa – the only one of its kind in Mykonos. Uniquely designed to mirror the calming interior of a secluded seaside cave, the Kenshō Cave Spa invites guests to step into a sublime haven of high aesthetics and blissful serenity.

Signature Treatments and Luxury Amenities

Pamper yourself by selecting from an array of signature treatments, each accompanied by luxury amenities from Codage Paris. The spa offers a diverse range of personalized offerings, including massages, facials, hydrotherapy, color therapy, and sound therapy treatments. Each experience is tailored to restore and revitalize the mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the soothing atmosphere, where every detail is meticulously crafted to enhance your wellness journey.

Kenshō Cave Spa boasts world-class facilities that cater to your every need. The spa features two treatment rooms, steam bathrooms, an indoor Jacuzzi, a tropical rain bed, and a hair and beauty salon. This impressive variety of choices creates a small universe dedicated to your personal wellness. Follow the Kenshō philosophy to embark on a transformative journey that rejuvenates all your senses.

The unique Mykonos Kenshō Cave Spa Experience

As you step inside the Kenshō Cave Spa, the unique and artistic design transports you to a realm of tranquility and rejuvenation. Embrace moments of relaxation as you choose between various treatments, such as color, sound, or heat therapy. In the hammam rooms, revel in the beneficial effects of the steam bath. At the same time, in the Jacuzzi area, surrender to the signature treatments on the tropical rain bed, offering pure peacefulness. Enhancing the experience are the exceptional CODAGE products, inspired by France’s century-long tradition and expertise in wellness. These products help your skin radiate health, catering to all skin types.

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The Spa at The Madrid EDITION hotel offers a unique wellness experience that allows in-house and day guests to awaken all senses through a range of invigorating and soothing treatments in the heart of Madrid. There are five specialist treatment rooms – including a double treatment room and a private steam suite – and products from Spanish wellness brand Natura Bisse have been chosen to enhance each guest’s state of well-being and total relaxation.

Every treatment at The Spa has been designed to allow guests to unwind truly. From the EDITION Signature Massage – which features a nourishing blend of oils with the EDITION brand’s signature Black Tea scent by Le Labo, to The Madrid EDITION Massage – where guests can select from a variety of essential oils to feel energised or relaxed.  For those looking for the ultimate body treatment experience, there is the 90-minute Relaxation which includes exfoliation followed by a 30-minute massage. In addition to body treatments, there is a range of facials available, such as the Signature Ritual – an emulsion-based therapy with a very high concentration of Vitamin C, and the 60-minute Firm & Lift treatment – providing a highly effective exfoliation that removes the dead skin cells to reveal a protected and radiant complexion.

The Spa wellness journey continues in a Finnish dry sauna, steam room and large cutting-edge 24-hour gym. The gym is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment including cardiovascular machines with personal flat-screen TVs, free weights, a stretching area and fluffy, soft towels.

The Madrid EDITION, the city’s first luxury lifestyle resort, has set a new standard for the city following its highly anticipated launch in March 2022. Its complete one-stop offer combines gastronomy, cocktails, wellness and design: a journey that starts at the top, specifically on one of the most impressive rooftops in the city, where you can enjoy the Oroya pisco bar, by Peruvian chef Diego Muñoz; as well as the largest infinity pool in a luxury hotel in Madrid. Comprising 200 exquisitely decorated rooms and suites, The Madrid EDITION features two stunning Penthouses – the biggest in the capital – with incredible views over Madrid’s historical landmarks. Its culinary offering is another of its star attractions, with Jerónimo Mexican restaurant, led by chef Enrique Olvera; Lobby Bar, serving classic cocktails with a twist and Punch Room, a speakeasy-inspired bar specializing in punches.

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