The thermal springs of Greece are one of its best kept secrets, dating back to the ancient times, these miraculous waters can be found in several destinations across the country. One of the most famous spa towns in Greece is in fact located in Edipsos Evia, only a two-and-a-half hours drive from Athens. The second largest Greek island is blessed with unsurpassed natural setting and wonderful healing waters, where the inviting sea in always warm and the views are mesmerising. Famous for its thermal springs since antiquity, it was here that Hippocrates and Aristotle recorded its profound benefits and wrote about the rare microclimate that resulted from the earths treasured gifts.
Weekend Break at the Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel in Edipsos Evia
With our lovely host Voula Karatziou -Anastasopoulou
On the occasion of our four year anniversary of Travel Bloggers Greece we returned to this magical place which is home to the renowned Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel. One of Greece’s historical landmark hotels, has welcomed many famous guests over the decades.
The History of Edipsos Evia dating to the Roman Empire
The history of Edipsos goes back to the Roman Empire when Roman Emperors, noble men and women would all travel here for the purposes of treating rheumatism, arthritis, asthma, insomnia, nervous system disorders, blood circulation problems, circulatory disorders and skin problems.
The hotel has been named after Roman General Syllas, who was close to the Emperor and the Senate — and he himself was healed in the thermal waters of Edipsos from suffering excessive uric acid. He named the cave where he was treated after himself and prohibited the Roman army to touch it. Emperors Augustus and Hadrian were also frequent visitors to this part of Greece, until Christianity prohibited the use of thermal baths as it was associated with paganism, and as a result the Europeans abandoned these historical thermal baths.
The Hotel
The Thermae Sylla Spa and Wellness Hotel in Edipsos Evia is an ideal retreat for those seeking to relax and unwind while enjoying the healing properties of the thermal springs.
When you arrive here you almost instantly feel the urge to trade your clothes for a bathrobe and slippers, and indeed this is pretty much all your wear during your wellness escape. Your stay here will feel like you are home, and your commute from your room to the Spa facilities is made effortless — without having to go outside as you graciously follow the underground corridor and find yourself in the temple of wellbeing.
On the subject of feeling at home, this hotel is a family owned and managed business where the owners and staff will assure that nothing is left to chance. Guests become family and so when you return you will be welcomed with the same smile and hospitality that you have already experienced before. Mrs Voula Karatziou -Anastasopoulou is one of the most welcoming hosts I have ever met, and she is always there to build lifelong relationships with her guests.
The thermal waters will definitely do you wonders and even a short weekend break will make you feel rejuvenated, refreshed, happier and healthier.
Deluxe Room with Sea View
During our weekend wellness escape at Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel we stayed in a renovated Deluxe Room with gorgeous views of the Eubean Gulf.
Although it was February and raining, this dramatic setting made our experience even more remarkable as we enjoyed the warm and relaxing atmosphere of the spa hotel. I was completely taken over by a sense of serenity which quickly transformed into a state of zen as I let my body and mind relax.
Our room had a comfortable double bed, with large floor-to-ceiling windows opening up to spectacular sea views.
The marble bathroom was equipped with a shower cabin, there is a bathrobe, plush towels and slippers in the room.
There are different room categories available at the hotel ranging from standard rooms, executive rooms, Junior Suites and a Presidential Suite.
Thermal Spa Experience
This Temple of Wellness is famous for the natural mineral waters which flow directly from the source. At a hot temperature of 80-85 degrees Celsius, they are rich in minerals like radon, which is a powerful therapeutic element with healing properties. This same water is used for the two pools (indoor and outdoor) and therapeutic treatments. The pools are cleaned and the water is refreshed daily.
Academic studies have been carried out here and verified that the Thermae Sylla spring waters are of the highest quality and are rich in calcium, potassium, iron, lithium, magnesium, and sodium. After having spent some time in the water you will immediately feel your skin wonderfully soft — without having to use any moisturiser.
Rasul treatment room
The Spa Treatment Menu features a generous selection of massages, beauty and wellness treatments, facials, body wraps, personalised programs and detoxifications treatments. I tried a different selection of treatments this time ( read about my previous experience here), on the first day I booked a anti-stress body massage, and the following day I had a reflexology treatment followed by a fantastic customised facial aromatherapy massage that did wonders to my face. My friends actually complemented me in the evening saying that my face was radiant and relaxed.
Guests may also enjoy a series of aqua fitness and yoga lessons which complement the array of wellness treatments for a perfectly compelling wellness retreat.
Mediterranean Cuisine
A wellness retreat cannot be complete without a perfectly balanced meal plan. The cuisine served at the Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel perfectly complements the wellness philosophy — serving delicious yet healthy food.
The dishes are prepared from wholesome, natural ingredients many of which are sourced from the hotel’s privately owned farm (located nearby).
The Greek Breakfast buffet and lunch is served at the Edipsos Restaurant located on the ground floor, next to the lobby.
For breakfast we enjoyed a rich selection of cold and hot dishes, freshly made pancakes, rice pudding called rizogalo, fresh fruit, cereals and freshly baked goods and breads.
For lunch there is a buffet selection of traditional Greek dishes such as Moussaka, meats, a great salad bar, soup – I had onion soup which was great as well as a fresh fruits and sweets section. Everyone loved the jello with cream.
For dinner there are two options, the Aithrion Restaurant located on the ground level next to the Edipsos Restaurant and Messogios Restaurant by the sea, a preferred dining spot during the warmer months. For those who wish to stay in the comfort of their bathrobes may enjoy the room service menu.
Travel Bloggers Greece Celebration Dinner
For our Anniversary celebration dinner we were welcomed with a delightful selection of perfectly prepared dishes at the Aithrion Restaurant.
For starters we had a selection of salads: one was a refreshing mix of greens, green apple and prosciutto dressed with walnuts and balsamic vinegar sauce and a mixed greens salad with bell peppers, Parmigiano flakes and a balsamic vinegar dressing. We also had fava beans served with caramelised onion, octopus cooked in red wine sauce served with pennes, and a fish dip.
For main course we chose from a selection of chicken fillet and fresh fish served with grilled vegetables. Dinner was paired with Thermae Sylla’s organically cultivated red and white wine.
For dessert we enjoyed delicious orange caked served with ice-cream.
In Greece it is also a tradition at the beginning of a New Year to cut a cake called Vasilopita, translating as the Sweet Bread of Basil.
It symbolizes hope and that the New Year will be sweet and joyful. A coin is placed inside the cake and whoever is the lucky one to find it, is blessed for the New Year. Our Amber was the lucky winner and she also received a Relaxing therapy gift voucher from the Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel.
Thermae Sylla Beach
The beach is located right outside from the hotel and can be accessed from a deck. The water here is warm all year round as it is a remarkable mix of sea water and the thermal water.
There are natural thermal water pools which are extremely hot, but you can enjoy the wonderful natures gift with the most spectacular view of the Euboean Gulf.
Hotel website: https://www.thermaesylla.gr/en
How to Get to Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel
Driving here is pretty easy and the road is pleasant if you take the route to Arkitsa and then cross with a ferry boat. It will take you approximately two and a half hours. The ferry boat from Arkitsa is also the place where the local bus KTEL goes to, so you have this option too incase you do not wish to drive here. In case you do decide to drive, the car ticket on the boat costs 16,80 Euro one way and 7,40 Euro per person round trip. The boat ride is 45 minutes.
The second route is through Halkida and it goes through the mountains, not recommended if you are not comfortable driving down winding roads.
If you wish to skip driving you can book your bus tickets online here.
Did you know about the thermal waters inGreece? In fact Greece is a wonderful destination to visit all year round. Have you been to Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel in Edipsos Evia?
