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The Healing Power of Ancient Greece

Aristotle, the much loved and frequently quoted Greek son said: ‘The energy of the mind is the essence of life’. With that in mind, Jane Egginton set off on an Odyssean quest to find some much needed Greek style healing.

With the modern world in economic crisis, and Greece suffering more than most, there is a particularly pressing need for us all to draw on our inner resources. The rich history of Greece is well known, but now it’s valuable healing traditions are being rediscovered.

Greece has the heads-up when it comes to wellbeing. The country has one of the best climates in the world, a wonderful variety of natural assets and perhaps the healthiest diet on the planet, with UNESCO declaring its cuisine an intangible world treasure in 2010.

In ancient Greece, yoga was known as self-knowledge, with its spiritual approach matching that in the east. Those seeking healing to cure their current ills are now looking to Greece for a range of approaches that draw on the ancient practices of thalassotherapy (thalassa is sea in Greek), yoga and the use of natural therapies.

At Ekies All Senses in Halkidiki, Northern Greece, the modern Greek fusion menu is just one example of the hotel’s balanced approach. I love the fact that you can have ‘lunch’ at any time of day, and even anywhere in the hotel. The reasonably priced organic offerings (salads and appetisers hover around €9, with mains priced at a very reasonable €10 to €12) included delights such as watermelon and feta cheese and tabouleh salad and prawn with Arabian bread.

The name of Ekies All Senses, a special boutique hotel comes from Kambanelis, a well known Greek author who famously – in Greece at least – said: ‘In life you have five senses. In your dreams you have a hundred. Freedom knows no boundaries.’

It is a concept you might come close to feeling after a blissful massage at Ekies’ spa. It features the delicious natural Greek Apivita products (which also grace all the hotel bathrooms) and an innovative range of treatments, many of which draw on Mediterranean traditions. A ‘basic elements of nature’ treatment involves a series of revitalising herbal inhalations followed by a sublime facial massage. Therapists explain that they try to take their visitors back to ancient Greece and the teachings of Hippocrates, who identified the need for balance within the four elements of nature (air, water, fire or earth).

Authentic experiences for every season are on the menu at Costa Navarino, generally agreed to be one of the better resorts in Greece. The luxury complex is located in Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, which has an extraordinary rich cultural heritage spanning 4,500 years and untouched mountain and seascapes. The wealth of treatments on offer at the Anazoe Spa and thalassotherapy centre include unique oleotherapy (olive oil) treaments based on ancient Greek practice discovered at the nearby palace of Nestor.

Billed as an Agean dream, Karma Pelikanos on the island of Mykonos provides a very 21st century take on holistic health in Greece. Guests are treated to oxygen infusion facials apparently favoured by the likes of Madonna and Justin Timberlake and the ultimate in treatments at the aptly named Karma Spa. The lofty, but achievable aim is to raise the bar in terms of every visitors’ well being.

There is an undeniable gloss on things here, which is not at odds with the holistic outlook. A highly select team of therapists includes traditional healers (massage therapists, facialists, etc) as well as those who specialise in Chinese medicine, including acupuncturists and even more exotic Balinese rituals and ceremonies. Guests can sign up for a range of activities from gentle Tai Chi at sunrise to more invigorating power walks on the spectacular beach.

In Greek mythology, Mykonos was the location for the momentous battle between Zeus and the fearless titans. Today the island is known as being a favoured destination for celebrities and the wealthy, but on a holiday at Karma Resorts you will feel connected with its history. Its luxury residence showcases the best of traditional Greek architecture, with soothing white walls and shutters the colour of the Aegean sea.

The extraordinary villa of Karma Pelikanos has a 180-degree view across the clear calm waters of the Aegean. The interior is highly designed to international standards, with the treatments truly holistic, using certified organic products and renowned local and healers from around the world. Prices though make this strictly for the heavy weights – a six bedroom villa rings in at €28,000 during peak season.

Health Matters 360 in the UK chose Corfu in Greece as the only overseas location for one of its unique health hubs. Offering a wellbeing break that is genuinely holistic, this company is breaking the mould by providing long lasting, truly sustainable benefits to individuals’ health covering everything from nutrition and exercise to mental health.

Guests report becoming fully transformed after a stay at the sublime Rou Estate in Corfu in the north-east of the lovely Ionian island. True to its 360-degree approach, all aspects of an individual’s life – physical, emotional and spiritual health are looked at. The magnificent poolside location, with sweeping views of the coast and nearby walks in the peace of the surrounding mountains soothe mind, body and soul, whilst highly trained therapists create tailor made sessions, workshops and consultations.

Every day guests are treated to yoga and relaxation sessions along with physical workouts such as power walking, stretching and full body workouts. Nutritious food using fresh local ingredients is on the menu with dishes designed by a Michelin starred chef and cooked by a local chef. The organisers are keen to stress that their breaks are neither boot camps or detox breaks but offer something far more meaningful and sustainable. Their approach certainly seem to work, with many guests reporting a positive transformation which has a long lasting effect.

Many of the insightful quotes on health originated in Greece. ‘The greatest wealth is health,’ according to Virgil, a concept that is particularly relevant in the current economic climate. ‘Man is ill because he is never still,’ is the wisdom from Paracelsus, who was Swiss but believed in the Greek concept of the four elements. ‘The part can never be well unless the whole is well,’ Plato, the greatest philosopher from Greece and perhaps of all time, tells us.

Health resorts in Greece are promoting getting back to nature, an all round positive approach and resilience – clearly key qualities to surviving not just in modern Greece but in contemporary society today.

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Cambodia seeps with rich history, spectacular architectural delights and natural beauty a cynosure to all eyes. In the recent past the place has witnessed a luxury revolution, which is a far cry from its turbulent past, like the “killing fields” of Choeung Ek. Cambodia is ready to embrace visitors from around the globe to admire the magnificence of Angkor Wat (declared by UNESCO one of the seven wonders of the world), Thom and the colonial capital Phnom Penh. Cambodia is slowly coming of age and aims at becoming every luxury traveler’s paradise.

One such example of Cambodia’s luxury paradise is the Koh Rong archipelago. Most of the islands – scattered across the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand – remain undeveloped and offer deserted oases of virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches. The unspoiled islands present a unique opportunity to create a truly ecologically sustainable large-scale resort community. Koh Rong, Cambodia’s largest island covers 78 square kilometers, about a third of the size of Thailand’s Koh Samui. The island remains virtually untouched with its 28 white sand beaches stretching up to 6 kilometers and crystal clear water.

Within the Koh Rong Archipelago, two pristine islands Koh Ouen and Koh Bong lie side by side. They are locally known as Song Saa – Khmer for ‘The Sweethearts’. The Song Saa Private Island resort the two islands, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve that has been established to safeguard the islands’ reefs and marine life including dugongs, seahorses and exotic species of tropical fish.

A private luxurious retreat in an undiscovered paradise.
The Song Saa Private Island resort is as seductive as the name implies. Think intimate. Think luxurious. But above all think harmony – with all the elements of nature that make this place so special.

Choose from twenty-seven luxury overwater, oceanview or jungle villas (all villas have private plunge pools) on the first of the two islands. From the moment guests set foot on Song Saa’s exquisite islands, they won’t have a care in the world. Adopting a ‘rustic chic’ design, the resort is inspired by Cambodian fishing villages with features such as over-water buildings, thatch roofs, rough-hewn natural timbers and drift wood furnishings.

At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge spectacularly positioned over the ocean to take in dramatic sunsets, seascapes and starry nights. A spa & wellness centre is situated on its own island with a Yoga & meditation centre on the eastern shore and a host of guest activities are on offer to showcase the surrounding archipelago, the staggering scenery and innately friendly people.

Robinson Crusoe experience
This is one’s chance to spend the night on what is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The guest is whisked around to the other side of Koh Rong, where he can find himself on his own deserted beach – complete with a stunning waterfall as a backdrop.

The food is prepared for the guest over an open fire and served by one of the friendly team members. The guest is then left in privacy for the night with a crackling fire, a fully equipped bar and a beautiful four-poster bed. With an open air shower and bathroom, the experience is topped off with an amazing freshly cooked breakfast n the morning.

Five Mile Beach excursions
Explore the amazing Five Mile Beach with its beautiful powder white sand. A trip by long tail boat will take one along the coast of Koh Rong to an untouched mangrove creek. Kayak to the end of the creek, from where it’s a short hike to this amazing beach – definitely one of the favorite spots. Walking at one’s leisure along the beach to the end, where a speedboat will be waiting to bring the guest home.

Treasure hunt
Pirate fans both old and young will enjoy the chance to follow one of the unique treasure maps. Find clues around Koh Bong and Koh Ouen, race against each other or in teams, but always remember X marks the spot.

Other adventurous activities include the kayak mangrove tour, snorkeling around Song Saa Islands, going for a bioluminescence swim, sea kayaking, tour Prek Svay, the nearby fishing village or go on a nature safari excursion.

How to reach here
The main Cambodian airports of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh have direct daily flights from Asia’s airport hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Sihanoukville is a 3 hour drive from Phnom Penh and private car transfers can be arranged. Song Saa is a 30-minute private speedboat ride from the coastal city of Sihanoukville.

Best time to visit: The dry season of October to March.
Room rates: From US$670 to US$1,300

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Yoga is practiced by millions of people across the world and has grown strength to strength over the years.

Yoga, to most of us, evokes images of people moving their bodies into impossible poses and positions; one would be forgiven to mistake them for contortionists’. The concept of yoga is much more deeper and spiritual than simple, or for that matter, complicated body movements. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj connoting to yoke, join or unite; Yoga is a form of exercise and meditation. It does not require any fancy equipment or environment but a sincere effort put in daily by an individual to control mind and body, a simple yet powerful tool for wellness.

Yoga is practiced by millions of people across the world and has grown strength to strength over the years, however, yoga has often been misunderstood and to some extent misused for the sake of better commerce. We at the World Travel Magazine will abet you alter the perception by discovering different facets of yoga and help you decipher the intricacies of this ancient knowledge.

Yoga is not just another form of an exercise. Far from it, according to seasoned practitioners, it is a means of “joining the individual soul to the universal soul” or perhaps the “cessation of the fluctuations in consciousness”. Yoga aims at training the consciousness of an individual for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility that is achieved through the three paths of action, knowledge and devotion.

The earnest practitioner of yoga experiences physical revitalization and discovers a deeper spiritual and emotional state of being. The regular practice of yoga is said to alleviate one from mental and physical pain and enables one to breathe better. The deep breathing exercises involved and postures of yoga give the body a chance to detox and leave a person energized far beyond the end of the session.

The current state of the lifestyle of people is tangled in a web of constant strain and weariness. Yoga serves as a haven to all those seeking the elusive state of relaxation and inward awareness. There is a general positive consensus when it comes to the benefits of yoga.

Yoga first came into being at least 4,000 years ago and is said to have developed during the period of ‘Sat Yuga’ or the Golden age. The excavation site at Indus valley civilization confirmed the origin of yoga to the place, after the discovery of yogi like figures engraved on soapstone seals resembling postures and poses used in yoga. Yoga is a Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a summation of the control of one’s breath, meditation and the adoption of specific bodily postures.

To a casual observer, yoga may look similar to any other exercise form, such as Tai Chi for instance. It is after practicing yoga that one is able to differentiate and appreciate the art form. There are a variety of Asanas each with differing objectives; whether it is to build strength, make one sweat, improve one’s posture, gain flexibility or simply to build stamina.

The spirit of yoga lies in uplifting the life force through a succession of physical exercises (Asanas), mental exercises (Pranayama) and meditation (Dhyan) to control the wandering mind. There are several types or Marga (path) of yoga that can be taken in order to reunite with the energy within. The variations entrenched in yoga are designed in a way, where each type of yoga stresses on a specific path embracing a certain set of practices. The yoga styles personify a ladder, from the ‘lowest’ form of Hatha yoga, focusing on physical postures and breathing methods, to the ‘highest’ form known as Raja yoga, or union by mental mastery.

A large number of resort spas, studios and gyms provide yoga classes with groups of 10 to 20 students, varying in intensity for novices and experts alike. For the luxury seekers who does not mind practicing yoga in surroundings with a million dollar view, destinations such as Ananda Spa near Rishikesh or Jive Spa from Taj hotel resorts, ensures that one hones the art in the lap of luxury.

The ancient art of yoga has kept up with the trends and has evolved variations such as yogilates, a fusion of yoga and pilates, or the more robust aerial yoga, a combination of yoga and aerial acrobatics.

It is said that practice of yoga reduces a variety of medical conditions but one suspects that any unfit body will be plagued with a range of dieses and any form of exercise, basic or otherwise, would be beneficial. One has to blend yoga with eating habits and leading a balanced lifestyle. Yoga harmonizes the mind, body and soul – the end result is a flexible body and relief from ailments.

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