Floortje Dessing at Euphoria Retreat in Greece

Floortje Dessing and her Euphoria Retreat experience

When I speak to her, Floortje is just about to head to the Middle East for a trip to war-torn Yemen with the Red Cross. She has just returned from a week off at the Puurenkuur destination spa, Euphoria Retreat in Greece. “My life is always hectic. I was in the middle of all these safety protocols and courses, and felt the need to just prepare myself mentally, somewhere quiet.” As a travel expert, Floortje introduces us to some unique corners of the world. What many people aren’t aware of, however, is that she also produces her own TV show. In addition, she runs her own publishing company and a camping site. On top of that, she has a busy social life. It’s rare that she ever has a ‘proper’ holiday – when she’s travelling, it’s usually for work. “I just really needed to reset. Go offline for a week.”

Why Greece?

“I wanted to go somewhere where there wasn’t a time difference. I hadn’t been to Greece for a while. Traditionally, the Greeks live very healthily. I once interviewed people on the little island of Icaria. People there get ancient. It’s fascinating! Greece is often depicted negatively in the news these days. But the country is about so much more than just economic malaise. It’s an ancient civilisation. And the Mediterranean lifestyle is so healthy.”

How healthy are you yourself?

“I live very healthily: don’t smoke, rarely drink alcohol, no drugs and lots of exercise, good sleep. I don’t do anything crazy and always try to schedule in time for myself, which is really important. Luckily, it doesn’t feel like an effort to me.”

Even when you’re travelling?

“Yeah, it can be more challenging. Staying healthy while traveling is complicated: the time differences, the chaos at airports, the awful food. Long queues. Stress. It all takes a toll on the body. That’s why I make an extra effort to take care of myself when I’m at home. My body has been through a lot. I struggle with my lower back, ligaments, and shoulders. Daily yoga helps me maintain my body, and regular massages are essential for upkeep as well.”

Turning 50 next year

'I’ll be turning fifty next year, and like many people my age, I find myself reflecting on where I am in life. I know I’m privileged, but I still ask myself: Where do I stand? Where do I want to go? What path am I on, and what new paths do I still want to explore? Next year, I’ll be publishing another book—one that brings together my experiences with travel, health, and life, along with the insights I’ve gained over the past fifty years.'

What does a wellness retreat give you?

"I read a lot of books and listen to podcasts about mindful living. Right now, I’m taking an online course on mental growth in business. I try to stay aware of my thoughts, patterns, and emotions, but with everything going on throughout the year, some things inevitably slip away. I also have a tendency to overthink. A wellness retreat offers a fresh perspective—a check-in with myself to see if I’m still on the right path. The world moves fast, constantly shifting, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. Being at a place like Euphoria allowed me to reset, to reconnect with what truly matters. It was a moment entirely for myself, a chance to recharge and refocus on what’s important."

Regular holiday versus a wellness retreat?

"A regular holiday with family or friends just doesn’t compare. In fact, I think a wellness retreat is something best experienced alone. In everyday life, we’re constantly juggling work, family, and the expectations of others. Even on a holiday with company, you still find yourself making compromises, adjusting to the needs of those around you. But when you go on a wellness retreat alone, you don’t have to consider anyone else. There’s something incredibly freeing about sinking into a luxurious bed, reading a book without interruption, and just being present in the moment. I met a man who was in the middle of a relationship crisis and needed space to reflect. Having that time to pause, think, and gain clarity in a peaceful setting really helped him. At Euphoria, my mind was completely still. There were no demands, no emails, no responsibilities—just a rare and precious moment where no one needed anything from me."

Which wellness programme did you do?

"I chose the yoga and meditation package, which included one to two treatments a day. I also love being in nature, and Euphoria is surrounded by a breathtaking nature reserve perfect for walking. Just behind the resort, a forest trail leads straight into a dramatic ravine, with a small forest chapel along the way. If you love hiking, this area is a dream—snow-capped mountains, deep ravines, natural springs, and ancient Greek ruins make it an incredible place to explore. The resort itself is set on a mountainside next to a Byzantine ruin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you go early in the morning, you’ll have it all to yourself, standing alone among centuries of history. It was truly magical. Sparta is also nearby, a city that once played a crucial role in history, where dignitaries and clergy gathered. To explore the region more, I rented an affordable car through the hotel, which made getting around easy. The beach is only a 40-minute drive away—completely manageable for a day trip."

What is special about Euphoria?

"It took the owners eleven years to bring their vision to life, and it shows in every detail. You can feel the dedication, passion, and care that have gone into creating this place. Euphoria is a completely immersive experience. You truly feel the essence of Greece: everything reflects the spirit of the region, from the colors and architecture to the philosophyThere are no straight lines—only elegant arches, giving the space a sense of flow and harmony. The food is unmistakably Greek, with freshly baked bread and rich, flavorful olive oil. Even the beauty products are made with olive oil. The attention to detail is incredible, from the intricate patterns on the towels to the traditional clothing worn by the staff. The chairs are made from olive wood and there’s even a cozy corner with rocking chairs. On the rooftop, a hot tub is available 24/7, offering stunning views over the valley. Every aspect is of the highest quality, from the restaurant and the warm hospitality of the staff to the reception and, of course, the skilled therapists."

What was the Euphoria spa like?

"I’ve been fortunate to experience many spas in my lifetime, but I’ve never seen one as breathtaking as this. The design is truly unmatched, with every detail carefully considered. And the pool—easily one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. The lighting is magical, and when you dive beneath the surface of the shimmering water, you hear the soothing sounds of dolphins. My therapist from Athens gave me one of the most incredible massages I’ve ever had—she was absolutely amazing. The treatment was a full-body experience that engaged all the senses, deeply immersive and profoundly relaxing. Truly unforgettable. I can’t recommend it enough."

What did really stand out in Euphoria Retreat?

"If it is within your budget, this is an experience you don’t want to miss. Euphoria is truly exclusive, yet it has an unexpectedly laid-back and peaceful atmosphere. During my stay, I often had the spa and pool almost entirely to myself, and I never saw more than a handful of people at a time. The entire resort probably had no more than 30 guests, which made the experience feel incredibly private and tranquil. Of course, being pampered all day with massages and treatments comes at a cost. It’s not cheap, but what you’re really paying for is serenity, privacy, and a sense of exclusivity—without any flashy, over-the-top luxury. Euphoria feels fresh and modern yet deeply connected to its surroundings, nestled in an ancient landscape of olive trees with a UNESCO site just around the corner."

Any advice for future travellers to Euphoria?

"I found it hilarious that they tested resilience with a tiny prick on the finger. Turns out, mine could use some improvement. Based on the results, I was given a list of foods to help strengthen my resilience. If you’re interested, you can opt for a more in-depth test as well. I took the advice seriously when choosing my meals. Everything is included, yet still served à la carte, even breakfast. It’s a great setup—you can eat whatever you like without the stress of making choices at a buffet, where you always end up eating more than planned. The restaurant has long opening hours, so you can dine late if you want. And every meal comes with their signature rosemary-infused water, which is absolutely delicious."

Was there anything you weren’t so keen on?

"If I were to book again, I’d go for the anti-stress package. All programs include group yoga classes and various activities, but I’d also add a private yoga session. Not that it’s really necessary—the group classes are small and intimate—but the one-on-one guidance is incredibly valuable. It’s also worth mentioning that this isn’t the kind of place where people form tight-knit groups and do everything together. Some retreats have that vibe - such as Phuket Cleanse in Thailand (a detox/sport retreat with a high community feeling), that I have visited years ago and is a completely different experience. I have been to Kamalaya in Thailand, which has quite the same feeling as Euphoria. If you want disconnect from the world, want to take a step back, and fully immerse yourselve in peace and solitude. It’s ideal for anyone looking to reset, recharge, and enjoy complete privacy and quiet in a luxurious setting. In other words, the ultimate me-time."

What will you bring home?

"Plenty of olive oil—the fresh, high-quality kind that just tastes better. And honey. There’s an old man, easily in his eighties, who sits at the highest point of the mountain pass behind the resort, along the old road. He sells honey and chestnuts and even tried to charm me into taking an extra bag of apples. But more than anything, what I’ve taken away is the reminder of how important it is to gift yourself a week like this. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s one that truly benefits you. I feel completely recharged, both mentally and physically. It was the reset I didn’t even realize I needed."

Find out more about Euphoria

About Floortje Dessing

Floortje Dessing is a renowned Dutch television presenter and journalist. As a PureandCure wellness ambassador, she explores health resorts across the globe, sharing her inspiring travel experiences and valuable well-being insights.