Wellbeing Escapes' founder Stella visited this much-loved Greece wellness retreat.
Location and design
Thermae Sylla Spa & Wellness Hotel is a grand old hotel — one of the two most historic wellness retreats in Greece, and one of the most respected retreats for thalassotherapy in Europe. In its heyday, it welcomed icons such as Onassis, Churchill, and Maria Callas, and it still carries that sense of timeless elegance today. The hotel is set in the seaside town of Aidipsos on the island of Evia, Greece’s second largest island. This part of Greece feels delightfully authentic, with locals strolling along the promenade on summer evenings and a slower, traditional rhythm of life.
Getting there is part of the experience. After a scenic drive from Athens Airport, you board the ferry to Evia, gliding across the Mediterranean Sea with beautiful views of the coastline. It’s a journey that immediately sets the tone for a restorative escape.
My room was in the original building, a Deluxe Sea View Room with sweeping views across the water. Waking up to the sight of the sea each morning was a highlight in itself. The room was comfortable, spotless, and decorated in a traditional style, perfectly in keeping with the hotel’s heritage. While not overly modern, it had a warmth and charm that made me feel instantly at home.
Thermal waters and pools
The most unique part of Thermae Sylla is its thermal waters. The hotel has its own private source, though you can also find springs bubbling up in the sea just in front of the property, where locals and tourists alike come to bathe. At Thermae Sylla, however, you enjoy the waters in a more comfortable and tranquil setting.
The indoor pool is filled with 100% thermal water, naturally rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Because of its potency, you’re advised not to stay in for more than 20 minutes, twice a day. Outside, a second pool offers a gentler mix of 50% thermal water and 50% purified seawater, with strong jets that feel like a deep massage.
I felt the benefits quickly: my body relaxed deeply, lingering aches disappeared, and my sleep improved so much that I even indulged in afternoon naps — a rare treat that showed me just how much I needed to slow down.
Treatments and spa
The hotel’s signature treatment is the mud therapy, where mineral-rich mud is mixed with the thermal waters and applied all over the body and face. Wrapped in a cocoon, you’re left to rest before rinsing off and moving into a thermal water hydrotherapy bath. It felt both detoxifying and restorative, leaving me lighter and calmer.
The massages here are excellent, and the spa also offers a wide choice of holistic therapies, including reflexology and even some Ayurvedic treatments. The setting has the feel of a classic European healing water spa, complete with Art Deco marine details that add character and charm.
The food
Meals at Thermae Sylla are designed for detox and all about freshness and tradition. Expect vibrant Greek salads, local cheeses, creamy yoghurts, and seasonal fruits. Each day, the kitchen prepares a special lunch based on the best ingredients from the local market and farms. One of my favourites was a simple yet delicious dish of stuffed peppers with feta — proof that wholesome food can be deeply satisfying.
Although there’s always an à la carte menu, I would highly recommend opting for the dish of the day to truly experience the local flavours. In summer (June to October), dinner is served at the outdoor Athrion restaurant, where light seafood dishes are paired with stunning sea views.
Highlights and verdict
Some of my favourite moments were luxuriating in the thermal pools, feeling my nervous system completely calm down, and basking on the sunbathing deck by the sea, with views of the hills and the endless blue horizon. The whole place has a wholesome, timeless feel — like stepping back into simpler days, with food and experiences that nourish both body and soul.
Thermae Sylla isn’t about flashy luxury; it’s about healing, history, and genuine rest. If you’re seeking to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself, this is the place.
Who's it for?
Thermae Sylla is best suited for those looking for deep relaxation and healing rather than modern, high-gloss resort living, and is ideal for those seeking a deeper transformation through healing holidays that combine therapeutic waters with holistic practices. It's perfect for solo travellers wanting to recharge, couples in need of a peaceful break, or anyone curious about the curative powers of natural thermal waters.
Insider info
- Book a Sea View Room if you can — the views are breathtaking, and with Wellbeing Escapes you’ll receive a guaranteed free room upgrade.
- In the summer months, head out to one of the tavernas along the promenade for a true taste of local Greek life.
- In the winter, embrace the cosy atmosphere — there’s nothing better than curling up by the fireplace with a good book.
- Don’t miss the dish of the day at lunch; it’s always seasonal and fresh.
- Limit your time in the indoor thermal pool to 20 minutes per session — it’s powerful, and less is more.
- Save one evening for the Athrion restaurant in summer — the views and seafood are unforgettable.
Thermae Sylla offers an authentic Greek wellness experience in the beautiful spa town of Edipsos. If you’re inspired to explore more in this region, take a look at Euphoria Retreat or Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort.
