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As we know from Greek mythology and the writings of the ancient philosophers Aristotle and Plutarch, the mineral springs of Edipsos have been famous for their healing properties since the 4th century B.C. And it is hard to imagine a pedigree as venerable as that of the local Thermae Syllla Spa and Wellness Hotel, founded way back in 1897.
In that pre-electricity age, when the hotel had to be lit by candles, Thermae Syllla Spa and Wellness Hotel was considered one of the two greatest hotels in Greece. This is quite an honor for a property situated not even on the Greek mainland, but rather on one of the country’s many islands – Evia Island, to be exact.
Evia is Greece’s second largest island, and the largest that can be accessed either by road or a short, vehicle-carrying ferry hop. This makes the hotel easily reachable from Athens – and its international airport – only 90 minutes away from the capital. Free airport transfers are even available, with a minimum-stay requirement.
The hotel is even conveniently accessible for those not wishing to rent a car, since express buses run to the port of Arkitsa, where one may board a ferry for a scenic 45-minute ride across the Gulf of Euboea to Edipsos (a.k.a. Loutra Edipsou, or Aidipsos).
Relaxing in Greece’s hot springs region
As noted, it is no mystery why a spa and wellness hotel would be located in Edipsos, home to thermal waters fed by underground springs burbling up from 3,000 meters (nearly two miles!) beneath the surface. The temperature of these waters measure reaches 75-85 degrees Celsius (167-185 degrees Fahrenheit).
The hotel itself sits right atop such a spring, which feeds its private indoor and outdoor pools, as well as natural pools sharing the cooler waters separating the island from the mainland. Hotel guests may actually walk in their bathrobes the few steps across the street to these public hot water pools so popular with the local inhabitants.
Edipsos also boasts a legendary historical site called Sulla’s Cave, named after the Roman general – and later ruler – who reportedly recuperated from illness and his battles in these selfsame thermal waters; after all, it is the Latin phrase “sanum per aqua” which gives us the modern-day acronym “spa.” Hence also the derivation of Thermae Syllla Spa and Wellness Hotel.
As can be imagined, a hotel with a history of 125 years has gone through numerous iterations. Currently, it boasts a total of 104 guest units – rooms and suites – in twowings: the original and a newer one. The guest quarters are additionally classified in seven categories of rooms and suites, ranging in size from 15 qm (square meters) to 45 qm (50-145 sq. feet).
Thermae Syllla Spa Hotel offers a variety of rooms
Each wing has its own advantages and drawbacks: the older wing fronts the sea, thus offering from its bedrooms awesomely expansive views of the seemingly endless watery horizon. On the other hand, only the rooms in the new wing have open-air balconies, which – albeit small – nonetheless accommodate two chairs and a table.
Regardless of which wing or type of unit, guests at Thermae Syllla Spa and Wellness Hotel will enjoy all the comforts of a fully equipped room, including minibar, LCD satellite TV and personal safe. Free WiFi access reaches all guest units.
The bathrooms in particular are luxurious: sparkling marble and pampering bath amenities by Olivia Thinks. Comfortable monogrammed bathrobes and slippers are meant to be worn both in the room and on the way to the pools, the spa and the natural hot springs.
These pools, along with the spa, are, of course, the prime attractions of the hotel, and where guests will likely spend most of their waking hours during their stay. Both the indoor and outdoor pools are meant more for relaxing and therapeutic bathing than swimming, with plenty of whirlpool niches and massaging showers of all shapes and degrees of pressure.
An award-winnning spa plus gourmet dining
The acclaimed spa – a World Luxury Spa Award Global Winner – offers a wide variety of wellness treatments, designed to help with everything from stress reduction and detoxification to weight loss and revitalization. The Oriental-themed relaxation area also contributes to the general atmosphere of overall well-being.
Finally, the dining experience at Thermae Syllla Spa and Wellness Hotel turned out to be a most pleasant surprise, exceeding all expectations. It started from the very first morning, with a lavish breakfast buffet, loaded with healthy options.
In the evening, we dined in the hotel’s a la carte restaurant, and feasted on gourmet dishes inspired by the local cuisine. And this was even before the property’s fine dining restaurant, Mesoghios, opened for the summer season, when Edipsos really comes alive.
It is in this high season that the city’s many waterfront restaurants are all open and bustling, serving the freshest bounty of the sea. Fortunately, these reasonably priced establishments are all in easy strolling distance from the hotel.
Last but not least, the balmy summer evenings are when the property unveils its bar on the pier just opposite the hotel entrance. Of course, the fully stocked bar serves guests all year round in the elegantly furnished lobby, complete with fireplace.
Rates, including breakfast, start at $195 in low season and trend upwards during the summer and holidays. Check the Thermae Sylla Spa and Wellness Hotel website’s “Offers” page for special deals and packages. You can also look for better pricing on Booking.com, especially if you have an account and can unlock a Genius discount.
Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of the hotel for purposes of review. Check out his review of another Evia Island hotel on this site.
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