Finding joie de vivre in Greece
A Greek escape for relaxation and self-discovery, exploring Crete’s charm and Tainaron Blue’s serenity, reconnecting with wellness.
My best friend Tess and I have always dreamed of visiting Greece together. When the chance to spend six nights together on Crete and the mainland landed in our lap like a cosmic nudge, we didn’t think twice. As busy working mums balancing parenting and life, we needed this trip. We were craving a week of zero responsibilities and couldn’t wait for our focus to shift solely to ourselves. It was our time to be selfish — should we swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Med or laze by the pool? These were the biggest decisions we had to make and we were beside ourselves with excitement.
After wrapping up a busy month, we said goodbye to our kids and partners and, 24 hours later, arrived in Greece. The plane journey was spent watching movies and enjoying sentences that were fully formed and not disrupted by our kids’ requests. As much as I wanted these six days in Europe to be about freedom and ease, I also wanted to embrace travel as an extension of my own wellness and self growth. I wanted to relax to the nth degree but also expand my sense of self. Could six days in Greece achieve that? I sure hoped so.
Women and mothers are caretakers, looking after everyone’s needs before their own. I was in desperate need to shift this narrative and to look after myself first. I needed to remember my worth, to view travel as an essential part of my wellness practice and not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Growing a baby while parenting a toddler and working full-time takes a lot of energy, time and selfl essness. Just once this year, I needed to put self-care at the top of my list and give myself the space to explore both my inner and outer world — especially before I become a mum of two boys!
Time to disconnect and Recharge
The benefits of travel are well documented — travel builds happiness, allows you to disconnect and recharge, relieves stress and anxiety, exposes you to new things, makes you physically healthier and even boosts creativity. But what people now want out of a holiday has shifted. According to Chris Kam, the president and chief operating officer of Omnitrak (a Hawaii-based research company that conducts regular national travel surveys), travel has always been a reset. “The travel experience [has now] transformed and became a place to heal — from mental, physical and spiritual stress,” he says.
Through the height of Covid, we were denied our basic primal desire to wander. It was this loss of spontaneity and freedom that has subsequently heightened our need to travel. We’ve also seen a need to focus on health and wellbeing emerge as a result of the stress and anxiety surrounding the pandemic. But this is only a small piece of the puzzle.
We are seeing the rise of women putting themselves first, owning their lives and having the tenacity to follow what brings them joy on their own terms — and this is exactly what Tess and I did in Greece.
The Cretan Sea
Our first stop was Villa Ippocampi, tucked away in the tranquil village of Koutouloufari on the island of Crete. From the moment we arrived, the charm and warmth of this family-owned boutique hotel made us feel right at home. We were warmly welcomed by Lydia and Sophia, the lovely mother-daughter duo who own and run the villa along with Lydia’s husband Nikos. Their hospitality was heartfelt and they treated us not like guests but like friends, which made our experience even more special.
At Villa Ippocampi, every guest feels cared for, and the family’s attention to detail shines through in every aspect of the villa — from the beautiful, bohemian-inspired décor and the authentic Greek touches of blue and white, to the shells and flowers and peaceful ambience that permeates the space.
After settling into our spacious villa, we spent the afternoon lounging by the pool. Surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and olive trees, the pool area became our go-to spot for unwinding. We alternated between dips in the crystal-clear water and lying on sunloungers, soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine. The quiet atmosphere around the pool allowed us to truly relax, our conversations flowing effortlessly as we caught up on life, motherhood and everything in between. There was something about being in this beautiful space that made us feel both grounded and free at the same time.
In the evenings, we enjoyed leisurely walks through the quaint village of Koutouloufari, where narrow streets wind between authentic stone buildings adorned with vibrant flowers.
One of the highlights of our stay was an unforgettable lunch at a local fish tavern with Lydia and Sophia. The setting was idyllic — right by the sea, with the sound of gentle waves in the background and the aroma of freshly grilled fish filling the air. The food was simple yet delicious, the kind that speaks to the heart of traditional Greek cuisine. We savoured every bite — the flavours of the fresh seafood perfectly complemented by good wine (for Tess) and even better company.
Together with Lydia and Sophia, we laughed, our conversation flowed and a deep sense of connection was felt. As mothers, we bonded over our shared experiences, talking about our children, the joys, the challenges and the delicate balance of finding time for ourselves amidst it all. It was the kind of lunch that felt effortless and meaningful at the same time — a reminder that some of life’s best moments are the simple ones shared over good food and heartfelt conversations.
The next day was filled with more of the villa’s peaceful rhythm. We indulged in long poolside chats with Maria, the lovely host, and quickly became obsessed with her delicious bruschetta. The atmosphere at Villa Ippocampi encourages guests to slow down and be present, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience of just being. We also took a few leisurely walks through the surrounding area, explored the beach, enjoyed the local charm and the natural beauty of the Cretan Sea.
What made our stay truly memorable was the sense of connection we felt — not just together as old friends or with our new friends Lydia and Sophia, but also with the space itself. Villa Ippocampi has a unique energy that invites you to deeply relax and rejuvenate. For me, it was more than just a place to stay; it was a place that nurtured and expanded my soul.
The end of the Earth
Back on the mainland, our next stop was Tainaron Blue Retreat, nestled in one of the most picturesque corners of the world I’ve ever seen. The retreat itself is perched atop the historic Cape Tainaron, off ering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the endless blue sea and rugged landscape. Cape Tainaron is located at the southernmost point of Continental Europe in the Mediterranean.
The first impression was one of awe, as the retreat seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. The architecture, rustic yet refined, is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, with every corner designed to honour the surrounding environment. It felt like stepping into a world where time slows down — a world very different to our reality back in Australia.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by Kostas, who immediately set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Kostas and his staff exuded genuine kindness and attentiveness, enhancing our experience by ensuring we had everything we needed without ever feeling intrusive. They seemed to have an almost intuitive sense of when we needed space or assistance, which added to the overall feeling of relaxation.
One of the highlights of our stay was the incredible six-course meal we had on the first night. The dining experience at Tainaron Blue Retreat is a feast for the senses. Each course was a work of
art, carefully crafted using fresh, local ingredients. From the delicate flavours of the kingfi sh to the rich and satisfying fresh fi sh, prawns and stunning salad, every dish was thoughtfully presented and absolutely delicious.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tess and I savoured not only the food but also the beauty of the moment. Sinking deep into a silent spaciousness, time, finally, felt like it was on our terms.
During the day, we spent time in the stunning infinity pool, exploring the retreat’s surroundings and soaking in the natural beauty that Cape Tainaron has to offer. There are no distractions there — just the rhythmic sound of the waves, the gentle breeze and the expansive views of the sea.
Our stay at Tainaron Blue Retreat was a reminder of how important it is to take time for yourself, to disconnect from the busyness of life and to reconnect with the things and people that truly matter. The retreat isn’t just about the stunning views or the exquisite cuisine, although those were certainly highlights. It’s about the feeling of serenity that washes over you, the sense of connection that deepens when you’re away from the hustle of everyday life.
Leaving Tainaron Blue was bittersweet. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression, not only because of its natural beauty but because of the peace and connection it fosters. There, I felt worlds away from my life in Byron Bay and had found the spaciousness and deep restoration I so desperately craved. I was ready to come home.
Simple Pleasures
Greece, with its sparkling sea, flavour some tomatoes, fresh fish and friendly locals, offered a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones. A dip in the ocean, homegrown produce, locally caught fish, nature and good friends — those really are where wellness and life interlace.
At both Villa Ippocampi and Tainaron Blue, I was reminded that wellness is not one-dimensional but a harmonious blend of all aspects of life — body, mind and spirit. I don’t need to traverse the globe to find that feeling of wellness — it can be found in my every day. All I need to do is shift my mindset on what is work, parenting and play — and how these three can seamlessly intertwine to create a life that feels purposeful, balanced and joyful.
And to Tess, the travel companion I’ve always dreamed of, her coffee addiction had us traversing at all hours of the morning (people in Greece often don’t stir until 11am), stumbling across hidden hole-in-the-wall local gems and pebbly beaches. After six days together, the Tess I met almost 20 years ago — pre-kids and pre-multiple businesses — had returned. Her vibrant energy was infectious, and I could have easily joined her flight to Milos to continue the adventure if not for missing my darling son.
