It was a sunny morning when we set out for a 1 1/2 hour drive to the Port of Arkitsa north of Athens. Destination: Thermae Sylla Spa located at the coast of the city of Edipsos. Reportedly one of 10 best thermal spas in the world, according to Conde Nast Traveler, the Thermae Sylla Spa is a 5-star wellness hotel equipped with two water pools and offers a variety of services.
It was was an easy drive along the national highway , Lamia to the Port of Arkitsa. It took me a little over one hour to drive the 151km distance from Athens. There were several cars also travelling along the paved road at much faster speed than the allowed 100-120 km/hr. I kept to the 100-120 km for safety and comfort.
The ferry was big, able to carry more than 50 vehicles. It was smaller than the ferry which took us to the three islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra. But like the ferries we have been to in Greece, it was comfortable and clean. We reached the city of Edipsos in about 40minutes.
The port of Edipsos was quiet, with only a few passengers since it was no longer summer. As we drove away from the port, I noticed the boardwalk was lined up with tavernas and coffee shops. But most of them were empty. I think most of the customers were locals having their usual coffee breaks. We reached the hotel after a few misses since it was our first trip to the city.
We were able to check in quickly. The lady at the reception was cheerful and spoke good English. We didn't have any difficulty communicating also with the bell boy and the other personnel in the spas. And the lady doctor who had to see all clients before they would go to the spa was gorgeous!
The Thermae Sylla Spa is indeed world class. The standard room we got had a view of the sea with the sun rising on our side. There were two water pools, one outdoor and another indoor. And there was a turkish bath and sauna bath which one could avail of. There was an underground subway leading to the spas which one could use whenever it rains.
The massage was a bit expensive but all worth it. And surprise, the masseurs were males! It was our first time to have a male masseur. The supervisor told us that the customers, male and female, wanted the strength of a male masseur. Oh, well, it was a unique experience.
Photos above show the indoor pool. The temperature was about 34C and hydro massage and jacuzzis would alternate. There was no limit to the use of the pool but we were advised not to stay for more than 25 minutes at a time.
We had a great time at the wellness hotel. The service was excellent and we had a relaxing, enjoyable weekend.
