“Are you from New York?! How do you manage your stress?” my yoga instructor Eleni asked when I told her I was from Manhattan. We were sitting cross-legged on a deck overlooking Volni Beach on Tinos, a relatively unknown and beautiful island in the Greek Cyclades. I admitted that I was definitely feeling stressed. Without hesitation, I said, “By coming to a place like this.” “I’m sure you’ll be here often,” she replied with a laugh.
Now, an 8am yoga class on a Sunday isn’t usually my first choice on vacation, but on a recent visit to Tinos, I decided to try my hand at health and self-care for what I call “anti-Euro.” I focused on prioritizing. “Euro trip.
I’ve traveled around Europe several times over the years, and no matter the location, the trips always involve crammed sightseeing, thousands of steps, and overall stressful travel. Ta. Between hopping on trains and ferries every other day and dragging my suitcase through crowded cobblestone streets, I rarely focused on rest and relaxation. There was always so much I wanted to see and enjoy during my limited vacation time that I often felt like I needed to detox and recuperate when I got home after the holidays. I wouldn’t change the experience, but I wanted to try something different this time. I recently spent five long days on an island and its land with the sole purpose of R&R.
Wellness tourism, particularly “quiet living travel” centered around digital detox, connecting with nature and general simplicity, is gaining momentum but is still not very popular in European destinations. This was the type of vacation I was really craving. Especially as someone who doesn’t like to turn off and stay still, as Eleni found out.
As it turned out, Tinos was the perfect place for this experiment. In late September, I was treated to the hospitality of the Audera Tinos Autograph Collection, the island’s first luxury hotel, which had just opened in May. The island is known for its serene beauty and “secluded” slow pace, as Odera’s general manager Ioannis puts it. Tinos’ picturesque landscape is dotted with giant boulders, marble quarries and beautiful beaches. Situated above a secluded beach and complete with two pools and a wellness center, Odera certainly provided the vacation I was looking for. I was lucky enough to stay in one of the pool suites at this property. It, like the other rooms, had a stunning view of the beach and the Aegean Sea, more beautiful than a postcard could ever describe.
As soon as I set foot on the property, I grabbed my Kindle and sunscreen and headed down the winding path to the private sandy beach. During our stay, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at the beach, reading, paddling in the calm, crystal clear waters, or simply enjoying the sounds of the ocean. It may sound cliché, but I didn’t realize how much I needed to slow down and calm down after weeks of hectic work and a hectic lifestyle in New York. I also took advantage of Audera’s wellness services, including the aforementioned yoga, as well as a relaxing deep-tissue spa treatment at the Audera Wellness Center.
What I loved about this hotel is that while it’s definitely luxurious and contemporary, it still feels authentic to Tinos and takes inspiration from the island’s peaceful atmosphere. Tinos is famous for its unique marble carvings, which are clearly incorporated into the hotel’s masonry. During our stay, we also had the opportunity to make our own scented candles in a session led by local artisans. Each Autograph Collection hotel offers The Mark, an experience unique to that hotel and its location. Tinos is known for its religious importance, so candles and candle making are a big part of the culture.
While I enjoyed spending a week on my own at this property, I was excited to explore an island I had never been to before. The tour guides, local artisans, and restaurant owners we met were all locals from Tinos or the neighboring islands and were genuinely excited to share the beauty of Tinos with visitors.
We visited the Marble Art Museum to get a taste of the culture. Vaptistis Winery, a local vineyard using indigenous Greek grape varieties. A special village like Vorax, surrounded by hundreds of huge granite boulders. The Evangelical Church of Panagia has given Tinos its reputation as the “Island of Miracles”, as many people visit the church in search of healing and salvation. Tinos is also an agricultural island, so the produce and food scene is very fresh, simple, yet innovative. We ate lots of crispy Greek salads, seafood, and fish straight from the sea.
But my favorite activity was a boat trip with Don Bleu Yachting. I had never seen a clearer, bluer ocean than the Aegean, so it was such a luxury to be able to anchor at different islands and swim around in such calm, sparkling waters.
Having swam, drank wine, done some light exercise, and eaten fresh food, I left Tinos feeling physically, mentally, and spiritually healthier than when I first arrived. I left. It’s what I call the ultimate wellness trip. And as I promised Eleni, I will definitely come back.
Yerin Kim is a feature editor at POPSUGAR, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women’s lifestyle fields. She is passionate about spreading cultural sensibilities through the lens of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.
