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