The Six Sense Spa

The Six Senses Spa at Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort is a tranquil and chrysalis-like, place where guests can surrender into a state of total relaxation.

With a unique blend of traditional Grecian elements, age-old Eastern principles fused into its design, the spa at Porto Elounda is characteristic of the work of spa and wellness designers Syntax.

The spa is set over two levels across 2,700m2 on two floors with glass or wooden bridges spanning a myriad of small streams and arching fountains. At the hub of the lower level is the Tepidarium with its Thermal suite, aromatherapy and experience showers, two saunas, steam cabin and cold pool.

The additional Ottoman Hammam is a stunning mini spa within a spa. Here guests can enjoy hot scrub, mud and private massage chambers and adomed ‘sicakik’ where light bursts through coloured bricks, a modern design with subtle references to the traditional baths.

Up the broad, winding staircase, treatments take place on the upper level in single rooms that may be extended to form larger suites – some including thermal areas – for couples, groups, or VIP guests.
The extensive treatment menu reflects the delicate balance of the Mediterranean ethic and Far Eastern values of the design.

After treatments, guests can retreat to the upper level’s relaxation area where an elliptical water feature and suspended pieces of rock and glass – all designed by Greek artist Kostas Varotsos – extend  the feeling of ultimate peace and serenity.

A highlight is the spa’s indoor-to-outdoor heated Thalassotherapy pool, where guests can swim from an internal, jet-filled pool to an external infinity pool overlooking a truly breathtaking seascape.

Hailed as ‘a unique destination for relaxation, invigoration and rejuvenation,’ by the owners, the Kokotos family, Six Senses at Porto Elounda Deluxe has succeeded in meeting the requirements of the €10 million budget: “It is widely acknowledged that the budget was very well spent,” says Spyros Kokotos adding: “It seems like this project spells ‘success’ in capital letters. We are now working with Syntax as interior designers to create new luxurious guest villas within the resort.”

Syntax are currently working on a wide spectrum of international projects, ranging from masterplanning through architecture, to interior design. The Mubarak Al-Hassawi Medical institute in the Middle East represents a fusion of the more traditional wellness spa with clinical rehabilitation and dietary health covering 30,000m2. The development conforms to the highest sustainability ratings, with a minimal carbon footprint, whilst completely reinterpreting what is expected from traditional medical facilities.

In Prague, Syntax are adding a new spa to the Hilton Hotel, to operate jointly as a members club and private facility forhotel guests. Closer to home, there is a major refurbishment of the extensive spa and lifestyle areas of the Abramovich-owned Chelsea Club.

But perhaps the most unique project at present is on board the QE2 cruise liner, which is to become a floating hotel in Dubai aimed at the seven-star high-end luxury market.

Syntax’s involvement in the conversion includes remodelling all the external deck areas and creating new luxurious spa and lifestyle facilities spread over seven decks.

porto elounda DE LUXE RESORT
72053 Elounda
Crete - Greece
Tel. (+30).28410.68000
www.portoelounda.com

Rooms:  165 guestrooms including 26 suites & villa

Food:    Nafsika, Elies, Odysseus
Drink:   Kirki Bar, Beach Bar
Leisure: Six Senses Spa
Facilites:  27 meeting rooms, extensive health, leisure & fitness facilities

Words: Matt Turner
Photography courtesy of Syntax