A secret sanctuary of rest and relaxation: Lake Vouliagmeni

Imagine a magical haven just a short trip from Athens, yet one that feels worlds away – the teal blue waters of Lake Vouliagmeni is testimony to nature’s brilliance shrouded in eternal myths. Now imagine a soothing sensation that descends on your body as you arrive, a calmness that can only be explained by nature.

A paradise created by seismic uplifts of the past, this brackish water lake plunges deep into earth, framed by ivory limestone formations dressed in acacia, olive and pine trees of the mountains of Hymettus. A place so alluring, Lake Vouliagmeni is said to have welcomed goddesses as they bathed in the cool water while mischievous water nymphs would prey on young men.

This magical, hidden thermal spa is believed to possess the power to heal the body and soul, and is a place of serenity, reflection and a heavenly escape from the chaos of everyday life. Here are five ways Lake Vouliagmeni revives and restores.

The lake’s natural thermal waters fed from deep within earth have been cherished by generations of Athenians who come here for rejuvenation. It was once popular with the rich and famous during the ‘golden age of travel’ between the 1950s and 60s. Fed by the unspoilt underground currents of thermal water through the mountain, it promises pure and cleansing treatments for body and soul. Upon arrival, you’ll experience immediate relaxation whether you’re bathing, walking or just by relaxing by the water’s edge. Whichever you choose, Lake Vouliagmeni quenches the soul’s thirst for spiritual nourishment.

The temperate water is suitable for a swim all year round, with its healing properties extending to those with skin conditions and arthritis. Enhancing what is already a soothing experience, the sun washes both land and water with gold as the day goes on, relaxing your body and mind as it moves across the sky.

At Lake Vouliagmeni, care is taken to protect the natural environment, so nature can take care of you. No plastic bottles are used at the lake, and swimming isn’t permitted when wearing sunscreen to avoid chemical contamination. Furthermore, a composting initiative uses organic waste and coffee grinds from the facilities to minimise its environmental footprint.

Nature offers abundant rejuvenating experiences at Lake Vouliagmeni, offering gentle swims, energising hikes or the exploration of limestone caves. If you simply wish to meditate or read a book by the lake, you’re in the right place. The main deck, furnished with sunbeds, chaise lounges and tables with chairs, is a tranquil setting you can relax in while truly appreciating the environment. Those looking for more privacy can reserve a spot at the exclusive Prive Area, where an attentive team is on hand to serve snacks and drinks.

Take indulgence one step further and treat yourself to quality me-time at the spa. Book a natural treatment to feel even more in sync with your surroundings and immerse yourself in the charm of the lake. Working with luxury Greek skincare brand KORRES, the spa’s skilled therapists use products made with natural ingredients to replenish the body through everything from exfoliation to massage.

Lake Vouliagmeni was once an underground cave washed by the flow of water through its network of crevasses. Natural erosion of the minerals and salt in the water caused it to collapse in around 320BC, creating a natural masterpiece that quietly beckons.

At Lake Vouliagmeni, the celestial backdrop complete with majestic geological formations is the place for thoughtful moments to practice mindfulness. Let your thoughts go back in time to appreciate the wonders of nature, how it carves and shapes even the toughest terrain through the ages. As the light of the day shifts and the water of the lake calms to reflect what surrounds it, it’s a chance to breathe, wonder and relax.

Time passes quickly here, and it’s easy to lose an entire day to the lake. When you get peckish, browse the dining options at AbraOvata, where Chef John Skotidas enhances the lakeside experience with a fusion of flavours, enhancing feelings of contentment and wellbeing with every plate.

The restaurant offers all-day dining, from light, casual meals to fine dining that overlooks the tranquil water. The chef’s menu champions fresh local ingredients, bringing them together with talent and imagination to offer signature Greek dishes with a modern edge. The lovingly-curated menu is matched by cocktails and spirits for a gastronomic experience that speaks to the senses.

It is no coincidence that visitors seek out an escape when they arrive at Lake Vouliagmeni. This is a sanctuary so well loved that philosophers (including Aristotle) documented the existence of Lake Vouliagmeni in their writings. Before that, Athena, goddess of wisdom, is said to have roamed the Hymettus mountains that tower beside it. Perhaps she once dipped her toes in the waters too, transferring her serene wisdom to those who bathe in it to this day.

To celebrate the lake’s intriguing and mythical heritage, Lake Vouliagmeni is partnering with the iconic Greek fashion house ZEUS + DIONE, with visual designs transformed into striking woodcut motifs by engraver Pantazis Tselios, that have been delicately and intricately carved into every surface, offering you an inspiring space for restoration and wellbeing.