Gundari Resort, located on the pristine island of Folegandros, offers a high-end wellness experience that is both luxurious and deeply authentic. The spa and wellness program, meticulously curated by renowned Australian Spa Consultant, Naomi Gregory founder of Spa Sessions, draws inspiration from ancient Greek wisdom, focusing on holistic treatments that harmonise the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Naomi was brought on board by Gundari's owner, Ricardo Larriera, who, like Naomi, hails from Australia and shares a passion for creating meaningful experiences that honour the natural beauty and cultural history of Greece.

The spa at Gundari is an intimate sanctuary where every treatment is steeped in ancient traditions and executed with the highest level of care and expertise. Naomi's vision for the spa was clear from the outset: to create an environment that offers guests not just relaxation, but a deeply transformative experience rooted in the healing practices of the ancient Greeks. “The island itself was a big part of the inspiration,” Naomi reflects. “It's a very special place, and I was struck by its simplicity and raw, dramatic beauty. When I was appointed to the project, I knew that the menu needed to reflect both the natural elements of the island and the ancient Greek belief in the balance of body, mind, and spirit.”

Ricardo, who fell in love with Folegandros during a visit, shares Naomi's commitment to creating an authentic and luxurious experience for guests. “We didn't want to just bring a spa to the island,” Ricardo explains. “We wanted to build something that felt like an extension of Folegandros itself – something that pays homage to the land, the history, and the people. Naomi was the perfect person to bring that vision to life.”

The spa's offerings are deeply rooted in the ancient Greek healing tradition, which holds that true health comes from harmony between the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of life. Treatments like the Hypnos' Dream Ritual, named after the god of sleep, combine foot massages, aromatherapy, and scalp treatments to promote deep rest and recovery. Meanwhile, the Iaso's Balm ritual, inspired by the goddess of recovery, uses warm herbal compresses and private breathwork sessions to help guests restore balance and vitality after a day of exploring Folegandros' scenic trails.

One of the standout features of the Gundari Spa is its use of local, natural ingredients. Working closely with a renowned Greek herbalist, Naomi and her team developed a range of therapeutic teas and herbal compresses using herbs and flowers that are often wild-harvested from the island. These ingredients, rich in the traditions of Greek herbal medicine, are featured in many of the treatments.

The Elderberry Oxymel, a refreshing herbal spritz that uses a millennia-old herbal remedy recommended by Hippocrates is crafted from elderberries, organic apple cider vinegar, and Greek honey, which has been used for thousands of years to boost digestion, immunity, and respiratory health.

Naomi's holistic approach to wellness is evident in the menu's focus on treatments that not only offer immediate results but also act as a catalyst for long-term wellbeing. The spa's Holistic Longevity Rituals are tailored to address specific aspects of health and vitality. These rituals draw heavily on ancient wisdom, using natural therapies to encourage the body's innate healing abilities. For example, the Aegli's Elixir treatment nourishes the skin with a combination of bio-regenerative facial and body therapies, while Apollo's Essence focuses on restoring vital energy through guided meditation, movement, and massage.

At the heart of the spa's offerings are its Massage Therapies, which were a key component of ancient Greek healing practices. “Massage is a form of medicine for the body, mind, and soul,” Naomi explains. “Gundari's spa therapists are highly skilled and authentically heart-led, which makes the treatments not just effective but deeply nurturing.” Guests can choose from a variety of massages, including The Relaxer, a full-body treatment designed to relieve tension and calm the nervous system, or The Liberator, a deep-tissue massage that targets chronic pain and muscle stiffness. Each massage is elevated with the use of therapeutic essential oils and locally sourced herbal compresses.

In addition to its extensive menu of treatments, the spa at Gundari is a serene and beautifully designed space that invites guests to fully disconnect from the outside world. The use of natural materials, soft, muted tones and striking views over the cliffs to the ocean all immerse guests in the island's landscape, creating a tranquil environment where they can unwind and focus on their wellbeing. “The design of the spa is inspired by the serene beauty of Folegandros itself,” Naomi says. “We hoped to forge a space that feels like a natural extension of the island, where guests can reconnect with themselves and the world around them.”

The spa at Gundari has quickly become one of the most sought-after wellness destinations in the Cyclades, with guests praising not only the luxurious treatments but also the deep authenticity and care that goes into every detail. Naomi credits much of this success to the quality of the therapists. “I think what really stands out is the quality of the experiences,” she says. “Our therapists are exceptionally skilled, but more importantly, they approach each treatment with a genuine desire to help guests feel better – both physically and emotionally.”

For those looking to take their wellness journey even further, Gundari offers a selection of Holistic Wellbeing services, including private yoga, meditation, and nutritional consultations. These personalised sessions are designed to help guests integrate the principles of wellness into their daily lives, long after their stay at the resort has ended.

From the carefully crafted treatments to the serene, nature-inspired design, the spa at Gundari Resort offers guests an opportunity to experience wellness in its most authentic form. Combining the ancient wisdom of Greek healing with the modern luxury of a five-star resort, Gundari provides an unparalleled sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.

“Our goal is to offer guests a space where they can truly reconnect with themselves,” Gundari founder, Ricardo, concludes. “At Gundari, we believe that true luxury isn't just about what you experience, but how it makes you feel.”