PHOS
PHOS (Presence Heals Our Senses), a Parīlio initiative curated and designed by Travelgems, is an immersive wellbeing retreat inspired by the timeless wisdom of Ancient Greece and the living traditions of the Cyclades — a journey exploring how these ancient principles can enrich modern life in meaningful and joyful ways.
Set within the luminous landscape of Paros and hosted at the serene Parīlio, a Member of Design Hotels™, PHOS unfolds as a multi-sensory celebration where sun, sea, creativity, conversation, and community become catalysts for renewal.
The name PHOS — derived from the Greek word for light — reflects the essence of the event: illumination, warmth, vitality, and a return to what truly matters.
Across immersive rituals, breathwork, sound healing, movement, creative workshops, cultural conversations, and shared dining experiences inspired by ancient Greek communal gatherings, participants explore the connection between ancient philosophy, Cycladic aesthetics, and contemporary wellbeing — not only as reflection, but as lived experience.
More than a retreat, PHOS is a gathering — a meeting point of culture, wellbeing, creativity, laughter, and connection set in one of the most luminous landscapes of the Mediterranean.

From Ancient to Modern
Exploring how ancient Greek concepts of harmony, beauty, and balance can support a vibrant and fulfilling modern life.
The Cycladic Lens
Discovering simplicity, lightness, and aesthetic awareness through island culture, nature, and the relaxed rhythm of the Aegean.
Your Life as a Canvas
Translating insight into intention — creating practical and inspiring tools for a more conscious, creative, and joyful everyday life.
Welcome Ceremony – Set intentions, meet your community, and step into the experience with openness and curiosity.
Gratitude Circles with Niki Smirni – Begin the day grounded and clear, cultivating awareness while sharing reflections in community.
Morning Breathwork with Sukkhadas – Energizing conscious breathing sessions designed to awaken vitality and focus.
Sound Healing with Nikolaos Unalome – Immersive vibrational journey that relaxes, restores, and gently elevates the senses.
Strength & Presence with Kelsey Wells – A mindful strength-based movement experience combining intention setting, breath, and gratitude to embrace movement as a tool for physical and mental wellbeing.
Timeless Paths – Lively discussion panel with Greek culture experts exploring creativity, Cycladic heritage values, and lessons from history to embrace in daily life.
Aegean Fluidity Movement with Themis Pavlis – A guided movement session inspired by the rhythms of the sea, connecting body, breath, and emotion.
Design Inspired by Antiquity with Alexandra Diona – A hands-on creative workshop blending ancient craftsmanship with contemporary expression.
Community Dinners – Shared evenings around the table where conversation flows, stories unfold, and genuine connections are formed.
Closing Workshop: From Ancient Inspiration to Modern Intention – A reflective and energizing integration session to carry clarity and inspiration home.
Hosted at Parīlio, a member of Design Hotels™, PHOS unfolds in an atmosphere of understated Cycladic elegance. Natural textures, soft light, and minimalistic architecture create a sanctuary that invites guests to slow down — without losing the vibrancy of island life.
Surrounded by Paros’ pine-fringed coves, whitewashed villages, and serene landscape, Parīlio blends timeless Greek architecture with contemporary design. Inspired by the island’s nature, history, and mythology, the hotel harmoniously connects past and present, embracing the luminous beauty and effortless pace of the Cyclades. Here, days unfold naturally between inspiring sessions, sunlit swims, shared tables, and golden-hour moments — creating space for both renewal and celebration.
At PHOS, you will step into a three-day journey designed to nurture mind, body, and spirit—awakening clarity, lightness, and renewed energy, while creating space for enjoyment, spontaneity, and meaningful connection.
You will:
Gain a renewed perspective on wellbeing and lifestyle.
Connect with ancient wisdom and modern creativity in ways that feel relevant and alive.
Build meaningful relationships through shared experiences, laughter, and conversation.
Cultivate clarity and inspiration, while rediscovering what truly energizes you.
Learn practical tools for balance, integrating mindful practices, creativity, and wellbeing into everyday life.
You can also enhance your experience by joining parallel activations, including a Polaroid Walk to capture the island’s scenic landscapes through photography, and a Paros Farmers Wine & Cheese Experience to savor local flavors in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

*PHOS Retreat has been granted the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO)
Sukkhadas is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor dedicated to helping people reconnect with their inner strength, resilience, and life energy. After experiencing profound personal transformation through the method himself, he now shares its powerful tools through workshops and retreats across Europe and America. Combining breathwork, cold exposure, and mindfulness, Sukkhadas guides participants to strengthen their mental and physical wellbeing while cultivating greater awareness, presence, and connection within themselves.
Kelsey Wells is a globally recognised fitness trainer, mental health advocate, motivational speaker, and the creator of the transformative Redefine Fitness philosophy. As one of the world’s most influential voices in women’s fitness and wellness, she encourages millions of women to prioritise their mental wellbeing and embrace movement as a powerful tool for both physical and mental health. Through her workout programs, wellness retreats and global community of more than five million people, Kelsey continues to encourage people to redefine caring for their health— mind, body and soul.
Niki Smirni is the founder of Travelgems, Europe’s leading wellbeing company, author of THE METHOD: Become Who You Meant to Be, TEDx Speaker, and transformational leadership expert. With over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, psychology, and personal development, she combines academic knowledge, spiritual practice, and real-world experience to inspire meaningful change. A Certified Chopra Meditation Instructor with two MSc degrees in Transformational Leadership and International Marketing, Niki’s work focuses on authenticity, personal growth, and the power of human connection.

Themistoklis Pavlis is a professional dancer, educator, and movement director with extensive experience in classical and contemporary performance. Trained at the Higher Professional Dance School of the Greek National Opera, he has performed internationally and collaborated on acclaimed productions across dance, theatre, and opera. His work explores the connection between movement, emotion, and presence, creating experiences that invite people to reconnect with their bodies through expression, awareness, and embodied practice.
Alexandra Diona is a Copenhagen-based multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores the connection between traditional craft, creativity, and mindful making. Originally from Greece, she works across embroidery, crochet, tufting, knitting, and textile arts, using materials as a way to tell stories and create meaningful connections. Through her workshops, Alexandra invites participants into a slower, more intuitive creative process where craftsmanship becomes a form of self-expression, reflection, and collective experience.
Nikolaos Unalome is a sound healer and energy practitioner dedicated to exploring the transformative power of sound, vibration, and conscious awareness. After a profound personal journey of healing and spiritual awakening, he devoted his work to supporting others through sound therapy, meditation, and energetic practices. Combining ancient wisdom with vibrational healing techniques, Nikolaos creates immersive experiences that encourage relaxation, inner connection, and a deeper sense of harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Wojciech Oglaza is a Berlin-based hospitality professional and Director of Business Development and Community Engagement at Design Hotels. With extensive experience across Design Hotels GmbH and Design Hotels AG, he specialises in business development, partnerships, and community engagement. Passionate about independent, design-led hotels, Wojciech brings a strong appreciation for distinctive hospitality concepts and meaningful guest experiences.
Dr. Polina Sapouna Ellis is an archaeologist, jewellery designer, and founder of Polina Ellis, a jewellery brand that bridges contemporary design with the rich symbolism and heritage of ancient Greece. Drawing on her academic background and life experiences, she creates distinctive pieces characterised by bold simplicity, clean lines, and subtle details. Her designs embody strength, sensitivity, and understated luxury, inspired by the timeless ethos and aesthetics of ancient Greek culture.
Dr. Evi Papadopoulou is a Doctor of Prehistoric Archaeology and an archaeologist specialising in Mycenaean settlements, cemeteries, and the social organisation of ancient communities. She has participated in archaeological excavations across Greece and abroad and has worked with leading cultural institutions, including the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Ministry of Culture. In recent years, she has focused on cultural storytelling, bringing archaeology and ancient Greek heritage to wider audiences through books, documentaries, educational programmes, and public talks. She is the author of the Archaeological Tales series published by Patakis and, since 2023, has been a Curator of Antiquities at the Museum of Cycladic Art.
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3:00 PM – Check-in
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5:00 PM – Welcome Ceremony
Begin your retreat with intention-setting and connection rituals, cultivating presence, openness, and a joyful sense of arrival. -
6:00 – 6:30 PM – Sound Healing with Nikolaos Unalome
An immersive sound journey to awaken the senses, restore balance, and ground participants in the present moment. -
7:30 PM – Community Dinner
Inspired by ancient gatherings, this shared dining experience encourages storytelling, laughter, and meaningful connection.
- 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM - Morning Breathwork with Sukkhadas
A guided breathing session to energize the body, calm the mind, and cultivate awareness, setting the tone for a balanced and vibrant day. - 8:15 AM – 9:00 AM – Strength & Presence with Kelsey Wells
A mindful strength-based movement experience combining a mat workout with intention setting, mindfulness, and gratitude practices, followed by a guided cool-down to reconnect with the body and cultivate inner strength. - 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Breakfast
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Panel Discussion
A lively conversation with Greek culture experts, exploring how creativity and Cycladic heritage values continue to shape modern life. - 12:00 – 1:00 PM – Cycladic-Inspired Workshop
Hands-on creative session crafting Cycladic-inspired pieces, connecting ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design, and fostering cultural engagement. - 1:00 – 5:00 PM – Free Time / Parallel Activations
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1:00 – 3:00 PM – Paros Farmers Wine & Cheese Experience
Savor local flavors while connecting with fellow participants in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere. -
3:00 – 5:00 PM – Polaroid Walk “Cycladic Eyes”
A guided stroll through Naoussa to capture moments in the Cycladic light. Photos are collected to create a collective retreat canvas, celebrating shared vision and creativity.
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- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Aegean Fluidity Movement
Gentle dance and movement by Parīlio’s pool, inspired by ancient Greek rhythms, linking body, breath, and emotion. - 7:00 PM – Community Dinner
A shared meal that continues the joyful spirit of connection, storytelling, and laughter.
- 7:30 AM – Gratitude Circle with Niki Smirni
A reflective morning session to center the mind, set intentions, and cultivate awareness, opening the day with clarity, presence, and joy. - 8:30 AM – Morning Breathwork with Sukkhadas
A final guided session to energize, align, and integrate mind, body, and breath, leaving participants feeling refreshed and centered. - 9:00 – 10:00 AM – Breakfast
- 10:30 – 11:30 AM – Closing Workshop
An integrative session to reflect on the retreat experience, translate insights into practical daily practices, and release anything that no longer serves clarity, making space for lightness, renewed energy, and inspiration. - Check-out
Disclaimer: This schedule is indicative and is subject to change as we move closer to the retreat date.
Event Highlights
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The Rituals of Wellbeing – Inspired by Ancient Greek philosophies of harmony and wellbeing, immerse yourself in joyful, multi-sensory experiences, including sound healing, morning breathwork, and movement sessions that awaken both body and spirit.
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Group Dinners – Experience the spirit of ancient gatherings through shared meals that encourage storytelling, laughter, meaningful conversation, and connection, creating moments of delight and shared joy.
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Closing Workshop: From Ancient Inspiration to Modern Intention – An integrative session to:
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Reflect on your retreat experience
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Translate insights into personal goals and daily practices
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Release old habits, cluttered thoughts, and distractions — leaving space for clarity, lightness, and renewed energy.
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2-night accommodation at Parīlio Hotel
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All breakfast meals
- All dinner meals
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All main sessions and activations
- Airfare or ship tickets to/from Paros, Greece – We strongly advise you to book flexible airfare tickets and flights with fewer carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection, as it is our responsibility to safeguard our environment
- Land transfers in Paros, Greece
- Lunch, soft drinks, beverages
- Climate resilience tax of 15 EUR / room / night payable by the guests directly to the hotel
- Whatever is not mentioned clearly in the inclusions
Payment Plan: Available – contact info@travelgems.com
Language: English
Cancellation Policy: A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining 70% is refundable and can be paid in flexible installments, with the full balance due 45 days prior to the retreat start date. Cancellations made after this point will incur a 100% cancellation fee
Transportation: For the PHOS retreat in Paros, Greece, you can fly into Paros National Airport (PAS). From there, it is approximately a 20–25 minute drive to Parīlio Hotel. Alternatively, you may arrive by ferry to Paros Port, which is about a 10–15 minute drive from the hotel. We can assist with arranging a transfer—please reach out to info@travelgems.com for bookings or additional information.
Important Info: The PHOS experience can be booked either as a standalone experience or as part of a combined package with the Soulful Love Retreat, which takes place just before PHOS. You can find more details about the Soulful Love experience here.
Force Majeure / Travel Restrictions: In the event of COVID-19 restrictions or any other government-imposed travel limitations related to a pandemic that prevent guests from attending, all payments made will be fully refunded.
Prices
Participation Options:
- €1,400 per person – Double Occupancy
- €2,500 per person – Single Occupancy
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2-night accommodation at Parīlio
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All breakfast meals
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All dinner meals
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All main retreat sessions and activations
- Exclusive meet & greet with Kelsey Wells
- €3,350 per person – Double Occupancy
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€5,100 per person – Single Occupancy
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5-night accommodation at Parīlio
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Daily breakfast and dinner
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All Soulful Love sessions and workshops
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All PHOS main sessions and activations
- Exclusive meet & greet with Kelsey Wells
This package includes the full combined experience of both retreats.
More information about the Soulful Love Retreat can be found here.
Booking Instructions – Double Occupancy
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To reserve a double occupancy room, select two (2) spots and add them to your cart. This room is intended for two guests sharing one king-sized bed.
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Kindly include the full names of both participants in the Notes section during checkout.
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If you wish to share a room but require separate sleeping arrangements (Twin Room), please contact us at info@travelgems.com to check availability.
Room Upgrades & Options
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Specific room upgrades and categories are available upon request.
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For details, please contact info@travelgems.com.
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