Spa consultant Naomi Gregory, founder of Spa Sessions, and resort owner Ricardo Larriera have created a luxury wellness haven at Gundari Resort in Folegandros, Greece.
Naomi has crafted an authentic spa experience inspired by ancient Greek healing traditions and together with Ricardo’s vision, they’ve brought Australian expertise to one of the Cyclades’ most exclusive destinations.
“The island itself was a big part of the inspiration. It’s a very special place and I was struck by its simplicity and raw, dramatic beauty,” said Naomi.
“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. 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,” he said.
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.
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.
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 harvested wild from the island.
These ingredients, rich in the traditions of Greek herbal medicine, are featured in many of the treatments.
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.
