Over-stressed workaholics beware! There does exist a mythical place that could prompt you to forsake your career mid-stride, in favor of inner peace and skilled massages —not to mention a sparkling blue bay, stretching out as far as the eye can see. The name of this perilous place is Elounda Gulf Villas and the most dangerous accommodation option, offering over-the-top pampering and deep muscle relaxation, is the massage suite. Consider yourselves warned: your life is about to change.

But let’s get the practical stuff out of the way first. Elounda Gulf Villas is located on the northeastern coast of Crete, just 1 km away from the quaint fishing village of Elounda and a 10-minute drive from its very own beach club. A high priestess of hospitality in her own right, Anna Kadianaki discreetly presides over this beautiful family-run boutique hotel, constantly on the lookout for interesting local accents to enhance her guests’ experience.

Accommodation starts at Deluxe Senior Suite level —your own private one-bedroom paradise outfitted with marble floors and tromp l'oeil hand-painted ceilings— and goes all the way up to the Royal Spa Villa, a sprawling 4-bedroom property with dizzyingly luxurious features and a private, heated pool. Now you know what to do as soon as city life crosses the acceptable stress thresholds, or the siren call of the Greek summer is just too strong to ignore!