The Rooster Wellness & Lifestyle Resort, Antiparos

Peaceful and unpretentious, there’s a rustic charm to the retreat, built in 30 acres of hills above Livadia beach. 17 houses, made of local stone blend into the landscape, and inside is all soft and natural, featuring driftwood beds and weathered wooden tables.

Emerge and refuel at the low-key restaurant, serving healthy but delicious dishes, with most of the ingredients sourced from local fisherman, artisans or straight from the organic farm. There are superfoods aplenty, but also Greek treats on tap. The bar is perfectly positioned for sunset-viewing, and The Secret Garden is utterly magical for dinner. Casual but romantic, it’s reminiscent of traditional Cycladic courtyards with lights dancing overhead.

Like the island, the retreat is about freedom, nature, connection, and relaxation – a place to slow down and find happiness in simple pleasures. Little surprise then, that wellness lies at its core. The spa, aptly named House of Healing, delves into weird and wonderful rejuvenating experiences including wild gong bath sessions, sound healing and a ceremony of fire, alongside the more mainstream yoga, Ayurvedic treatments and deeply soothing facials.

Never has it been easier to hit pause.