Presence Heals our Senses
A New Experiential Platform by Empiria Group
Exploring culture, place and contemporary wellbeing through immersive, place-rooted experiences.
INTRODUCING PHOS
PHOS is a curated experience platform by Empiria Group where culture, place and human connection awaken the senses.
More than a retreat, PHOS is a recurring and evolving concept that brings together Cycladic light, Greek cultural intelligence, contemporary wellbeing, and meaningful human connection through immersive, place-rooted experiences.
PHOS explores light not as a visual element, but as awareness, stillness, alignment and emotional clarity.
THE PHOS EXPERIENCE
Curated programs
Movement, discussions and workshops.
Cultural immersion
Cycladic identity and local voices.
Shared rituals
Dining and gatherings.
Spatial experience
Parilio and future properties.
For culturally curious, design-aware global travellers, entrepreneurs, seeking more than traditional wellness retreats, PHOS offers immersive, place-rooted experiences delivered through the lens of Empiria Group's hospitality philosophy and sense of understated luxury.
United by a shared appreciation for culture, place, and authentic exchange.
PHOS AT PARILIO
PAROS, OCTOBER 2-4, 2026
The first PHOS experience unfolds at Parilio in Paros on October 2-4, 2026, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) and in partnership with Design Hotels.
Each program is curated by Travelgems and includes movement, discussions, workshops, cultural immersion, and shared rituals.
With its architectural simplicity, connection to the Cycladic landscape and understated hospitality philosophy, Parilio provides the ideal setting for the first PHOS experience.
THE COLLABORATORS
Global Fitness Trainer & Mental Health Advocate
Kelsey Wells
Kelsey is a globally recognised fitness trainer, mental health advocate and creator of the transformative Redefine Fitness philosophy. Her approach, will explore the connection between physical strength, mental wellbeing and self-compassion through movement.
Mindfulness Expert & Founder of Travelgems
Niki Smirni
Niki will lead the opening and closing ceremonies and introduce participants to mindfulness practices.
Hospitality Professional
Wojciech Oglaza
Wojciech is a Berlin-based hospitality professional and Director of Business Development and Community Engagement at Design Hotels. Passionate about independent, design-led hotels, Wojciech brings a strong appreciation for distinctive hospitality concepts and meaningful guest experiences. He will join the Art of Living Well panel, exploring how the wisdom and values of Ancient Greece can continue to inspire the way we live and connect today.
Curator of Antiquities
Dr. Evy Papadopoulou
Evy is Curator of Antiquities at the Museum of Cycladic Art, specialising in Ancient Greek heritage and cultural storytelling, and will join the Art of Living Well panel, exploring how the wisdom and values of Ancient Greece can continue to inspire the way we live and connect today.
Jewellery Designer & Archaeologist
Dr. Polina Ellis
Polina is an Athens-based jewellery designer, archaeologist and fine artist whose work reflects a deep appreciation for Ancient Greek heritage through contemporary design, and who will join the Art of Living Well panel exploring how the wisdom and values of Ancient Greece can continue to inspire the way we live and connect today.
Breathing Expert
Sukkhadas
Sukkhadas is a Wim Hof Method Advanced Instructor & Breathing Expert specialising in conscious breathing, that will guide sessions to support wellbeing and embodied awareness.
Sound Healer
Nikolaos Unalome
Nikolas is a sound healer who will lead immersive
sound experiences, focused on relaxation, and
restoration.
Choreographer
Themistoklis Pavlis
Themis is a Professional Dancer, Educator & Movement Director that will lead dance movement therapy sessions, inspired by ancient Greek dances, linking body, breath, and emotion.
Textile Artist
Araneida – Eirini Xanthioti
Eirini is a Founder of Studio Araneida and Textile artist based in Crete, working primarily with natural and reclaimed materials, she is inviting participants to create their own Cycladic-inspired embroidered pieces while connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 | OCTOBER 2
3:00 PM | Check-in
4:30 – 5:30 PM | Welcome Ceremony with Niki Smirni
Begin your retreat with intention-setting and connection rituals, cultivating presence, openness, and a joyful sense of arrival.
Location: Gathering Steps
5:30 – 6:00 PM | Sound Healing with Nikolaos Unalome
An immersive sound journey to awaken the senses, restore balance, and ground participants in the present moment.
Location: Gathering Steps
7:00 PM | Community Dinner
Inspired by ancient gatherings, this shared dining experience unfolds by the sea, inviting you to enjoy the Aegean setting while sharing stories, laughter, and meaningful connection.
Location: Monastiri Beach Bar & Restaurant
DAY 2 | OCTOBER 3
7:15 – 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.
Location: Main Pool
8:30 – 9:15 AM | Strength & Presence with Kelsey Wells
A 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.
Location: Aurelia Villa (902)
9:30 – 10:30 AM | Breakfast
Location: Mr. E Restaurant
11:00 – 12:30 PM | Panel Discussion - The Art of Living Well
Kalia Konstantinidou in a lively conversation with Dr. Evy Papadopoulou, Dr. Polina Sapouna Ellis, and Wojciech Oglaza, exploring how ancient Greek wisdom can inspire the way we create, live, and connect today.
Location: Main Pool
1:00 – 2:00 PM | Cycladic-Inspired Weaving Workshop with Eirini Xanthioti
A hands-on creative session crafting Cycladic-inspired pieces, connecting ancient craftsmanship with contemporary design and fostering cultural engagement
Location: Aurelia Villa (902)
2:00 – 4:00 PM | Free Time / Parallel Activations
- 2:00 – 3:30 PM | Paros Farmers Wine & Cheese Experience Savor local flavors while connecting with fellow participants in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
- 3:00 – 4:00 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.
4:30 – 5:30 PM | Aegean Fluidity Movement with Themistoklis Pavlis
Gentle dance and movement by Parīlio’s pool, inspired by ancient Greek rhythms, linking body, breath, and emotion.
Location: Aurelia Villa (902)
7:30 PM | Community Dinner at Parilio
A farewell gathering around the table, celebrating connection, stories shared, and the joy of being together.
DAY 3 | OCTOBER 4
7:30 – 8:15 AM | Morning Breathwork with Sukkhadas
A guided session to energize, align, and integrate mind, body, and breath, leaving you feeling refreshed and centered.
Location: Main Pool
8:15 – 9:00 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.
Location: Main Pool
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Closing Workshop
An integrative session to reflect on the PHOS experience, translate insights into practical daily practices, and release anything that no
longer serves clarity, making space for lightness, renewed energy, and inspiration.
Location: Main Pool
09:30 AM | Breakfast
Location: Mr. E Restaurant
Presence Heals Our Senses
φῶς • (phôs) - “light”
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
RETREAT FACILITATOR
FOUNDING & STRATEGIC SPONSOR
OFFICIAL TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR
OFFICIAL AIR TRANSPORTATION SPONSOR
CULINARY AND WINE PARTNERS
VISUAL PARTNER
MEDIA SPONSORS
SUPPORTERS
Coffeeco Upcycle, Symbeeosis, Zagori Natural Mineral Water, Cleanit
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