Escape to Paradise: Om Living's Milos Island Retreat (Greece)
Escape to Paradise: Om Living's Milos Island Retreat - A Messy, Honest Review (Greece)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Om Living's Milos Island Retreat in Greece, and honestly? My brain's still marinating in sunshine and feta. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth. Prepare for some rambles, some over-the-top praise, a few minor gripes, and a whole lotta love for this place.
First, the Big Picture: Is it Paradise? (Spoiler: Mostly, but with a few "oops" moments)
Milos. Just saying the name conjures up images of blinding white beaches, turquoise water you could drink (though, you shouldn't), and sunsets that make you weep with joy. Om Living's Retreat? Yeah, it nails the vibe. The whole place is a study in minimalist chic – think crisp white walls, natural wood accents, and a general feeling of calm that'll have you shedding your stress like a snake sheds its skin.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But They're Trying (and That Matters)
Okay, let's be real. Greece, in general, isn't exactly known for its stellar accessibility. Navigating cobblestone streets and steep inclines can be a challenge. At the Retreat itself, I'd say it's a mixed bag. They have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator is a huge plus. But, you'll need to double-check specific room details and access points with the hotel directly before booking. They're clearly making an effort, which is fantastic.
The Room: My Personal Sanctuary (and My Temporary Office)
We're talking Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, High floor views that made me want to scream with delight (in a good way!), and a bed so comfy I actually considered barricading myself in there for the duration. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for those late-night/early-morning sunbaths, and I loved the desk – perfect for pretending to work while actually staring out the window. The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were a godsend, and the complimentary tea was a lovely touch. My room had Internet access – wireless, and I did find Internet – LAN as well. The mini-bar was stocked, the safe box was secure, and I did not use the additional toilet or bathroom phone but I can say it was all there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Kitchens and Peace of Mind
Look, after the last few years, cleanliness is paramount. I appreciated their commitment to Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. The fact that they offered Room sanitization opt-out available was a nice touch. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff was clearly trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items – all the boxes were ticked. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me an extra sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (with a Few Hiccups)
Okay, let’s talk food! The Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start to the day, with a good selection of fresh fruit, pastries, and the usual suspects. I'm a sucker for a good Western breakfast, and they delivered. They also had Asian breakfast, as well as Asian cuisine in restaurant, but I did not try them. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a godsend. The Poolside bar was a winner for afternoon cocktails, and the restaurants offered a range of options, including Vegetarian restaurant options. The A la carte in restaurant and Buffet in restaurant were all nice to have. The Happy hour was a bonus.
My Big, Fat, Overwhelming, Spa Experience
Okay, here's where I get really personal. I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "hike-until-my-legs-ache" kind of gal. But, the Spa at Om Living…oh, the spa. I opted for the whole shebang: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and a dip in the Sauna.
The massage, though? That was the game-changer. The therapist, bless her soul, worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. Honestly, I think I levitated for a solid hour afterward. The Pool with view was the perfect spot to chill after. The Spa/sauna was the cherry on top. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was one of the most relaxing experiences of my life. I'm still dreaming about it.
Things to Do (Beyond the Spa): Relaxation and Exploration
The Retreat isn't just about lounging by the pool (though, let's be honest, that's a big part of the appeal). They offer a bunch of ways to relax, from the Fitness center and Gym/fitness to the Foot bath. They also have a Swimming pool [outdoor] to cool off. Milos itself is a treasure trove of activities.
Services and Conveniences: Little Touches That Matter
They had some great extras, like Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations. The Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange services were convenient. The Luggage storage was a lifesaver. I did not need the Babysitting service, but it was available. They also had Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site].
The "Meh" Moments: No Place is Perfect
- The Wi-Fi: While they brag about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, I did experience a few hiccups. The internet, though available, wasn't always blazing fast.
- Restaurant Speed: Sometimes, service in the restaurants was a tad slow, especially during peak hours. Patience is a virtue, people!
- No Pets: My furry friend would have to stay home.
The Verdict: Should You Book? ABSOLUTELY!
Om Living's Milos Island Retreat is a gem. It's a place to recharge, reconnect with yourself, and soak up the beauty of the Greek islands. It's not perfect, sure, but the good far outweighs the minor annoyances. The staff is friendly, the location is stunning, and the spa…well, the spa is life-changing.
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Don't wait! This slice of paradise is calling your name. Go. Relax. Rejuvenate. You deserve it!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your pristine, perfectly-formatted travel brochure. This is real life in Milos, baby, and it's gonna be a glorious, chaotic mess. Welcome to my trip to Om Living Milos!
Om Living Milos: A Milos Meltdown (But in a Good Way!)
Pre-Trip: The Pre-Milos Panic
- The Booking Blues: Okay, so I booked this whole thing months ago. "Om Living Milos," sounds all zen and peaceful, right? Picture me, weeks later, staring at my credit card bill and realizing I've basically committed a small fortune to breathing in salty air. Panic sets in. Did I choose the right place? Is it really as Instagram-worthy as the photos? (Spoiler alert: probably not, but who cares!)
- Packing Apocalypse: I'm a terrible packer. Seriously. I'm the person who packs three different shades of the same goddamn black t-shirt. My suitcase is currently a biohazard zone of sunscreen, half-eaten protein bars, and the vague hope that I remembered my passport.
- The Weather Witchcraft: Checking the forecast. Constantly. It's a Greek island in summer, so it should be sunny, but I swear, the weather gods are actively messing with me. Rain, sun, rain again, then a rogue gust of wind that might blow me off the island.
Day 1: Arrival and the "OMG, This is Real" Moment
- The Athens Airport Debacle: Flight from Athens to Milos. The Athens airport? Chaos. Pure, unadulterated, glorious chaos. Delayed flights, screaming toddlers, and a woman who clearly smuggled an entire bakery in her carry-on. I navigate it all with the grace of a slightly-tipsy flamingo.
- Ferry Frenzy (Milos Bound!): Finally! On the ferry to Milos. The sea air hits my face, and suddenly the chaos fades. The Aegean is stunning. Turquoise, shimmering, postcard-perfect. I'm actually doing this. Holy crap, I'm in Greece!
- Om Living Arrival: The Bungalow Bliss (and a Few Bugs): Om Living is… well, it's charming. Rustic, a little quirky, and definitely not what I'd call "luxury." My bungalow has a gorgeous view, a hammock that seems determined to swallow me whole, and a collection of tiny, persistent ants. They're cute, though, right? Right?
- First Dinner: Taverna Triumph! Down by the water, at a taverna with more charm than a Disney princess. I order the grilled octopus (because, when in Greece…). It's chewy, smoky, and utterly divine. I swear, I could eat this every day. The local wine? Smooth, easy-drinking, and perfect for watching the sunset. (Side note: I also manage to spill half of it down my front. Classy.)
Day 2: Sarakiniko and the Sea of My Regrets (Mostly Regarding Sunscreen)
- Sarakiniko: Moonscape Magic: Okay, so Sarakiniko is even more incredible in person. The white volcanic rock? Unreal. The turquoise water? Seriously, how is this real? I spend hours clambering over the rocks, feeling like I'm on another planet.
- Sunburn Symphony: I, however, forget to reapply sunscreen. (I told you I’m a terrible packer). By the late afternoon, I'm practically glowing, but not in a good way. My back is a raging inferno. Lesson learned: Listen to your skin, people!
- Plaka Stroll and Souvlaki Salvation: After the Sarakiniko experience, the only thing that could save me was a shower (that didn't happen) and a proper Greek souvlaki. I find the town of Plaka. The narrow streets, the whitewashed houses, the scent of grilling meat…pure bliss. The souvlaki is so good, it almost makes me forget the sunburn. Almost.
- Sunset Shenanigans (and a Cat Conspiracy): Back at Om Living, I head to the communal area to watch the sunset and nurse my sunburn. A very friendly, very fluffy cat decides my lap is the best place to be. I’m allergic, but I don’t care. The sunset is too beautiful, and the cat is too cute. I swear, I think the cats on this island are plotting world domination.
Day 3: The Kleftiko Catastrophe…and a Glorious Comeback
- Kleftiko Boat Tour: The Dream (and the Sea Sickness): This was supposed to be the highlight. A boat tour to Kleftiko, the famous rock formations, accessible only by sea. The water is crystal clear, the caves are breathtaking, and the scenery is simply stunning.
- The Sea Sickness Strikes: Then, the sea sickness hits. Hard. I spend half the trip clinging to the side of the boat, wishing I'd taken the motion sickness pills. The nausea is relentless. My face is pale green. I'm pretty sure I saw a small child point and laugh.
- Kleftiko Redemption: Despite the near-death experience with the waves, the beauty of Kleftiko is impossible to deny. Swimming through those caves, feeling the cool water against my skin, I forget the nausea and the humiliation. It's like a dream. Truly.
- Post-Boat Recovery: Ice Cream and a Nap: Back on dry land, I vow to never go near a boat again. I devour a giant ice cream cone, then crawl into bed for a nap that lasts until dinner. My sunburn is still raging, but I'm alive!
Day 4: Beach Hopping and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- Beach Crawl: Today, I'm determined to relax. I hit up a few beaches. Papafragas is interesting, and a little scary to get to. I spend a few hours at Firopotamos Beach, a small, charming village with colorful houses.
- Hammock Time: Back at Om Living, I finally master the art of the hammock. I spend the afternoon reading, listening to the waves, and letting the world drift away. This is the zen I was promised.
- Dinner Drama: I attempt to cook dinner in the communal kitchen. It's a disaster. I burn the garlic. I undercook the pasta. I set off the smoke alarm. I end up eating a bag of chips. (Hey, at least I didn't burn the house down).
- Stargazing and Serenity: As the sun sets, I go outside and look at the stars. The sky is vast, filled with a million twinkling lights. I feel small, insignificant, and utterly at peace.
Day 5: Adamentos, Farewell, and the Post-Milos Blues
- Adamas Exploration: A visit to Adamas, the main town, to get souvenirs. The shops are cute. The port is lovely. I buy a cheap, brightly colored beach towel, a bottle of olive oil, and a ceramic cat (of course).
- Last Lunch Lament: One last delicious Greek meal. I eat it slowly, savoring every bite. I wish I could stay.
- Departure Day: The Sad Farewell: Time to go. I pack my suitcase, which is now even messier than before. I say goodbye to the ants. I take one last look at the sea. I feel a pang of sadness as I board the ferry back to Athens.
- Athens Airport: Deja Vu and the Long Road Home: The Athens airport is still a chaotic mess. The flight is delayed. I'm tired, slightly sunburned, and already missing Milos. But I have a bag of chips, and a lifetime of memories.
Final Thoughts:
Om Living Milos wasn't perfect. It was a little rough around the edges. The bugs were annoying. The sunburn was epic. The sea sickness was brutal. But… it was real. It was beautiful. It was messy. It was everything I wanted. And I would go back in a heartbeat.
So, if you’re looking for a perfectly polished, Instagram-filtered vacation, maybe this isn’t for you. But if you want an honest, authentic, and utterly unforgettable experience, then go to Milos. Go to Om Living. Embrace the chaos. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
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Escape to Paradise: Om Living's Milos Island Retreat - The Truth (and a Few Tears)
Okay, so... Milos? Is it *actually* paradise? I'm skeptical.
Alright, let's be real. Paradise is a loaded word. Did I find it on Milos with Om Living? Well… mostly. The beaches? Unreal. Sarakiniko? Like walking on the moon (and my jaw dropped). The sunsets? Stunning, genuinely. But paradise isn't a flawless Instagram filter. There were moments of sheer, blissful zen, yes. And then there were moments where I was fighting off a sandfly the size of a small chihuahua, muttering under my breath about the lack of decent coffee. So, yes, paradise-adjacent. Bring bug spray. Seriously. And maybe a travel-sized espresso maker.
What's the vibe like at Om Living? Is it all chanting and kale smoothies? (I *like* kale smoothies, but I'm not sure I'm ready for that level of enlightenment.)
Hahaha! Okay, this is important. There's yoga, yes. And meditation. And yes, there were definitely kale smoothies (which, honestly, were surprisingly good). But it's not a cult! It's more… a community. The instructors were lovely, not preachy. The focus is really on slowing down, connecting with nature, and, you know, *breathing*. I went in expecting a bunch of super-bendy yogis, and while some were, there were also people like me: a bit clumsy, a bit cynical, and definitely there for the sun and the sea. I remember one evening, during a guided meditation on the beach, a rogue wave splashed right over me. I burst out laughing, and so did everyone else. That pretty much sums it up: genuine, imperfect, and full of laughter. Also, they did have some AMAZING Greek food. So, win-win.
The Yoga. Tell me about the yoga. I'm… not flexible.
Oh, the yoga. Right. Look, I'm about as flexible as a brick. I can't even touch my toes. Honestly, I was terrified. But the instructors were incredibly patient. They offered modifications, encouraged you to listen to your body, and made it all feel… not intimidating. There were different levels, so you could choose what suited you. And honestly? Even though I was wobbling and sweating and probably looked like a dying starfish half the time, I *loved* it. Something about doing yoga with the sun on your face and the sound of the waves… it just melts away the stress. I even managed to hold a Warrior Two for a whole five seconds! (Victory!) Just… don't expect to become a contortionist overnight. Or ever, in my case.
What about the food? Is it all rabbit food? (Again, I like kale, but I also like, you know, *food*.)
Okay, the food. This is where Om Living *really* shines. Forget rabbit food! (Although, yes, there were some delicious salads.) Think fresh, local, incredibly flavorful Greek cuisine. We're talking fresh fish grilled to perfection, sun-ripened tomatoes bursting with flavor, creamy feta cheese… oh, the feta! And the olive oil… pure liquid gold. They accommodated dietary restrictions, too. I’m a vegetarian, and I never felt like I was missing out. I actually *gained* weight, but I don't regret a single bite. Honestly, I'm still dreaming about the stuffed tomatoes.
Tell me about a specific experience that really stood out. Something that *really* made the trip.
Alright, buckle up. This is the story of the boat trip. One day, we all piled onto a little boat to explore the island's coastline. We were promised hidden coves, crystal-clear waters, and, of course, more stunning scenery. And it delivered. But the *real* magic happened when we anchored in a small bay. The water was this unbelievable turquoise, so clear you could see the bottom. We all jumped in, and I remember just feeling… pure joy. We snorkeled, swam, and played like kids. I even saw a starfish! (Okay, maybe I got a little *too* excited about the starfish.) Then, the captain – a salty old Greek man with a twinkle in his eye – started grilling fresh fish on the boat. The smell alone was enough to make your mouth water. We ate, we laughed, we drank wine, and the sun set over the Aegean Sea, painting the sky in fiery hues. I remember thinking, "This. This is what life is supposed to be like." And then I got seasick on the way back to the harbor. But even that couldn't spoil the memory. It was perfect. It was raw. It was real. And it’s why I’m still thinking of going back.
What's the worst thing about the retreat? (Be honest!)
Okay, the honesty part. There were a few minor annoyances. The Wi-Fi wasn't always the strongest, which, for someone addicted to their phone (ahem, me), was a struggle. And the sun is *intense*. Bring sunscreen. Seriously, slather it on. I got a nasty sunburn the first day, despite thinking I was prepared. (Note to self: never underestimate the Greek sun.) And, let's be honest, sometimes the early morning yoga was a bit rough when you're used to sleeping in. But honestly? Those are small prices to pay for such an amazing experience. The biggest "worst thing" was probably leaving. The post-retreat blues were real. I was back to reality, back to the grind, and missing the sun, the sea, and the feeling of pure, unadulterated bliss. That, and I still haven’t found a feta that tastes quite the same.
Would you recommend it? Seriously?
Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Even with the sandflies and the slightly wonky Wi-Fi. Even with the early mornings. Even with the post-retreat blues that hit me like a ton of bricks. Escape to Paradise with Om Living was more than just a vacation; it was an experience. It was a chance to reconnect with myself, to slow down, and to appreciate the simple things in life. It was a chance to laugh, to learn, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Go. Just go. You won't regret it. (Just pack the bug spray.) And maybe learn some basic Greek before you go. My "thank you" was a disaster, and everyone was laughing at my attempts to pronounce it, but it's fun nonetheless.
Any tips for someone planning to go?
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