"Women Only Week": Greek Island Indulgence-- Pamper Yourself on Poros
Poros Island, Argo Saronic Region

About the location: The ancient Greeks were among the first to discover the benefits of adding herbs and spices to their food. This process was used not only to enhance the tastes, but also provided medicinal benefits. Greek food is still a unique mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients and a generous blend of herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano, which grow all over Greece. Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and has one of the largest coastal areas of any country in Europe, and for this reason fish is an integral part of Greek cuisine. Fresh seasonal vegetables are also a significant element in traditional Greek cooking. And Greek food would not be Greek without the olive oil, as olives are grown and olive oil produced in many parts of Greece.

Your base for this very special cooking holiday experience is the Odyssey Centre, situated just 50 meters from the beach in the small Mediterranean coastal town of Askeli on Poros Island. Poros Island is located in the Saronic Gulf region of Greece. The accommodation is in large private maisonette-style residences; each residence has air conditioning, a private terrace, two ensuite bathrooms, and is located next to the Odyssey cooking school facilities where your cooking courses will take pace. The Odyssey center offers numerous other activities such as sailing, sea kayaking or cycling.

About the cooking lessons: Katerina is a professional chef and is the owner of the Odyssey Centre. She was born in Poros, is passionate about cooking, and is interested and knowledgeable in the historical roots of traditional Greek cooking. She specializes in both traditional and modern Greek cooking, and her skills have become very sought after; when she is not giving lessons in Poros, she also provides lessons in Greek cooking and Greek language throughout other parts of Europe.

Your culinary vacation in Greece will be very friendly and personal. Participants will have fun while experiencing real Greek culture, cooking and delicious food—all during this unique cooking school vacation on a beautiful, unspoilt Greek Island!

About the massages: Anna Gammal is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage and the founder of BodynBeyond Massage Therapy in Hopkinton, MA. She has built a successful practice working to relieve chronic pain and injuries as well as working with athletes for event preparation and recovery. (An athlete herself, Anna was the 1989 3rd National Champion in Greece in the 10K run.) Anna is certified in Myofacial Therapy, Trigger Point, Clinical Massage, Sports Massage, Orthopedic Massage, Pre and Post natal massage and Bran Therapy, and a sought after instructor for massage therapy. A native of Poros, she returns each summer to spend time with her family and has worked many times with Katerina.