by: KRISTY OTT

The mystical allure of Santorini, also known as Thira, has captured the attention of many including novelist, Jules Verne. His novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and The Mysterious Island highlight the adventures of Captain Nemo and his crew as they witness the fictional island’s volcanic eruptions, with an-accuracy once witnessed by Verne himself, and other scientists on the actual island of Santorini from 1866-1870. This island exudes excitement and magic among all who encounter its’ legendary standing, from Plato to current scientists that speculate that the mythological existence of Atlantis was once connected to this pristine island paradise. From the white washed dome- shaped houses with blue rooftops to the breathtaking rocky-shaped caldera, nothing is more spectacular than the “brightness” of the villages that embody the island of Santorini. There are many things to see once you get here. Catch the dazzling sunsets overlooking the steeply- eroded cliffs, sail across the luminous Aegean Sea, explore the white and red sand beaches, or take a trip to an upscale winery. Nothing whispers “Σε αγαπώ” more to your loved one than by experiencing this spectacular city as a couple, at least once in your lifetime.

The picturesque and mysterious Island of Santorini is located off the southeast coast of the Cyclades Islands. This city is what remains of the massive, volcanic eruption that destroyed the single island 3,600 hundred years ago, creating a crescent-shaped Minoan caldera known as Santorini Island.

Time To Act

The island is a plush, cosmopolitan, and tantalizing place that combines unique architectural design with European- style luxury. The critics rave about the island because of its’ crystal clear water, white and red sand beaches, exotic plant life, and international wineries, making it a top destination spot for 2015.

A Home Away From Home

When budget is not an option, consider staying at a five-star resort with breathtaking views. With many to choose from, the highly recommended ones include Hotel Katikies or Hotel Aressana. There is absolutely no other place like them in the world. These island hotels cling to the side of cliffs as pristine water spills over infinity-drop edges.

HOTEL KATIKIES

This secluded resort has three exclusive restaurants for sumptuous and gourmet dining, three outdoor eternity pools, a library, and coffee shop. Guests receive a complimentary freshly-sautéed Mediterranean-style breakfast cooked to perfection each morning. Rooms are furnished with spacious patios offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can rest on pure, white egyptian-cotton sheets made from the finest fabric, accompanied by daily turn-down service, or place their do not disturb sign on the door for uninterrupted quiet time. For added convenience, complimentary robes and slippers are neatly placed in all villas.

For a taste of exotic local gastronomy, plan on dining at the Katikies restaurant which provides a memorable vista of volcanic hued sunsets on the rooftop veranda. This sexy restaurant offers a huge assortment of tasty wines and savory Mediterranean cuisine.

This plush getaway caters to its’ guests every need. Concierge will handle your shopping, dinner reservations, spa amenities, and tour/ticket assistance. Look no further! Katikies hotel oozes extreme elegance and offers privacy like no other hotel of its kind. Prepare to be utterly amazed! Check for discounted hotel rates throughout the season.

HOTEL ARESSANA

Another luxurious five- star hotel & boutique located in the village of Fira on the island of Santorini is the innovative and plush hotel Aressana. Its’ unique architectural design combines elements of stone from volcanic rocks providing a holistic and Zen-like experience. This hotel offers an assortment of amenities where guests will be greeted with a freshly-cut fruit basket and lightly scented flowers on their pillow. Kosher room-service is offered 24 hours a day, or if guests feel like getting a bite out, check out the hotel’s hot and trendy restaurant Infestioni, which features some of the most delicious, organic, and fresh, savory delicacies around and is available for patronage. The restaurant serves flavorful, vegetarian, and non- vegetarian organic dishes made from the freshest ingredients on the island. Sampling even one of their sumptuous dishes is like “tasting a little bit of heaven here on earth.”

Hotel Aressana has a fitness center, two bars, two infinity pools, a lounge terrace, and day beds for the sun loving guest. The hotel offers exceptional little extras for their guests that will leave them feeling completely pampered.   Hotel guests can stimulate their tired muscles with a hot-stone massage or sunbathe on their own private balcony. Each room has its’ own well-stocked minibar, along with complimentary bathrobes, and slippers. A breakfast buffet which serves exquisite international-type cuisine is served pool-side each morning.

Hotel Aressana’s concierge services will take care of your every need. They arrange shopping, dining, bus transportation, and entertainment assistance.

Come experience “Hotel Aressana.” Voted One of the Best Small Luxury Hotels in the World and Winner of a Traveler’s Choice Award in 2012.

Dining Delicacies

There are various types of Medi- cuisine to try while vacationing in Santorini. The choice in dining fare will depend on the pallet and on the type of ambience that would delight the senses. I recommend two places to try for their award winning wine lists and succulent dishes that even the most selective foodie would relish.

The first place is a Mediterranean spot called Roka, which comes highly recommended for its stylish, pastoral scenery and cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

The second place is Katikies restaurant, which is an all- inclusive, “one of a kind,” organic fine- dining eatery, serving up some of the most decadent cuisine on the entire island.

Both of these restaurants are rated as “The Best Places to Eat in all of Santorini (Thira).”

ROKA

Roka restaurant is a cozy, dinner spot positioned on a cobbled, marble walkway overlooking the gorgeous Aegean Sea. The ambience here is utterly amazing! Guests may dine on the balcony, indoors at a comfy table, or choose to go outdoors on a small patio. This romantic eatery offers a taste of Mediterranean flavor mixed with a bit of island flair. At Roka, one may catch the mid-afternoon sunset or gaze at the bright blue sky under the stars. Watch sail boats cruise by as you sip on some of the tastiest choice wines on all of the island. Roka specializes in both Greek bottled and non- bottled variety wines.

Roka serves up a variety of savory, fresh appetizers. Begin with the mussels, snails, or a fried cheese platter served with crumbles of feta cheese, fresh tomato, and mouth -watering chickpea sauces. Munch on a Greek salad made with real olives and feta cheese. For a main course, try their home-made onion and hummus platters, risotto plates, or thinly-sliced eggplant with feta cheese and tomato based sauces.

If you want to experience the freshest, most delicious Mediterranean food in all of Greece, Roka’s is definitely the place to be!

KATIKIES

There is no other restaurant like it in the world. Katikies pays attention to every little detail to ensure that you have the “dining experience of a lifetime.” The gourmet dishes along with the impeccable service will have anyone mesmerized! This restaurant radiates elegance from start to finish, igniting an ambience of pure elegance.

Katikies’ is a secluded rooftop restaurant that overlooks the volcanic caldera waters. The table clothes are meticulously draped in white linen. Authentic silver and crystal place settings are placed neatly on the table. Enjoy your meal by candle light as exotic flower aromas fill the air.

Guests will dine on the most exclusive, Mediterranean, and organic dishes handpicked from the freshest local ingredients on the island. The restaurant serves traditional Greek favorites including salads, fava capers, cucumbers, tomato kuftedes, and freshly grilled seafood. Indulge in a glass of red or white wine. Katikies’ serves the most select choice wines on the entire island. Menus change daily and are inspired by the guest’s participation along with the chef’s culinary touch. You must call ahead for exclusive reservations. Seating is limited.

Places to See and Things To Do

Vourvoulos Beach is located 7 km off Fira, Santorini (Thira) Islands northeast coast. This beach is rarely crowded and is known for its’ remote privacy. The water is clear with a turquoise rock bottom. It’s great for swimming and tranquil sunbathing. A grey sand pebbled beach line the water’s edges. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for a small price. There is also a small fishing harbor offering sailing boat tours. A restaurant on the beach will gladly cook up your savory fish right after “catching.” Vourvoulos beach is best known for its architectural grandeur, making it a “must see beach for 2015.”

AKROTIRI CITY

Take a popular day trip excursion to the famous and mysterious city of Akrotiri located in Thira, Santorini. This Minoan settlement was destroyed in the year 1500 B.C. when a volcano erupted, burying the city under a layer of thick, molten ash.

Well-preserved by an earthquake, which destroyed the rest of the island, Akrotiri depicts a mysterious and eerie place. Storytellers have described this historical archeological site as being haunted. Although no human bones have ever been found, legend has it that the volcanic eruption wiped out most of its residents, burying them under rubles of ash. Some inhabitants have been known to roam the winding, pebbled streets at night.

Surprisingly, many historical artifacts remain intact. The magnificent objects and fine artwork on display range from pottery and furniture to advanced, drainage systems, and three-story house buildings. Choose to go on a guided tour of the archeological museum or stroll the cobbled streets admiring the historically, ghostly town.

BLUE LAGOON BOAT TOUR

Looking to relax and for a bit of adventure? Why not charter a luxurious catamaran yacht? The blue lagoon boat tour allows you to arrange the entire journey. Crews are highly skilled and knowledgeable sailors who provide a fun-filled, yet safe atmosphere. “Rather than you fit into a predetermined itinerary, they let you set the pace and arrange the adventure together.”

The appetizing menu is also planned with you in advance. Feast on fresh seafood, prime meats, pastas, fresh fruit, and vegetables, along with imbibing the most exquisite wines available.

While sailing, plan to visit Nea Kameni Island, which takes only 30 minutes to climb up once you get to the water’s edge. These surroundings are absolutely breathtaking! Kameni Island is an active volcanic site with stunning backdrop views of the glistening water and rich, green plant life. After wading out to sea, hike, snorkel, fish, or take a dip into the warm sulfur springs.

From the spectacular, gorgeous scenery to the experienced, accommodating crew, this surreal and extravagant tour is worth divulging in at least once in your lifetime.

Water To Wine

Santorini (Thira), Greece is famously acknowledged for its selection of plush wine vineyards. Critics claim that the island may just be “the best wine growing country in the world,” based upon the fact that it is an all-natural organic caldera, producing the highest-quality, richest black soil of all the Greek islands.

ESTATE ARGYROS

Estate Argyros was originally established in 1903 by Georgios Argyros. It began as a small five-acre vineyard off the coast of Thiras, Santorini. By 1950, Argyros’ son Matthew expanded the estate to include ten more flourishing acres. The vines are conventionally grown and the soil is rich in volcanic minerals. They combine family tradition with modern technology; thus, ensuring the highest quality vintages. Estate Argyros was named “Top 100 Wineries in the World in 2005 and 2006.” Come experience Estate Argyros. They specialize in the most savory and driest white wines on the entire Island.

SANTOS WINERY

The Santos Winery Estate was established in 1992, off the outskirts of Pygros Village. This unique vineyard was built on five different levels, capitalizing on the use of the enriched soil and flourishing, green plant life. The thought behind structuring on five various levels was to ensure that gravity would minimize the use of their pumps, while maximizing the effectiveness of the natural rainwater. This technique protects and promotes the quality of their wines.

Santos Winery cultivates over 4,000 acres of vineyard each year, specializing in the highest quality white wines.

Sample 6 choice wines and feast on a variety of mouthwatering cheeses, tomato dips, and freshly-baked bread.

The Santos Winery welcomes over 400,000 visitors every year.

*****

The island of Santorini (Thira) captivates the hardest of hearts with its rich history, alluring mystery, and captivating intensity. Verne and Plato captured the essence of this island’s mystique for the world to discover in future generations. This summer experience, what a philosopher and a novelist discovered years ago, a destination worth writing about.

AAll disease stems from a cellular malfunction that often compounds over time degenerating body systems. With few exceptions, dysfunction in the body and disease do not appear overnight. There are often subtle signs that have been over looked or not diagnosed correctly and yet are clear indications of loss of health. The fact is that with each passing day, we may lose some of our health potential. The pace at which this happens is set by influences from our daily choices.

Understanding the main causes of cellular malfunction, helps us make lifestyle choices that promote restoration of the body creating a life of health and vitality. The main causes of dysfunction and disease can be categorized into three main groups:

• Deficiency
• Injury
• Toxicity

Let’s examine these categories:

DEFICIENCY
Dysfunction and disease are a direct result of the following deficiencies:

• Nutrients
• Emotional and physical rest
• Fresh air and sunlight
• Love and purposeful living

Nutrients
To be optimally healthy, our cells require a steady supply of the following organic micronutrients: vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water, phytonutrients, and essential oils. Phytonutrients are organic components of plants necessary to have and sustain optimum health. Examples of phytonutrients are carotenoids (found in carrots and spinach), flavonoids (found in citrus), insoles (found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower). Essential oils are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile aromatic compounds. They are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications.
Our cells require energy (calories) to carry out everyday metabolic function. These calories are obtained by burning one of the following: carbohydrates, fat and protein. The best way to nourish our cells, prevent disease, and premature aging is to eat organic nutrient dense foods that are high in micronutrients. If you want extra insurance against nutritional deficiencies, augment your diet with organic whole food supplements. Choosing to eat highly processed food may fill you up but they do not give the body the required nutrients needed to function properly and they ultimately stress the body into a diseased state. Choose wisely because your food becomes your cells, tissues and organs. You literally are what you eat.

Emotional and physical rest
Adequate emotional rest is necessary to easy the mind and nervous system from the stress of our modern life style. Take time to tone the autonomic nervous system by doing activities that help you feel calm. Daily activities such as earthing, journaling, meditation, or prayer are essential for getting and staying well. Use essential oil like bergamot (self acceptance), geranium (love and trust) and basil (renewal) to remain balanced.

Adequate physical rest will rejuvenate and restore the endocrine system. A restful night of sleep is critical in preventing premature aging and cellular dysfunction that result in disease. Be mindful of how you spend your time prior to going to sleep. Research shows that stimulating activities like watching TV and looking at an iPad make it harder to fall asleep and may even be detrimental to your health. If you struggle with a good night sleep try using vetiver, lavender or cedarwood or a combination of them together.

Fresh Air and sunlight
Tremendous research shows that our body needs Vitamin D sourced from the sun to support major organ systems, including our cardiovascular, immune, nervous and skeletal systems. Exposing the skin to sunlight without getting burned 10-15 minutes daily is needed. If you think about it, up until recent times, most human activity ensured this. Our modern life style, school and work schedule greatly interfere with adequate sun and fresh air intake. Be conscious of this fundamental need for these things and take steps to do activities that help you. For instance, walk your dog. It will be good for the both of you!

Love and purposeful living
Consistently feeling cared for and loved is essential to our emotional and physical well-being. Positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices and have a direct effect on our bodies, giving us better cardiovascular function, stronger immune systems and a longer expectancy of life. Research studies show that closeness to other people is good for your health. Rediscover your inner source of peace, joy and well-being by learning how to communicate in ways that enhance intimacy with loved ones. Search for ways to create a healthy community of friends and loved ones fostering an experience directly transcending the interconnectedness of life. The idea is to feel gratified through our life experiences and efforts to be kind and helpful to people. We can use essential oils to enhance our knowing of life purpose: Frankincense (truth), Roman Chamomile (spiritual purpose), lime (zest for life).

INJURY

There are four main types of injury that contribute to cellular malfunction:
• Cellular Damage from Toxic Foods
• Repetitive or Gross Stress Injury
• Emotional Injury
• Electromagnetic Injury
• Viral Infection

Cellular Damage from Toxic Foods:
Heavily adulterate foods and food-like chemicals are capable of causing direct harm to our cells. Other highly processed foods cause indirect injury to our cells by deteriorating the health of our blood vessels and major organs.
Some of the worst offenders:
• Sugar laden drinks and snacks
• Artificial additives like aspartame and MSG
• Polyunsaturated fats like margarine or shortening
• Nitrates found in highly processed meats like bacon, hotdogs, lunch meat and sausages

Repetitive Stress Injury
Repetitive stress is injury to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that may be caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compression, or sustained or awkward positions. The best way to avoid repetitive stress injury is to be comfortable when performing activities that require the same repetitive action, position or motion for long periods of time. Examples of repetitive stress include carpal tunnel syndrome resulting from having an over extended wrist while typing, carrying a purse or back pack on one shoulder, golfer’s elbow, and trigger finger. Effective ways to avoid injury are managing the environment to avoid exposure to the same task contributing to stress and taking time-outs to stretch often.

Gross Stress Injury
A gross physical injury is an obvious cause of dysfunction. A strained back or sprained ankle may result in scar tissue formation and joint dysfunction resulting in problems with flexibility and mobility. The best way to reduce long term injury is to properly stretch and condition post injury.

You can use essential oils to support repair of damage to an injured area. Some oils to consider: wintergreen (pain), marjoram (muscle), lemongrass (ligaments), oregano (pain), cypress, (circulation) frankincense (inflammation) & helicrysum (nerves).

Emotional Injury
Chronic emotional stress creates cellular damage resulting in emotional injury. This category is not given the attention it deserves and is directly correlated to disease and dysfunction. Our biography creates our biology; the story of our lives is coded in our cellular make up. Our emotional health is the most dominate factor of our overall health because it is the foundation from which all of our daily choices are made. When our body is under chronic stress it effects the equilibrium of the autonomic nervous system.

You can use essential oils to mitigate stress and emotions. Some oils to consider: All citrus oils (uplifing to the spirit) & lavender (stress), frankincense & peppermint (anxiety), bergamot & melissa (depression), cypress & juniper berry (fear).

Electromagnetic Injury
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radio frequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported in 1990:
“In conclusion, several studies showing leukemia, lymphoma and cancer of the nervous system in children exposed to EMF’s, supported by similar findings in adults in several occupational studies also involving electrical power frequency exposure, show a consistent pattern of response that suggests a causal link.”
There is documented literature validating that X-rays, mammograms and other forms of ionizing radiation accelerate dysfunction and disease. Although, it is not practical to live off the grid completely, you can take steps to reduce exposure. The top 4 to avoid:
1. Cell phone use pressed up against the head
2. Living close to broadcasting antennas and cell phone towers
3. Working in a profession that involves being in close proximity to devises that emit ionizing radiation
4. Tanning beds

VIRAL INFECTION
Viral agent like herpes and Epstein Barr infect 90% of adults. Most people do not understand that a virus needs a host cell to live and reproduce. A virus inhabits cells that are compromised or weak. That is why people with a weak immune system get sick more often. Viral reproduction from herpes and Epstein Barr manifest into degenerative conditions like Alzheimers, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, Shingles, Mononucleosis.

Although modern medicine would have you think that you cannot rid your body of a virus, science is proving differently. Studies at the Technical University of Munich reported that applications of Melissa essential oil caused a complete remission of Herpes. A single drop was applied directly on the area a few times a day to speed healing, and following this protocol was shown to prevent further outbreaks in a significant portion of study participants. Some studies claim that some essential oils have the ability to attack viruses inside of the host cell and even stimulate the immune system.

TOXICITY
There are two main types of toxicity that contribute to cellular dysfunction and disease:
• Exogenous Toxicity
• Endogenous Toxicity

Exogenous Toxicity
Chemical made outside of the body when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the blood stream can harm cells. Exogenous toxins are found in over-the-counter, prescriptions, recreational drugs, conventionally grown meat and produce, household cleansers, room deodorizers, and toiletries. It is impossible to completely avoid exogenous toxin but the amount can be mitigated with educated choices in what you purchase to consume. A great source to learn which products are safe is the Environmental Working Group where you can look up anything from buying safe sunscreen to food scores. You can help manage the toxic burden we experience daily by adding 3-5 drops of citrus essential to your water three times a day.

Endogenous Toxicity
The body is susceptible to endogenous toxins that are produced by microorganisms inside the digestive track. Some of these toxins travel through the intestinal walls and into the blood stream where they can access cells and contribute to toxic burden. The best way to minimize endotoxic burden is to eat fresh foods. Avoid processed foods which are high in sugar and bad fats ultimately contributing to an acidic environment in which microbes flourish. A good rule of thumb to follow: If bacteria won’t eat it neither should you.

Where do our genes fit into our risk of cellular malfunction that results in disease? Like our emotional health, our genes are the foundation that our daily life choices build up or tear down. Most genetic predispositions for specific health challenges like breast, colorectal, prostate cancer or endometriosis have genetic components that can stay dormant if we minimize our exposure to the major cause of cellular malfunction and If we consistently make health promoting choices.

Most of us won’t make it to 120 years of age, but understanding the main causes of cellular disease and dysfunction, staying emotionally balanced, and making healthy choices each day, we can have peace of mind knowing that we are maximizing our health potential.

Footnote: Use of essential oil for therapeutic purposes is only suggested with oils graded safe for internal consumption. They need to be free of fillers, additives and be sourced from plants tested to be safe for internal use. Anything less is perfume grade and will not have the same effect on the body.