The water gushes out the marble faucet hastily, bearing nothing but gifts and knowledge, all gathered from the depths of Earth. Water’s underground journey comes to an end at the island of Lesvos, where it finally finds its way to the surface, endowing the island with countless thermal springs. Lucid and rich, the water offers health and well-being to those who seek to unravel its power and become its lover.

Gera, Thermi, Lisvori, Eftalou, Polihnitos. The last stops of an aquatic journey that commenced at the very bottom of the Earth. Transcending endless bed rocks and carrying along from radium to sulfur, water finally reaches the surface. The volcanic descent of Lesvos became the fertile ground for the birth of countless hot springs, scattered all over the domain. The island’s thermal springs were already known since antiquity. Researchers, philosophers and doctors from the ancient world referred to their importance and studied their healing properties. Throughout the centuries, Roman emperors, Ottoman pashas and ordinary travelers, sought recreation, relief and cure in the island’s numerous springs.

Tonic, relaxing, soft, hard, stimulating, soothing, balmy, there’s water for every appetite! Each particular one, has a distinct story to tell, depending on its travels under the surface. Calcareous and carbonic rocks will make the water harsh, as a result of the presence of calcium and magnesium. Radioactive rocks combined with high temperatures will give out water that’s relieving to fatigue and pain. Both a giver and taker, water absorbs the toxins discarded by the human body and at the same time allows minerals and mineral salts to penetrate it. This results in relaxation, well-being, revitalization, but also healing.

Most hot tubs in Lesvos were built during the Ottoman period. The contemporary additions have been usually made in the surrounding areas and not in the tubs themselves, which remain virtually unchanged by time and people. The spring’s water is channeled in manmade pools, overflowing with healing power, and an aura of passed, forgotten worlds. The steam, the pale lighting and of course, the water, make up the mystic atmosphere in the hot tub. The height and shape of the dome affects the temperature, whereas the few sunrays penetrating through the skylights add mystery and awe. The semidarkness, the endless splashing and the absolute serenity that prevail, are to blame for the unique feeling of seclusion from the outside world. Eradicating all stress and annihilating modern life’s frenzy, water allows the body and soul to submerge into complete lightness, into beauty and euphoria. You only have to take your clothes off and close your eyes.

By: Tina Kontogiannopoulos