The DESTINATION

Called “the land of the good fruit” by Euripides for its beauty and fertile rich earth, Messinia is in an area of great historical significance and stunning landscapes where well-being has been a way of life since time immemorial. Nestled in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula and a Blue Zone region, the Messinian diet is naturally high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants associated with longevity, and part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been included in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The farm-to-table philosophy is inherent to the region, with a focus on raw ingredients - 95% of the olive oil produced there is extra-virgin - and plant-forward cuisine, including wild greens and highly potent herbs and botanicals from the Taygetos mountain range, resulting in a authentic gastronomic experience that also has significant, scientifically proven health benefits.

Small Talk

Lili Barbery-Coulon worked as a beauty editor for French Vogue and M le Monde magazine for 15 years before discovering meditation and yoga, modalities that she now teaches both virtually and in person in Paris and other parts of France. Additionally, she is a podcast host, author of two books - the French cookbook “Pimp My Breakfast” and the mémoir “La Réconciliation”, creator of The Mantra Oracle deck. She also pens a popular weekly newsletter on wellness topics.

How do you define wellness and what is your relationship to it?

Wellness gathers tools that enable you to be more present. And sometimes being authentically present doesn’t mean that you are going to feel “well”. Sometimes being present means feeling truly sad and vulnerable. I have a mixed relationship with the industry, as it often focuses too much on results and promises of feeling “better” or becoming a “better version of oneself”. On a personal level, I am passionate about having tools that can help me live with my wounds and be as true as I can get.

What about your wellness journey?

I have been through many phases. I started looking for healing tools when I was 16. I tried different kinds of therapy, and simultaneously, 10 years into that I became a beauty and wellness editor for two prestigious French media outlets. I got to experience so many products and experiences, always the newest and the most chic. But eventually, I left to explore something new. Shortly after I unexpectedly became obsessed with kundalini yoga, even though previously yoga had never been my thing. I did the classes, then the retreats, then teacher training programs. And then one day several years later, I realized that I had gone too far, that I had lost my discernment. It took some time, but I eventually came back to my inner balance, and while I continue to practice and teach yoga and meditation, the relationship with these modalities has shifted. They remain tools, but not the only ones. There are so many ways to feel more present in our lives. 

How have you seen the wellness and travel spheres change in recent years?

Some wellness industry players have become more radical than ever, selling big promises through 30-day programs or methods. I don’t buy into this at all. I was once filled with certainties. These days, I am back with doubts, and realize that I feel more at ease being doubtful than certain. I believe there needs to be more humility in the industry, in contemporary spirituality, naturopathy ... across the board. I was following all of these people who presented themselves as “way-openers”, gurus, healers, scholars, channels, mind readers, then learning that they were quite disappointing as humans. We need to reclaim our own power and gain discernment. Healing is a never-ending process. There is no such thing as a full recovery. I prefer to see wellness as a way to live with my shadows instead of expecting pure light. 

Anything you are particularly excited about?

I am excited about finding wellness in every little detail of daily life: traveling, gazing at flowers, consciously listening to friends, cooking with intention, finding spontaneous joy.