At 40 Filippou Street in Polichni, Thessaloniki, Gold Fish Spa invites those looking for a genuine escape from the fast pace of everyday life to discover the value of relaxation and taking care of their body. It is a wellness space designed to offer a complete self-care experience in a peaceful setting, where every detail contributes to a feeling of rest and tranquillity.

At its heart are massage, specialised techniques, heat-based treatments and indulgent therapies, all brought together by a shared commitment to quality, care and a genuine interest in people.

Maria Smakotina’s journey

Gold Fish Spa opened its doors in 2025, marking a new chapter in the professional journey of Maria Smakotina, who brought her extensive experience and knowledge into her own dedicated space. Behind Gold Fish Spa lies a career combining medical training, cosmetology and many years of experience in massage therapy.

Maria studied Medicine in Russia, gaining an in-depth understanding of the human body, anatomy and physiology. She then chose to broaden her expertise in the beauty and wellness field, studying cosmetology, also in Russia.

Her professional journey continued in Greece, where she worked as a therapist in massage and spa settings. Over more than 20 years in the field, she has had the opportunity to refine her techniques and develop a deep understanding of the different needs of the body.

In 2025, she decided to take the next step by creating her own spa in Polichni. For Maria, Gold Fish Spa is the expression of a personal philosophy: care should be more than simply an enjoyable moment; it can become an experience that helps people feel better in themselves.

What gives her the greatest satisfaction is seeing the change in the mood of those who visit. As she explains, people who arrive tired and weighed down by the demands of everyday life can leave after a 45-minute session feeling lighter, more relaxed and in a completely different frame of mind. That transformation, and the smile that comes with it, is her greatest reward.

A space centred around quality and personalised care

The atmosphere at Gold Fish Spa has been thoughtfully designed to create a sense of calm from the moment you walk through the door. Its philosophy is based on attentive, personalised care, selecting the right service for each visitor and creating an experience that responds to their individual needs.

For Maria Smakotina, years of experience only truly matter when combined with genuine care for people and respect for their individual characteristics. Quality is not simply about technique, but also about the way each service is delivered — with care, consistency and a genuine desire to provide meaningful wellbeing.

Massage tailored to the needs of the body

Massage is one of the main pillars of Gold Fish Spa, with a range of techniques designed to address different needs. The approach is personalised, recognising that every body is different and does not necessarily require the same type of treatment.

The muscle-relaxing massage is ideal for those looking to release muscular tension and enjoy a period of deep relaxation. Through carefully selected movements and techniques, the session can help ease muscular stiffness and promote an overall feeling of rest and relaxation.

For those who engage in intense physical activity or experience muscular strain, sports massage offers a more dynamic approach, focusing on the muscles that are placed under the greatest stress. Lymphatic massage, meanwhile, uses gentle, specialised movements designed to support lymphatic circulation and may help ease the feeling of heaviness associated with fluid retention.

The range of services also includes cupping, a technique offered as part of the body-care options according to individual needs and suitability.

Russian Stone Method: The experience of hot stone massage

Hot stone massage, known as the Russian Stone Method, has a special place at Gold Fish Spa. It combines the soothing warmth of heated stones with massage techniques designed to encourage muscular relaxation and release physical tension.

The warm stones are placed on selected areas of the body and used alongside massage movements. Depending on the needs of the session, the treatment may also incorporate deeper pressure techniques and stretching. The warmth creates a deeply relaxing environment, allowing visitors to disconnect from the demands of the day for a while.

This particular treatment reflects the philosophy of Gold Fish Spa, where technical expertise and knowledge are combined with attentive touch and personalised care.

Jacuzzi, sauna and chocolate therapy

The wellness experience is complemented by treatments and facilities designed to appeal both to the body and the senses. The jacuzzi and sauna offer an opportunity to unwind through warm water and heat. They are ideal options for those looking to relax their muscles and take a break from everyday tension, provided they are suitable for the individual’s health circumstances.

A more indulgent option is chocolate therapy, a pampering treatment that combines relaxation with skincare. Chocolate-based products help moisturise the skin and leave it feeling soft, while the characteristic aroma adds an enjoyable sensory element to the experience.

The common aim of all the services is to create an experience that gives people the opportunity to dedicate time to themselves, enjoy being cared for and temporarily step away from the pace of everyday life.

Gold Fish Spa in Polichni, Thessaloniki, is an invitation to make self-care part of our everyday routine. Guided by Maria Smakotina’s experience and philosophy, every service is designed to offer moments of calm, rejuvenation and personal care.

Because, ultimately, wellbeing is found in those small moments we dedicate to ourselves — moments that allow us to return to everyday life feeling more relaxed, refreshed and ready to smile.