In addition to allowing us time to explore new territory, experience what it might like to be a local in another land, see historic places in person and eat and drink regional foods that allow us a taste of another culture (not to mention give us a respite from another sad desk lunch), vacations are supposed to be stress-relieving excursions. In fact, there’s a noted rise in bookings for “nothing-cations” and unplugged vacations to help combat the frazzled feelings we often experience while at home.
However, whether you book a wellness-inspired getaway or jet off to a luxury destination that’s been on your bucket list for years, chances are high that the simple act of traveling is enough to make your blood pressure rise. For a majority of Americans, if they have to fly to get somewhere, this might just be enough to skip the trip entirely. This is especially true lately, considering the current landscape with many long lines, flight delays and chances for lost-in-transit luggage.
Air travel is a leading trigger for stress for 55 percent of Americans, per new research from Expedia. Put toe-to-toe with visiting the dentist or filing taxes, more than 5 in 10 respondents to their survey said they’d rather tackle those tasks than take a flight.
Rather than stress about what might go wrong, though, I prefer to plant a carrot to look forward to enjoying once everything does go right and I land at my destination. This fall, I did just that to kick off my vacation to Italy, which commenced in Milan.
At the suggestion of my travel advisor, I had booked a room at STRAF Milan, a member of Design Hotels. I had originally selected it from her shortlist of lodging recommendations due to its location and the fact that the brand says on its website, “we love musicians, DJs, artists, installations, performance art, conceptual art and cozy bedrooms that defy convention.” Sold.
But a hidden luxurious detail sealed the deal: The underground spa, H2O Wellness.
Tourists and locals strolling by the property would never know that this exists, and only those who have a room key and fill out a brief waiver can enter. But once you do, you’re transported to a world where all your anxiety drifts away. After disembarking, making it through passport control, and taking a quick car ride from the airport to the hotel, my itinerary had a very important first action item: Rest and recharge.
I dropped my bags off in my room, changed from my travel wardrobe to a bathing suit, robe and slippers, and took the elevator down to -1.
Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for all guests who swing by the front desk, complete one form and get the special key, H2O Wellness is a free amenity that individuals can use for as long as they desire to cool their jets. It’s the main feature that you’ll find tucked away under this palazzo—and it had my heart rate slowing from the moment I stepped inside.
STRAF explains that Milan-based architect and artist Vincenzo De Cotiis aimed to design a space that plays with the senses via reflections and materials to float guests off into a “secret wellbeing oasis” that acts as “a place of ethereal calm beneath our historic palazzo.”
The space features a pool, sauna, relaxation corner (with lounge chairs that are delightfully ergonomic and eye-pleasing all at once), and steam room. I started in the chair, shifted to steam, then pool, then dried off in the sauna before drifting back up to my room in the most blissful space—both mentally and physically.
While H2O Wellness was the perfect first stop on my Italian adventure, not to mention a gorgeously designed and inspiring space, you can follow a similar strategy no matter where your travels take you. To combat some of the potential pre-trip stresses, book a spa treatment or whatever feels like a splurge to you as your first to-do in your new home away from home. No matter what happens during the commute, it’s far superior to getting a root canal or digging through 12 months of paperwork!
