Berlin, Germany.
Travel time from San Francisco: a transcontinental flight, hopefully around ten hours, but if it is over 20 this post is for you. Ideal trip length: day, if you are already in Berlin. Nice to haves: Extra Euros. Directions: Cab it, or take the U-Bahn to Potsdamer Platz.
After a long (and quite horrendous flight -- but more on that in a future post) to Berlin, I was a bit distraught and my mom gave me good advice: go to the spa. This is something I probably would never do in the States, but I was on vacation and let's just say the incident on the airplane (with me) almost caused us to land somewhere over France.
I googled some spas and for some reason decided on Ono Spa at the Mandala Hotel in the center of Berlin. I probably liked the name, and the idea of standing on the 11th floor and looking down at the main street.
The staff was very friendly and understanding of my German skills, which at the time were nonexistent. They helped me pick a massage and offered me cucumber, ginger, or lemon water. I even got a nice nut and cheese plate after the massage. There was absolutely no one else there at the time, or at least it seemed that way, which really added to the atmosphere and gave me some much needed peace and quite.
I got their basic classic massage. It was just what I needed to make the transition from airplane rollercoaster to fun times in my favorite city. I also got my nails painted this snot green color, which I've been trying to find ever since and finally found the color at Target this week. Afterward I got a drink at the Qiu Lounge Bar on the first floor and skyped my sister with the bartender.
The Mandala Hotel Potsdamer Straße 3 10785 Berlin
Have you been to a spa in Berlin? What was your experience? Leave a comment below and share your travels!