Sometimes, you just need a break to recharge. As experienced lifestyle journalists, Famke and Floor van Praag headed to Rotterdam for ultimate pampering at the spa in the acclaimed Mainport Hotel, a proud Design Hotels® member.
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On a Monday morning, we left our Amsterdam workload behind and drove to Rotterdam. The hotel's lobby offers breathtaking Maas River views amid stylish design pieces. A sleek glass elevator whisks us to the eighth-floor Far East wing, home to the spa. Our room feels like a private retreat: a massive window-side jacuzzi, in-bathroom sauna, and panoramic sights of the Erasmus Bridge and Rem Koolhaas's iconic De Rotterdam tower. No forest or stream needed—this high-tech riverside vista delivers pure calm.
Almost Wrinkle-Free
The spa boasts a Finnish panorama sauna and hammam with the same stunning views. Craving more, we booked the Sacred Nature treatment. Expert therapist Sharmila delivered flawlessly: a deep volcanic sand scrub, a rejuvenating massage with buriti tree oil (the 'tree of youth'), and a full facial using Italian brand Comfort Zone techniques. We teetered on sleep's edge—true relaxation. Emerging glowing, nearly wrinkle-free, and looking five years younger, we even caught the eye of Feyenoord's Pelle in the hall. He, too, raved about Sharmila's magic touch.
Fish at Fjord
Utterly blissed out, dinner nearby was ideal. Fjord, a five-minute stroll by the water, dazzles with high ceilings, playful décor, fresh seafood, and dry-aged Angus beef. We savored wine, tender squid, lobster, and tarragon-dipped langoustine before sinking into plush pillows for satisfied slumber. In this city of go-getters, deep relaxation thrives.
Discover more hotspots from Famke & Floor at www.caperleaves.nl.
