New Destination for Digital Nomads in Split: SPAlato Spa

The digital nomad lifestyle can sometimes be rough on my posture and my brainwaves. I live on a computer and some days it feels like I’m becoming a piece of the furniture, hunched over a keyboard with a never-ending to-do list. Recently, I had enough. I desperately needed a massage to release my tight muscles and clear my head. I decided to check out the spa at the Radisson Blu hotel near my apartment. I went there last year just before the pandemic shut things down and I enjoyed a terrific treatment with a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea.

SPAlato Spa opened in a completely renovated space on May 1, including treatment rooms, pools, a sundeck, relaxation zone, fitness center, and a yoga studio.

Cool vibe

A year ago the spa was under renovation and this time I was glad to see the new space. I went on a Sunday morning and the first thing I noticed was the cool ambiance with jazz music and a lounge vibe. I loved it immediately. It reminded me of places I used to go back home to settle in and relax with the Sunday New York Times and a pot of coffee.

A lounge area includes a retail display for purchasing organic products used during treatments.

I scheduled a facial and a massage and I arrived early to swim and sweat in the sauna before my treatments. The spa was airy and light, which I like, and the design was minimal yet elegant. I was delighted to find several different “zones” where I could hang out, including comfy couches near the pool and an outdoor sunbathing terrace. Later I found out that the designated Relaxation Zone has Wi-Fi, is kid-free, and it’s where I can set-up and work for a day. Wait a minute, what?

Digital nomads can set up shop in the Relaxation Zone, Wi-Fi included, and alternate between work and spa amenities.

No more WFH (work from home)

The concept was mind-blowing. The SPAlato (a cute name playing up Spa with the old Italian name for Split) could replace my dining table office and allow me to take breaks from the computer in any number of spots:  indoor and outdoor pools, gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold and hot plunge pools, or a yoga studio. And there’s another bonus for this spa and wellness devotee—I could tackle the enticing list of treatments.

Brand new saunas are fresh and let you build up heat before jumping in the pool.

TCM (traditional Chinese massage) with a certified Chinese therapist; Power of the Sea—a combination of marine salt scrub, aromatherapy with local essential oils, a bath, full body massage, body wrap, and finisher with local immortelle oil; and other treatments promised to restore my body and mind energies.

It seems decadent, and perhaps dangerous in regard to keeping work deadlines, but my body would be so grateful and my mind would be so happy.

The indoor pool is surrounded by glass, giving a sense of being outdoors and close to nature.

Treatments

My therapist Doris asked what kind of massage I like and I said sports or deep-tissue. Every therapist I’ve ever said that to has interpreted it differently. For all the good massages, I’ve also endured being rubbed with inexperienced, weak hands and pounded with killer claws. Not this time. Doris not only had the right touch, she knew how to apply pressure in the correct way to get my muscles flowing. Yesss!

Treatment rooms are comfortable and calming, an ideal environment to relax.

She also did my facial and explained the steps and the products used, including my particular skin type needs. Small details in both treatments made all the difference, starting with the bowl of water and eucalyptus oil she held under my nose before we began. Oh my, I inhaled deeply. I’ve had enough treatments over the years to know that every place is different and charming in its own way. That also sets a benchmark for quality and this place rates high on my list.

Thalgo and Elemis spa products are organic and made with marine ingredients for maximum effectiveness.

Mediterranean experience

I spent the rest of my time on the upper dining terrace, looking over the sea and eating a fresh salad. It couldn’t have been nicer. I can’t believe I’m contemplating my future workspace in a spa; how cool would it be to be the first digital nomad to claim a co-working seat at SPAlato.

An upstairs dining terrace offers Mediterranean food and drinks in a casual, elegant atmosphere.

Learn more about SPAlato on Radisson Blu’s website.

Learn more at TCN’s Digital Nomads channel.

Story and photographs ©2021, Cyndie Burkhardt. https://photo-diaries.com

 

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