Escapism for the mind - your bi-monthly dose of Fernweh.
This week Iâll keep it short and sweet. Yes itâs getting darker earlier, but take a moment to notice the morning dew on the grass, the golden leaves on the trees and the hazy sunsets. Autumn is a beautiful season, synonymous with red wine, good novels and fire places, so I - for one - plan on soaking it up.
Emily
New on The Staycation Collection: Baltic Coast Cottages
With spoiling views over the dramatic coastline of Northern Germany, this former farm was revived from ruin by Johanna, who inherited the crumbling buildings and overgrown land from her family. Luckily for us, she opened the farm to holiday goers, and the thatched cottages and half-timbered houses are a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Sign up as a member to access the booking details.
Over on the blog: A beginnerâs guide to German sauna culture
Itâs officially sauna season! We at Staycation Collection HQ have already been to sweat three times in the last two weeks, so with that in mind, we put together a beginnerâs guide to German sauna culture.
Going for the first time can be daunting, and when founder Emily first moved to Germany, the thought of getting completely nude to visit the sauna was paralysing. But in Germany, going to the sauna is a normal activity to do alone or with friends, and is revered for its relaxing effects and circulatory benefits.
In our guide (over on the blog), we outline everything you need to know about German sauna culture. Sneak peak below!
đ§ââïžWhy use the sauna?
Ultimately heading to the sauna is a form of relaxation and meditation, and as a nice side effect, there are many health benefits associated with sauna use. One such side effect is the improvement of cardiovascular performance, reducing the likelihood of developing dementia and flushing toxins out of your body.
đ©±Do I really have to go into the sauna without swimwear?Â
Yes! It might seem like a shock at first, but in Germany, wearing swimwear in a sauna is considered to be unhygienic, hence why nudity is required. Saunas are a strangely sexless place. Of course, there are individual exceptions, but if you feel bothered or excessively stared at, you should report it; sauna owners want their spaces to be free and not places where youâre made to feel uncomfortable.
đ§ââïžWhat do I actually do when I get inside a sauna?
Simply put: sit still (or lie down), breathe deeply, feel your muscles relax, leave when you feel hot enough. Easy!
Our favourite holiday houses with a private sauna
Ok ok, we get it, public saunas might not be for everyone, which is why weâve just put together a round up of our favourite holiday houses with private saunas!
From cabins at the Baltic Sea to Alpine houses, each place to stay is stunning and the addition of a private sauna really is the cherry on the cake.
âThe Staycation Collection has been our absolute life saver during this year of 'no travel outside Germany.' Thanks to your excellent curation we discovered a few lovely places in Brandenburg. Now these properties youâve shared in Bavaria and stunning. Thank you. You are gifted!â
Ramona, monthly member
Hi, Iâm Emily and youâve been reading The Staycation Collectionâs free bi-monthly newsletter.
The Staycation Collection is based on the principle of slow, sustainable and responsible tourism, and exists to help you discover the beautiful corners of Germany. Think Airbnb meets travel agency meets the lonely planet. We operate as a membership platform and provide members with a curated collection of Germanyâs most beautiful, special places to stay and provide information on what to do while there.
For more travel inspiration or to sign up as a member head over to the website.