Have you noticed the latest wellness craze?
There’s a strange new trend taking root.
Apparently, our lives have gotten too comfortable. So now people are intentionally making themselves uncomfortable and doing hard things as part of their daily routines.
“Hormetic stressors” I believe is what the cool kids call it.
Fasting is an example – refusing to eat for large chunks of the day.
Also known as starving.
Cold plunges, too, are all the rage. Jumping into 35-degree waters to trigger endorphins, oxytocin, and blood curdling screams.
For some, strolling into the sea in January is not extreme enough. A woman in Finland posts TikTok videos of herself cutting a hole in the ice to find her favorite swim spots.
Then there’s the world of exercise.
High intensity interval training.
Extreme Yoga in 105-degree locked rooms.
Marathons. Triathlons. Ultramarathons.
A runner from Colorado ran 200 ultramarathons in 200 days.
I’m worried this masochistic zeitgeist will infiltrate the world of travel.
I hear some airlines are considering a new service level where passengers sit in frigid or sweltering conditions without food or adequate bathroom access. (Oh, check that. That’s already here. It’s called economy.)
But here’s the thing: While some people are choosing to embrace discomfort, we believe special-occasion vacations should still be, well… vacation-y. A time to relax, recharge, and remember what comfort feels like.
Our hand-picked villas don’t fit the hormetic stressors trend.
They’re very cushy.
Comfy beds.
Gorgeous gardens.
Spectacular views.
Fully equipped kitchens.
In-home cinemas and game rooms.
You may have to tolerate lounging by a nice private pool, or sipping Prosecco in a jacuzzi.
Just full disclosure.
I want to set proper expectations.
Of course, if you’re truly committed to the hormetic lifestyle, you can always:
- Do burpees in your private gym
- Meditate at sunrise on the balcony
- Fast while everyone else enjoys the chef’s spectacular meals
- Walk to town instead of calling a car
But we won’t judge you for choosing pure, unadulterated luxury instead.
And if you absolutely must have your cold plunge? Your dedicated concierge can always pull cubes from the ice machine and draw you a bath. Though personally, we recommend using the ice for cocktails instead.
Ready to embrace the “anti-hormetic” lifestyle? Browse our collection of luxuriously stress-free villas and start planning your next multi-generational adventure or special occasion trip. We promise the only thing you’ll have to endure is quality time with your loved ones.
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