Jason and I recently spent 4 nights in beautiful Ischgl, Austria! We went to ski and experience the grandeur of the Tyrolian Alps, but we’re unfortunately greeted by less than ideal skiing conditions. So, what to do? We stayed at the Hotel Salnerhof, which touts itself as a “wellness” spa hotel. Our breakfasts and supposedly healthly 7-course dinners we’re included in our stay, as well as access to their below ground sauna and steam rooms. I’m sure many of you know that Europeans have a very open-minded attitude toward nudity. As Americans, we were of course a little out of our element as we entered the nude grotto of sauna and steam rooms that first day. Nude men, women and children were everywhere and Jason quickly noticed that my comfort level was dwindling. I knew there would be naked people here and there, but come on……this was a bit much for me. His advice? Just look everyone in the eye……don’t let your eyes wander.

Before I ran out – never to return – Jason and I were lucky enough to find a safehaven in an empty steam room and ducked in as quickly as we could. In the steam room we discussed how childish we felt that we were this uncomfortable with the idea of being nude. Here were people that seemed extremely comfortable in their bare skin…..they were actually quite enjoying themselves. We agreed to forego our conservative, American views about nudity and join the “When in Rome” school of thought.

I have to admit, it was pretty bizarre to see the same dressed people at dinner that we previously saw naked in the sauna or steam room. I don’t know how to explain it, but after a few days it just seemed normal. ”Oh, there’s Olga and Jan from Brussels……and, is that Hans in the plaid shirt over there?”

And the benefits of steam and sauna? Absolutely fabulous. It’s great for your skin, circulation and overall well-being. While we aren’t quite yet a modern-day Adam and Eve, I think Jason and I have definitely become fans.