Writer Mars Webb’s discusses her quest for deep relaxation and rest by the shores of beautiful Lake Como in Italy, during her visit to the serene Hilton Lake Como Eforea Spa Flotation Experience
Words: Mars Webb. Images: The Hilton Lake Como, Mars Webb
Travelling with a close friend in search of a rest after both experiencing recent bereavements, we were looking for a place to rest but and recharge our frayed batteries. We wanted somewhere beautiful where we could enjoy a standout treatment or two, soak up spectacular views, wander elegant streets and indulge in a little shopping and still feel a touch of Italian luxury and sophistication.
Lake Como proved to be exactly that. Effortlessly chic and quietly calming, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and gentle indulgence. We based ourselves at the Hilton Lake Como, ideally positioned between the lakefront and the historic old town, making it easy to dip in and out of spa time, scenic walks and stylish cafés without ever feeling rushed.
Lake Como has long been synonymous with glamour, grand villas and cinematic scenery, but when I travelled here with a close friend, we were searching for something quieter and far more restorative. We wanted rest. Not the kind you squeeze into a busy break, but the deep, nervous-system-soothing rest that leaves you feeling genuinely reset. That is exactly what we found at the Hilton Lake Como, thanks largely to its beautifully designed Eforea Spa and its standout flotation experience.
A spa designed to calm the nervous system
Eforea Spa is light-filled, modern and quietly luxurious, with an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down rather than rush through treatments. We began with the hydrotherapy circuit, a gentle sequence designed to prepare the body for rest. Aromatic showers infused with citrus and herbal notes awakened the senses before we moved into the warmth of the steam room and sauna, where muscles began to soften almost immediately.
The ice fountain that followed offered a brief, bracing contrast, helping to stimulate circulation, before we eased ourselves into the 32-degree hydrotherapy pool. With its targeted jets and fountains, it was ideal for releasing tension in the shoulders, back and hips, especially after travel. It is the sort of space where conversation naturally fades and time slips quietly by.
Floating into stillness
The highlight of our stay, and the reason we chose this hotel, was the flotation therapy experience. For an hour, we were gently supported on large flotation boards, cocooned beneath towels and eye masks, while the soft resonance of sound bowls filled the space. The sensation of weightlessness was immediate and surprisingly I slept through the whole experience which is unheard of for me as I find it very difficult to switch off.
With pressure taken off the joints and spine and the lull of the water and sound bowls, my body and mind totally surrendered and relaxed. Breathing slows, thoughts soften and the mind finally quietens. I drifted in and out of sleep, emerging with a sense of calm that lingered long after the session ended.
Flotation therapy has been studied for its impact on stress and wellbeing. By removing external stimulation and encouraging the body into its parasympathetic, rest-and-digest state, it may help reduce cortisol levels, support better sleep and ease anxiety. Combined with sound therapy, which uses low-frequency vibrations to promote relaxation, flotation offers a powerful reset for an overworked nervous system. For anyone feeling depleted, it is an experience that feels genuinely restorative rather than indulgent.
Treatments tailored to restore balance
Beyond flotation, Eforea Spa offers a carefully curated menu of treatments designed to support both physical and emotional wellbeing. My friend opted for a full-body massage, which she later described as exceptional, high praise from a seasoned spa-goer. Therapists take time to understand how you are feeling before recommending treatments, making the experience feel personalised rather than routine.
Facials focus on hydration and radiance, ideal after travel or time in the sun, while targeted massages address tension built up from busy, desk-bound lives. Everything about the spa experience feels calm, unrushed and genuinely nurturing.
Rooftop swims and quiet moments
Outside the spa, the rooftop infinity pool quickly became a favourite spot. Heated year-round and offering sweeping views across the lake and surrounding mountains, it is perfect for early morning swims. Watching the mist lift gently from the water as the church bells chime and the light cascades across the lake, you realise how special the view is on the rooftop of the Hilton Lake Como Hotel.
Why Lake Como works so well for rest
Part of Lake Como’s appeal lies in its rhythm. The town of Como itself is elegant and walkable, making it easy to explore without feeling the need to rush. We wandered along the lakeside promenade, dipped into small boutiques and paused often for coffee, enjoying the simple pleasure of having nowhere in particular to be.
Boat trips across the lake offer a restful way to take in the surrounding villages, while the funicular up to Brunate provides breathtaking views without demanding too much physical effort. Everything feels close, manageable, calm and beautiful, making Lake Como an ideal destination when rest is the priority.
A place to truly switch off
What made this stay special was how seamlessly relaxation was woven into every aspect of the experience. From the spa’s soothing spaces to the rooftop pool and the gentle pace of the town itself, Lake Como encourages you to slow down and not rush.
The flotation experience at Eforea Spa stood out as something genuinely different and we both left feeling rested, grounded and restored.
For anyone craving a spa-led escape that combines science-backed relaxation, understated luxury and natural beauty, The Hilton Lake Como delivers. And for us, it was exactly the reset we did not realise we needed.
Stay: Hilton Lake Como, Via Borgo Vico 241, 22100 Como, Italy.
Rooms from around €350 per night, based on two people sharing with breakfast included. Rooftop infinity pool, Terrazza 241 restaurant and Eforea Spa. Visit The Hilton’s website for more information.
Eforea Spa at Hilton Lake Como: Flotation therapy with sound bath from €120 for a 60-minute session and massages from €90 and facials from €100. Book here.
Fly: Ryanair operates direct flights to Milan Bergamo Airport, with Lake Como approximately one hour away by car or train.
