If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. My favorite travel hack when flying to Europe from the United States is to make Madrid my “base” airport for travel. Flights from New York to Madrid tend to be the most consistent in price throughout the year.
Madrid also has an international airport where flights to most other European countries are usually relatively affordable. As you may know, international flights from the US typically take off at night and, due to the time difference, arrive in the very early hours of the morning in Europe. Immediately, your sleep is completely thrown off and unfortunately, your hotel room or airbnb likely won’t be available to check in until the afternoon.
Thankfully, you won’t always have to prop your head up over a cafecito at a random coffee shop or a sandwich at a boqueria. Booking a spa visit for the late morning of your arrival will allow you safe a place to store your bags, a nice light lunch and a relaxing treatment or two where you’ll be forgiven entirely if you happen to fall asleep. As of today, I’ve visited the Mandarin Oriental Spa in Madrid a total of four times across several trips.
I’ve stack ranked their spa services, with comparison to similar offerings available at well known 5-star hotel spas (Ritz and Four Seasons, among others). Overall Ranked Experience Review: 10/10 Bedside Manner 8/10 Spa Facilities 8/10 Am.