Looking for a vacation spot that literally turns self-care on its head? Then Hotel Hubertus’ new spa, the Hub of Huts, could be right up your alley… as long as you’ve got your vertigo in check.
For more content like this follow
Located in Valdaora, Italy, the hotel’s newest addition appears to defy gravity. Composed of a series of tiny huts, the Hub of Huts’ lower level appears to undergo a 180-degree rotation, with the huts seemingly floating upside down. In reality, the spa — which hangs 50 feet off the ground — is supported by enormous, tree-like pillars clad in larch logs. The lower level seems to undergo a 180-degree rotation, as the huts appear to be anchored upside down.
The jaw-dropping new space was created by the Noa Network, whose designers took inspiration from mountain villages and the mirrored images one sees on the surface of water.
“The essence of this project is about overturning horizons, with the result being a feeling of amazement for the observer,” lead architect and Noa co-founder Lukas Rungger said in a company blog post. “Changing perspectives is a common exercise in wellness areas, where, depending on whether you are lying in the sauna, sitting in the relaxation area, or diving headfirst into the pool, the views are constantly changing.”
The Hub of Huts also takes inspiration from its nickname, “Heaven & Hell.” The spa’s upper floor (a.k.a. “Heaven”) houses two whirlpool baths, two panoramic showers, and a changing room. Visitors can then descend to the lower level (a.k.a. “Hell”), which features two saunas, a whirlpool, and showers. The space’s temperature gets progressively warmer as you go from the cooler upper level to the warmer lower level, reinforcing the Hub’s “Heaven and Hell” distinctions.
“The lower level of the platform causes a feeling of estrangement in the observer,” supervising architect Gottfried Gruber said. “As one descends, the temperature rises and the environment becomes more protected. It feels like a descent into the center of the earth.”
Ready to check out this mind-bending hotel spa for yourself? Rates at Hotel Hubertus start at $184.97 (€189) per person per night. For more details, check out their official website here.
