In the wake of Qantas’ inaugural nonstop flight from Perth to London, jet lag is a topic that is relevant now, more than ever. The advent of the ultra-long-haul flight means that meeting planners need to get creative in dealing with this modern menace.
American travel writer Horace Sutton is said to have coined the term “jet lag” when, in a 1966 Los Angeles Times article, he said the jet set “can count on contracting Jet Lag, a debility not unakin to a hangover. Jet Lag derives from the simple fact that jets travel so fast, they leave your body rhythms behind.” And, Sutton, for whom it was not unusual to travel 100,000 miles per year, ought to have known a thing or two about this subject.
Dealing with jet lag can be challenging, but fear not—we’re here to help with some innovative ideas for tackling it.
IV Infusion Therapy
Devotees swear by intravenous (IV) infusion, which can be administered before or after your flight, and involves the delivery of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, thereby allowing 100 percent absorption. Infusions include saline for rehydration, L-tryptophan for better sleep, and vitamins and minerals for a stronger immune system. Ab fab or fad? We’ll let you be the judge.
Where to Go
If you’re jetting into New York City anytime soon, check out HGU New York, where you can sample in-room IV infusion therapy. The “royal flush” delivers two liters of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and electrolytes, medications and a high dose glutathione push. Alternatively, at MGM Grand Las Vegas, treat yourself to the hotel’s proprietary IV infusion therapy.
Cryotherapy
A three-minute session in a sub-freezing liquid nitrogen chamber may not immediately inspire delight, but, cryotherapy has been touted as a godsend in helping travelers acclimate after a long flight. The cold air releases large quantities of endorphins, vital to REM sleep—the deepest, highest-quality sleep, which you can enjoy once you’ve thawed out.
Where to Go
Surrender to the soporific effects of the newly launched cryosauna at Ponte Vedra Inn & Club in Florida.
Watsu
Inspired by Japanese shiatsu massage, watsu is a water-based massage therapy, performed while floating in a shallow pool of warm water. Immersion in warm water alone is bound to be therapeutic, and the zero-gravity sensation can’t hurt, either. It’s something to consider the next time you need to bid adieu to jet lag.
Where to Go
At Mauna Lani Resort in Waimea, on Hawaii Island, watsu is carried out in a lava-enhanced saltwater pool, with underwater acoustics, tranquil lighting and a waterfall. Or, if in California wine country, the watsu mineral pool at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa could be just what you need.
