Over the past ten years, the popularity of leisure pursuits revolving around health and wellbeing has increased exponentially. Never before have we taken the importance of wellness more seriously, and with good reason; despite being more connected with each other, this is often at the expense of the balance between our minds and bodies.
Inevitably, this shift in focus to wellness has permeated its way through the cruise industry, and many operators have taken sizable steps to reimagine the spa experience they offer their guests. Now, the spa facilities are often front and centre of the publicity surrounding new-build ships, while the inclusion of specific accommodation grades that allow for direct access to the onboard spa is a frequent addition.
Below, you will find our handpicked selection of the best spas at sea, featuring notable operators such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking to enjoy a luxury cruise while indulging in an array of bespoke services and treatments.
Crystal Life Spa (Crystal Cruises)
Having won numerous accolades, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity have long set the standard for offering guests big ship-style facilities aboard a luxury cruise vessel. The spa facilities on both ocean-going ships are also second to none. Designed with the Feng Shui philosophy in mind, the Crystal Life Spa features crystal quartz beds to maximise relaxation and mindfulness.
Boasting elegantly appointed treatment rooms, guests can choose from an extensive menu of treatments, including rejuvenating Japanese Silk boosters and unwinding Aroma Stone therapy sessions. Furthermore, the steam baths and saunas offer a mini-pamper session of their own, with special lighting and aromatic mists filling the air as you inhale.
Crystal Cruises’ Ocean View Treatment Room.
Serene Spa & Wellness (Regent Seven Seas Cruises)
Curated especially for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Serene Spa & Wellness Centre is an unrivalled holistic haven designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing. The spa’s staff incorporate a range of practices to stimulate health and mindfulness and use natural ingredients to encourage a deeper state of relaxation. The available services list is exhaustive and includes body wraps and relieving massages that fuse traditional methods with biotechnology.
The Spa Suite aboard Regent Seven Seas.
Spa & Wellness with Dr Andrew Weil (Seabourn Cruises)
Seabourn’s Spa & Wellness with Dr Andrew Weil is the first-ever programme of its kind at sea, boasting a futuristic spa alongside a wellness area that promotes physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Partnered with Dr Andrew Weil and working with a certified Mindful Living Coach, Seabourn ensures guests receive an unforgettable experience with a comprehensive view of a healthy mind and body to take away with them.
From an aromatic restorative salt stone massage to taking a dip in the lavish temperature-controlled Turkish Baths, the spa combines traditional global practices and modern-day techniques to ensure your personalised spa service is as seamless as ever. Additionally, guests can experience mindful meditation classes and interactive yoga sessions to clear focus throughout the cruise.
Hot Stone treatment with Seabourn Cruises.
Aquamar Spa & Vitality Centre (Oceania Cruises)
Experience an array of enriching encounters with a melody of restoring and revitalising treatments inside Oceania Cruises’ award-winning Aquarma Spa & Vitality centre. The philosophy behind Aquamar was initially inspired by its symbolic mandala logo and Latin-based meaning, linking to the ocean and water. However, Aquamar is more than just a spa at sea; complimentary fitness classes and healthier menus encourage a lifestyle of health and durability.
The list of services available at the Aquamar Spa & Vitality Centre features Thai Poultice massages, a Couples’ Biotech Body Ritual and thermal treatments conducted from within the serene surroundings of the aromatic steam room and Thalassotherapy Pool.
Oceania Cruises’ relaxing spa baths.
OTIVM (Silversea Cruises) – NEW FOR 2022
Set to debut on the forthcoming Silver Dawn in Spring 2022, Otium is a full-service experience that transcends the traditional spa treatments usually found aboard a ship. Inspired by ancient Roman baths, the Otium philosophy promotes a deep state of pleasure and wellbeing, thus offering the ultimate relaxed indulgence.
The concept will provide a series of unique touch-points throughout the ship, weaving a tapestry of luxury and comfort that will continue long after the guest has left the spa. From couples massages and redesigned sleeping experiences to champagne baths and live music, Otium will once again see Silversea leading the way in the pursuit of pleasure and happiness.
OTIVM aboard Silversea Cruises is due to launch in Spring 2022.
