The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Whether a calm soothing ocean or choppy rushing seas, the sounds and smells associated with it have a certain meditative quality to them, bringing thoughts of tropical paradise with them. But South Queensferry, Scotland has probably never been the setting of those daydreams. Standing on the deck of the Explora one as it began its luxurious UK journey, these meditative moments became reality. Explora Journeys transports their voyager’s mind, body, and soul to some faraway paradise, with one goal in mind: complete rejuvenation.
There are many aspects that go into Wellness and the Explora had them all covered, proving that the Ocean truly is a state of mind. The ship’s simple yet luxurious interiors complemented the spa space perfectly, and the whole combination of sights, sounds, and smells provided pure sensory rejuvenation.
Their signature ‘Ritual of Ocean Renewal’ spa treatment is a 105-minute full-body treatment, that really only requires ten minutes to cast its signature spell. Their team of amazing therapists offers more than just body treatments and manages to instill a sense of calm and serenity in their guests. As the aqua chime glistened throughout the room, like the waves on a balmy summer evening, gentle whale calls playing in the background, the Explora could’ve been anywhere from the Arctic Circle, to the Caribbean Sea.
The holistic, sensory journey, inspired by the ocean featured a soothing full-body massage with warmed frankincense, patchouli, and lemongrass oils, finished off with one of the best scalp massages that cruise ships could provide, allowing their guests to leave the massage table feeling weightless, young, and truly refreshed.But the pampering didn’t stop there. With one of the most exquisite spas on the open oceans, the guests were spoilt for choice. The Ocean Wellness Thermal spa offered a salt room, marble heated loungers, a steam room, experience showers, and an infrared sauna.
And with body and mind relaxed and refreshed, the holistic journey continued. After meeting with an experienced therapist, guests have prescribed some lifestyle recommendations, with the intention of optimising their ocean wellness on board. The therapist personally recommended a vast array of hugely beneficial wellness and fitness offerings on board that truly accommodated all guest’s abilities and interests, from gentle stretching to more intense physical activity. The fitness programme onboard is expansive and diverse and focuses on the main goal of connecting guests to the ocean all whilst taking into account the individual needs and abilities of each passenger.
Dheeraj, the ship’s very own Yoga Master led the guests through the daily sundial salutation for morning awakening. These gentle yoga poses and moves were carried out in the beautiful fitness studio, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a visual connection to the ocean. Dheeraj offered the opportunity to experience meditation, sound healing, and breath work through group classes and 1-1 lessons. hroughout the journey onboard the Explora guests could try out a variety of their wellness offerings including a 1-1 pilates class using the Align-Pilates machines. Stefan demonstrated a range of gentle exercises using the machine, designed to leave guests feeling strong and re-centered.
For those preferring a more active and energetic kind of wellness, they can take part in the ‘Train and Play’ outdoor Bootcamp or perhaps hop on a rowing machine or exercise bike in the outdoor gym before unwinding in the hydro pool to heal aching muscles.
Since the body heals just as much through what is put into it – and this is where the Ocean Wellness programme onboard appears to go further than any other ship at sea- the personal Spa Therapist was able to offer food and drink recommendations to further aid in the holistic experience. Light, healthy meals and delicious smoothies can be ordered in one of the six gourmet restaurants or through the extensive in-suite dining offerings which are all included in the experience, and all diets and lifestyles can be catered for.
And no, it’s not all health foods – with treats like Nutella crepes with vanilla ice cream available too from the ship’s delicious Creperie, in case a nutritious smoothie just doesn’t hit the spot, as after all the mind and body healing, the soul needs a little nourishment too.
Although the Explora really does encourage their guests to make the most of their days with jam-packed schedules, it’s important to take a moment in the stillness and find the quiet connection between body and nature.
Explora Journeys is not only revolutionising the cruising industry but offering one of the best wellness and holistic experiences available not only at sea but in the travel industry as a whole. The therapist’s recommended products also mean that guests can recapture the journey at home, with a quick spritz of Deep Relax Sleep Mist from Aromatherapy Associates. With that beautiful scent filling the room, it’s easy to be transported back to the beautiful, elegant Explora 1.
This luxury travel experience means that the guests leave the ship reinvigorated, grounded, and ready for anything. Find the ‘Ocean State of Mind’ now with Explora Journeys.
