The concept of a spa resort at sea has become an important, and for some people essential, part of any cruise experience and larger numbers of cruise aficionados are now looking for a high quality spa vacation when they travel.
In years gone by, a trip to the ship's spa resort usually involved a bit of a rub down in a small and simple room but demand has created a massive shift in the way cruise line's deliver their day spa packages.
Spas take pride of position on board many cruise ships today, with added amenities such as relaxation areas, thermal pools, and couples' treatment rooms with ocean views creating and these spa retreats are becoming as important as the cruise experience itself. Many are operated by land-based spa companies, offering treatment menus including everything from an exotic facial or hot stone massage, to innovations such as salon tooth whitening, wellbeing programs, and even minor rejuvenation procedures.
One of the newest luxury ships to take to the high seas in recent years is Seabourn Odyssey. Launched in 2009, she was the first ship to join Seabourn’s luxury fleet in 15 years, and the first of a new class of ship carrying 450 guests - larger than the traditional Seabourn “yacht”.
First impressions of Odyssey are that you’re boarding a boutique hotel rather than a cruise ship, her decor is subtle and tasteful, with elegant marble, soft lighting, and understated colours creating a sophisticated atmosphere. On a recent cruise from Sydney to Bali, I had the opportunity of heading to the ship’s Spa at Seabourn for some pampering.
Odyssey's overall design has shifted from traditional cruise ship builds on many fronts, and the spa setup is also different from the norm. The elegant and spacious split-level luxury spa facility has it all; six private treatment rooms, a thermal suite lounge with a hydropool, a fitness centre, a beauty salon, and a spa terrace complete with an outdoor relaxation cabana for use by spa guests, with a small whirlpool.
The spa retreat offers a wide variety of wellness consultations including kinesis personal training and Kneipp Walk water therapy, while the treatment menu features indulgent facial and body experiences by Elemis and SkinCeuticals.
Seabourn has also taken the idea of indulgence to new heights where Odyssey is concerned. On this ship you can hire an exclusive spa villa for a couple of hours or an entire day. This private haven at the rear of the ship has a double bed for lounging, a dining area, a sitting area, a sun deck, a spa bath for two, and two treatment tables.
Choosing which treatment to experience wasn’t easy, but I opted for an old favourite; a 75-minute Thai poultice massage, combining a traditional full body massage with warm oil and a hot Thai herbal poultice for acupressure points.
A quick tour of the villa, and I was left alone to prepare for my treatment. It was a divine experience, not only because of the enticing aromatic herbs in the poultice, but also because the serene backdrop, the salty breeze fluttering across my skin, and the hypnotic sound of the ocean waves.
Afterwards I had time for some herbal tea, and a leisurely wallow in the spacious spa bath watching the scenery slip by in this spa retreat on the ocean. Eventually it was time to surrender my spa haven, but on this ship, as I had quickly discovered, there are other ways to pamper yourself waiting around the corner.
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