Explora Journeys Introduces 'Ocean Wellness' Concept

On 28SEP, MCC's luxury cruise brand Explora Journeys introduced its "Ocean Wellness" concept for its first ship EXPLORA I.

According to Explora, Ocean Wellness offers an array of restorative experiences. Sleep, relaxation, mindfulness, energy and immunity-boosting are addressed holistically, aiming to produce sense of physical and spiritual renewal enhanced by the influence of the sea. Over 10,764 sq ft of space is dedicated to a spa, indoor and outdoor wellness areas, contemporary fitness facilities, outdoor Sports Court and Running Track.

“The philosophy behind Ocean Wellness is deeply rooted in Explora Journeys’ origins,” says Julanda Marais, Senior Lead Spa Operations. “We’ve long understood the powerful effect of water and waves on body, mind and soul. This is the inspiration for Ocean Wellness. We want to give our guests a feeling of refined simplicity, relaxed luxury, and complete mental and physical replenishment.”

Experiences, programs and spaces designed to enhance the ocean’s influence on wellbeing can help guests achieve inner and outer calm, says Explora. From sleep to nutrition, a selection of initiatives has been curated to ensure that they can achieve a feeling of renewal during their journey and beyond.

The Spa

Ocean Wellness – The Spa has over 7,500 sq ft of space dedicated to treatments and wellness facilities, aims to "do everything possible to help guests switch off and truly relax."

• Treatment rooms: There are 11 treatment rooms, including two Private Spa Suites with their own outdoor relaxation area; one double and seven single treatment rooms; an additional treatment room dedicated to specialized Medi Luxe Treatments by Dr Levy Switzerland; and an outdoor space in which guests can relax.
• Beauty Studio: The layout allows guests to enjoy all their grooming requirements in one space, from replenishing hair and barber treatments in the hair salon to bespoke hand and foot treatments in the nail salon.
• Sensorial Therapeutic Circuit: Guests can find an array of facilities in the thermal wellness area: the Hydrotherapy Pool, a Steam Room, Finnish Sauna, Salt Cave, Experience Shower, Ice Fall and Heated Marble Loungers.

Brand Partners

A selection of partner brands has been chosen to give guests the gifts of Ocean Wellness, sourced by experts. Only sustainable products containing "first-class active ingredients with high concentrations of botanical, marine and biological extracts" are used in the Spa.

• Dr LEVY, Switzerland is the "world’s first cosmeceutical whose products are proven to stimulate the body’s source of collagen production: the dermal skin cells." According to Explora, this process has the effect of reversing skin ageing by protecting, nourishing and awakening the skin’s own regeneration system.
• Aromatherapy Associates is a British luxury wellbeing brand that brings an array of therapies that promote better sleep, reduce stress, restore energy and build confidence.
• The Tides Wellness uses "100% natural ingredients" are used in this Dutch brand’s evidence-based wellness treatments. They aim to synchronize the body and the brain through advanced techniques inspired by the rhythm of the tides, the seasons, the influence of the elements, and their collective effect on our wellbeing.

Fitness

Featuring 2,443 sq ft of indoor space and more than 688 sq ft of outdoor fitness facilities, Ocean Wellness – Fitness also offers a Sports Court for half-court basketball as well as a panoramic running track and touch tennis. From an initial physical assessment to functional and strength training, cardio and Pilates, in bespoke sessions or group classes, it is focused on motivating guests to optimize their health.

To create an onboard wellness and fitness experience for guests, Explora Journeys has partnered with leading brand, Technogym. The Official Supplier to the last eight Olympic Games, its connected smart equipment features innovative biomechanics and digital technologies.

• Fitness Centre: From the fitness assessment area to the Centre’s contemporary Technogym Artis equipment, the centre aims to provide a well-balanced workout for every guest.
• Fitness Studio: Here, guests can take part in tailor-made Technogym classes designed specifically for Explora Journeys, or they can target core strength and balance using Pilates reformers.
• Open Air Fitness: Offering a spectrum of fitness facilities with ultra-modern equipment that gives a variety of exercise options, this is the area for solo or one-to-one training sessions.
• Running Track: Encircling the ship is a 820 ft track where runners can enjoy ocean views while they do laps.
• Sports Court: A space for touch tennis, half-court basketball, or yoga ritual experiences.

In-suite Fitness: All guests have the option of training in their ocean-front suites or their suite terraces, encouraged by a virtual coach. This is made possible by the Technogym Case Kit with its QR code access to a digital library of guided video exercises supported by the Technogym Mywellness App. Guests staying in the Ocean Residences will additionally have the strength-training station with enclosed tools, Technogym Bench, available in their residence.

Wellbeing

Guests on EXPLORA I have an opportunity to enrich their sense of wellbeing with tailor-made consultations and retreat programs ranging from sleep and immune boosting to nutrition. Designed to make staying well while on holiday easy and enjoyable, they can help to achieve a state of inner and outer calm. A nutrition program for guests, created in close collaboration with Explora Journeys’ culinary team, also aims to nourish the body and mind to help maintain guests' wellbeing during and beyond their journey.

Yoga

Guests will be provided with a range of programs designed to de-stress physically and mentally.

• Yoga programs: Choices include Energy flow power classes to replenish stamina and strength; Sleep Yoga to induce deep slumber; Relaxation Yoga to "rekindle a sense of self-worth;" Mindfulness Yoga to anchor body and mind through meditation; and Immune-Boosting Yoga to support health and reduce anxiety via pranayama breathing techniques.

For more information, visit Explora Journeys' web site.