Cruising holidays are often associated with lavish buffets, bottomless cocktails and festive late nights – all of which can leave you feeling like you kind of need another holiday to recover. Some cruises, however, offer you the perfect counter-balance – so along with all the regular fun, they offer the kind of wellness activities you’d normally find at a prestigious spa resort.
Virgin Voyages recently launched cruises around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific that elevate cruising holidays to a mind and body reset without the bootcamp vibes of a health retreat. It’s holistic, not holier-than-thou. So, take a deep breath, drop your shoulders and try these simple ways elevate your zen on your next cruising holiday with Virgin.
1. Start the day with gentle sunrise yoga or a stretch class
Catering to all levels of fitness, enjoy spectacular ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows while boosting your flexibility and circulation.
2. Bask in deep relaxation with a quartz stone massage
Lying on a warm bed of quartz crystals, experience warm poultices being massaged into your muscles, dissolving knots and melting away tension. It’s a highlight of the many massage treatments on offer in the aptly named Redemption Spa. You can also enjoy a rejuvenating facial or dig deeper with a healing acupuncture session.
3. Learn to meditate
Want to be less stressed and boost your immune system at the same time? Meditation could be a great place to start. A guided meditation class on board is a half hour well spent and you’ll learn techniques that you can use for life.
4. Sweat out any lingering stress in the sauna
The Thermal Suite is a glamorous oasis contains a sauna as well as salt and mud rooms, along with hot and cold plunge pools. The benefits go beyond a relaxing afternoon, too. A steam with salt (halotherapy) can boost skin health and breathing, while smothering yourself in the granules of (very clean) mud for 15 minutes or so in yet another steam room conditions the skin. The Thermal Suite also contains also vast heated benches for lounging and relaxing.
5. Try a quirky fitness class
Who said fitness had to be a serious business? Get back to the 80s with a VHS class - that’s Videos, Headbands, Simmons (as in Richard Simmons). Leg warmers optional for aerobics set to an 80s soundtrack and saucy directions from the instructor.
If you’re feeling brave, try a bungee fitness class. Strap a bungee harness to your waist and run forward until, just as you’re convinced you’re about to run smack into someone running towards you, the harness literally has you lifting off and momentarily flying.
6. Get sweaty
When Richard Branson’s onboard he starts his days jogging around The Runway – a circular running track on top of the ship, with 360-degree views to die for. Even if you’re not a champ sprinter, a simple strut or stroll around The Runway is the perfect perch to grab some vitamin sea, and you might spot a pod of frisky dolphins frolicking in the ship’s wake (now that’s a mood booster!)
7. Eat delicious clean food (not diet food)
Onboard, all meals are cooked to order so they’re fresh and there’s no wastage (no all-day smorgasbord) and they come in just-right portions (but you can get seconds or thirds if your appetite decrees).
For a healthy start, pick a breakfast bento box of sweet berries, yoghurt and muesli. There are fresh-pressed juices on offer, too. The 20 eateries onboard offer cuisines ranging from Mexican to Italian, Korean barbecue and even experimental gastronomy (step aside Heston Blumenthal) and healthy, vegan and fish options are always available.
8. Soak it in
At day’s end, sunset down-time is best enjoyed in one of the jacuzzies on deck. They’re sized just right for intimate gatherings or simply to savour solo reflection on another day at sea well spent.
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