MSC Group’s luxury cruise brand, Explora Journeys, is introducing a new initiative aimed at promoting wellness at sea. The brand has unveiled its Ocean Wellness Retreats, a series of exclusive one- and two-night experiences designed to encourage balance, vitality, and self-discovery. These retreats combine the therapeutic properties of the ocean with expert-led movement, mindfulness, and holistic healing practices.
Julanda Marais, Senior Lead Spa at Explora Journeys, explained, “The ocean’s natural rhythm is vast, soothing, and deeply restorative. Our Ocean Wellness Retreats are designed to reflect this, providing guests with a journey of renewal and reconnection. Through movement, meditation, and immersive wellbeing experiences, we invite them to embrace the ocean’s flow, leaving them refreshed, rebalanced, and revitalized.”
A New Wellness Concept at Sea
The Ocean Wellness Retreats are a key part of Explora Journeys’ broader wellness philosophy aboard its ships, EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II. These retreats aim to align with the natural rhythms of the ocean to enhance healing. Drawing on the revitalizing energy of the sea, the program taps into its power to elevate both the body and mind, helping guests to feel both physically and spiritually renewed.
The retreats focus on essential aspects of wellbeing, such as energy, sleep, relaxation, mindfulness, and immunity, aiming to help guests achieve an “Ocean State of Mind.”
A Holistic Wellness Journey
Each Ocean Wellness Retreat is designed to create harmony between mind, body, and spirit, guiding participants through a transformative experience. While sailing through peaceful waters, guests will engage in mindful movement, expert-led discussions, and immersive wellness rituals. Practices like Chakra Healing Meditation and starlit Gong Baths are incorporated to purify, revive, and stimulate the senses. The retreats offer an opportunity for guests to realign, recharge, and restore a sense of balance, redefining what wellness means at sea.
Key elements of the retreats include:
- Mindful Movement: A series of somatic movement practices like Surya Shakti Yoga, Pranayama and Breathwork, Qigong and Energy Flow, Core Revival, Strength, and Face Yoga to purify and energize the body.
- Rejuvenating Seminars: Expert-led discussions on topics such as stress management, sleep science, and daily wellness rituals.
- Transformative Wellbeing Events: Experiences like sound healing, breathwork, and energy alignment, including The Joy of Reconnection, Exploration Ceremony, and Closing Circle.
- Self-Reflection & Personal Growth: Workshops on journaling, meditation, and manifestation to encourage clarity and positive intention.
- Connection with Nature: Activities like sunrise and sunset breathwork, ocean sound healing, and open-water meditations to deepen the connection with the sea.
Wellness expert Carlie Barlow, known for her expertise in breathwork, meditation, and energy healing, will guide each retreat. Barlow combines ancient practices with modern techniques to help individuals achieve balance and inner transformation.
Exclusive Retreat Packages
The Ocean Wellness Retreats will be available on EXPLORA II from March 18 to 25, 2025, and on EXPLORA I from April 2 to 9, 2025.
Two retreat options will be offered:
- Step Into Serenity – One-Day Retreat: A focused day of purification and renewal, featuring yoga, pranayama, and introspective practices to foster peace and inner tranquility.
- The Depths of Exploration – Two-Day Retreat: A more immersive experience, combining sound healing, meditation, and insightful seminars to enhance self-awareness and rejuvenation.
Both retreats include a bespoke wellness program, a cotton yoga tote, a lavender-infused eye pillow, mindful affirmation cards, an Ocean Wellness booklet, and an evening turndown amenity.
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