Discover The Spa onboard Explora I

Taking a moment, I close my eyes as I breathe deeply and exhale. I’m in The Spa aboard Explora I, Explora Journeys’ first ship (Explora II will set sail in September 2024).

As I take in the spa’s earthy tones, natural textures and organic shapes, my mind settles and my body begins to relax.

The thermal area alone is enough to instil a sense of wellbeing. Opal-esque sculptures dot the walls above the hydrotherapy pool – a plunge pool with jets for pummelling kinks, and waterfalls for a wellness trickle-down effect.

Naturally, there’s a steam room and Finnish sauna, as well as an ice waterfall to regulate temperature. There is also a detoxing salt cave, heated marble loungers and an outdoor terrace offering ocean views. The whole experience is a sensory journey for my body and spirit.

Asian-inspired artwork and candlelight enhance the treatment rooms. The spa’s signature rituals, facials and massages use products by Aromatherapy Associates and the Swiss medi-spa brand Dr Levy, and the therapies are curated to boost energy, encourage relaxation or enhance sleep, mindfulness or immunity.

In my quest for calm I choose Rose Indulgence from the relaxation menu.

After inhaling essential oils steeped in rose, I experience a full body exfoliation to slough off any rough bits, before being slathered in cream infused with rose, chamomile and neroli.

The therapist wraps me in sheets to allow the cream to absorb while she administers a scalp massage, hitting all the pressure points.

I also opt for an additional low- tech 15-minute enhancement, the Perfect Pout.

My therapist applies a dollop of hyaluronic acid around my lips and laughter lines to increase my skin’s moisture content before rolling microcurrent wands over the area – their tickly zaps help absorption – and freeze-firming cryotherapy (cool wands) lock it all in.

Does it work? Well, the whole experience certainly puts me in my own ocean state of mind.

Get onboard

Explora Journeys’ seven-night Journey of Mykonos Sunsets and Macedonia Kingdoms aboard Explora I, from Athens to Istanbul via Mykonos, Skiathos, Thessaloniki and Kavala, departs on 13 September 2024, from £3,780.