IT ONLY TAKES ME a moment to take a deep breath and exhale. I’m on Explora I, Explora Journeys’ first ship (Explora II set sail in August 2024), breathing in The Spa’s cool earth tones mingled with natural textures and organic shapes, encouraging the mind to settle, and the body to relax.
Courtesy of Explora Journeys
The Thermal area alone is enough to instil a sense of well-being. Opal-esque sculptures dot the walls above the hydrotherapy pool – a plunge pool with jets for getting out the kinks and waterfalls for a wellness trickle-down effect. Naturally, there’s a steam room and Finnish sauna, but also a detoxing salt cave, an ice fall to regulate temperature and heated marble loungers. It’s a sensory journey for body and spirit; the ocean is on view from the outdoor terrace.
Asian-inspired artwork and candlelight enhance the treatment rooms; the spa’s signature rituals, facials, massages and body therapies are curated for either Energy, Sleep, Relaxation, Mindfulness or Immunity. In my quest for calm I went straight to the relaxation menu and chose the Rose Indulgence. Aromatherapy of essential oils steeped in rose; a full-body exfoliation to slough off the rough bits, and then a slathering of cream infused with rose, chamomile and neroli.
Opal-like sculptures, hydrotherapy jets, and the ocean on view from the terrace make every moment at The Spa a sensory journey for body and spirit.
Ocean Wellness – The Spa. Courtesy of Explora Journeys
The therapist wrapped me in the sheets to allow the cream to absorb while administering a scalp massage, hitting all the pressure points. Products include By Aromatherapy Associates and Swiss medi-spa brand Dr. Levy. I added a low-tech, 15-minute enhancement, the Perfect Pout. A dollop of Hyaluronic acid around the lips and laugh lines; microcurrent wands were then rolled over the area – tickly zaps help absorption – and freeze-firming cryotherapy (cool wands) locked it all in. It certainly set me in my own ocean state of mind.
Travel Note
The author experienced Explora I in 2025. For readers planning their own journey, 2026 departures are now available, offering the same luxury spa and wellness experiences aboard Explora I in the Mediterranean.
GET ON BOARD
Embark on 7 nights aboard Explora I departing 20 July 2026 from Barcelona, Spain, with calls in Cannes, Portofino, Livorno (Florence), Porto Cervo and Ajaccio before ending in Civitavecchia (Rome). Additional Mediterranean departures are available throughout summer and early fall 2026.
Full itinerary and booking details: Explora Journeys Sailings
