All You Need To Know About Massages On Board Charter Yachts

By Rebecca Bradbury 31 August 2016

There are few things more relaxing than a massage on the sundeck of a luxury yacht while breathing in the refreshing sea air and soaking up the idyllic surrounds, and with this in mind, we have put together a guide on what to expect from a massage on your yacht charter.

Offering unparalleled opportunities for rest, respite and relaxation, a luxury yacht charter provides the perfect setting to undertake a massage and spa regime, ensuring you return home fully recharged and rejuvenated.

And as advancements in yacht design are made, a growing number of superyachts are equipped with bigger and better health and wellness facilities, ranging from saunas and steam rooms to hair salons, hydrotherapy baths and private treatment rooms.

Massages, however, remain one of the most requested treatments from charter guests and so YachtCharterFleet answers a few questions on what can be expected from a pamper session on your charter vacation.

Who will be my massage therapist?

The demand for crew members trained to offer massages as an extra service has risen in recent years, and charter guests may well find that a member of the steward team are able to offer some form of relaxing massage.

A few superyachts with larger spa facilities, however, will have their own permanent team of beauty therapists such as the 90m/295ft superyacht ‘Lauren L’, and the luxury and convenience of having a full-time professional on board is definitely an attractive prospect.

Fortunately, if the yacht you plan to charter is without a therapist, your charter broker will have the contacts to make this possible, whether you wish to have one for the duration of your stay or to schedule in a mobile therapist for a couple of sessions.

Opting for a live-aboard therapist comes with many benefits such as ensuring the crew remains free of extra duties, having an experienced specialist trained in several techniques at your service for the entire day and eliminating the last-minute rush to find a good therapist based nearby your next port of call.

Where will my massage take place?

A large selection of charter yachts now boast spa facilities to rival their on-land counterparts, and these are likely to have a dedicated massage therapy room for the upmost comfort and ease.

This does not, however, restrict the places where your pamper session can take place, nor does it mean massages cannot take place without an on-board spa.

A deck or interior area such as a spare cabin can easily be transformed into a temporary spa using a mobile massage bed and decorations such as candles to set the mood.

In fact, it is great to have some degree of flexibility as, when underway, massages are best moved to the location where the yacht moves the least, which is the lower deck aft, in order to avoid seasickness.

Sitting upright on the sundeck and indulging in a foot massage works well too.

What service and treatments can I expect?

Charter guests can expect the same high levels of treatment and professionalism as they would receive at a luxury spa on land, with the ultimate aim to relax, rejuvenate and chase away all aches, pains and stresses remaining.

Popular treatments include deep-tissue and sports massages, anti-stress and anti-fatigue therapy, Thai and Swedish massages, reflexology and Indian head massages.

Treatments can, of course, be adapted to the sea surroundings for a more personalised experience. For example, problems specifically related to being at sea include overexposure to the sun and skin dryness caused by the salt water and wind, meaning moisturising treatments will be high on the agenda.

A variety of other wellbeing professionals are also available to enhance your charter vacation, including beauty therapists skilled in facials, hair and make-up, and yoga, Pilates and fitness instructors.

What superyachts have spa facilities?

Scores of yachts on the charter market are equipped with spa facilities, but below are three examples of the best available to give you a taster of what is possible.

Among the top yachts dedicated to health and wellness is the 95m/312ft superyacht KISMET. Located deep in the Lurssen-build, the spa is formed of dark stones and juxtaposed textures such as smooth rocks, glass and a variety of wooden surfaces for a meditative atmosphere, with facilities including a Hamman, spa pool, cold plunge pool, steam shower and massage room.

In contrast, the whole of the sundeck on board the 73m/239ft superyacht ‘Grace E’ is designed as a spa and wellness deck. Treatment rooms, including a hair salon, boast soothing sandy tones, while the fully-equipped gymnasium offers panoramic views. There is also a plunge pool and plenty of sunning opportunities.

Spa facilities on the 85m/279ft superyacht SOLANDGE, meanwhile, span across her bridge deck aft. A spacious sauna, steam room and beauty salon connects to a gym and outdoor swimming pool, and the massage room is sure to wow thanks to a colour shifting glass-bubble wall, which creates the perfect ambience.