3 luxury wellness cruises in Indonesia, Japan and the Maldives for health-conscious travellers

Nov 2 , 2019

Wellness cruises take you around the world and let you relax as well and enjoy some local culture at the same time.

Touring Indonesia’s islands, visiting Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins and relaxing on pristine beaches in the Maldives are only part of each itinerary set by these wellness cruises

A new wave of wellness cruises is taking over the waters, offering a combination of bespoke itineraries, wholesome cuisine, holistic fitness and soothing relaxation.

Indonesia with Revivo

Set sail on the Revivo wellness cruise around Indonesia’s many islands.

Overhauling your health can be tricky when you’re trapped on dry land, which is why Revivo wellness cruise whisks you around Indonesia’s islands of Raja Ampat, Komodo, Banda, Alor, and Kaimana for some dedicated escapism and soothing. Small and intimate, up to six people can sail at once making it feel like you’re on your own swish yacht. Guests receive a bespoke wellness retreat programme including yoga, meditation, fitness, Pilates, diving, trekking and paddle boarding, and if you suffer from cabin fever, fear not as you can jump ship to explore the islands as you go. Luxurious spa treatments are available and delicious guilt-free feasts are whipped up by a nutritionist. Your spiritual-awakening does not have to end when the cruise does; continue to the Revivo wellness retreat in Bali where you can top up the tranquil new you with floating pools, golf and holistic therapies.

Japan with guntû

A boat trip on guntû to Japan is a cross between a traditional ryokan and a yacht, and one stop is Naoshima, home to artist Yayoi Kusama’s famous dotted pumpkins.

Sometimes a trip to Japan can be fraught with big cities and a busy schedule, but there is one way to guarantee soaking up the country’s indomitable charm and Zen without distractions – on a boat trip with guntû. A cross between a traditional ryokan and a yacht, guests set sail on two-and-three night tours from Onomichi city, and tour gently around the forested islands and fishing villages of the Chūgoku and Shikoku coastlines. In true Japanese style, the 19 cabins are minimalist and serene with large picture windows and warm timber interiors for barefoot padding. There’s also a lounge, gym, communal bath, sauna and spa treatment rooms. While the focus is on slowing down and enjoying the landscape, some onshore activities are available including a visit to Naoshima, home to artist Yayoi Kusama’s famous dotted pumpkins, and sampling soy sauce at a local brewery.

Maldives with Scubaspa