Vancouverscape, a Vancouver based blog covering travel, tech, and lifestyle

There’s nothing like setting sail on the high seas. Unpack your suitcase once, stow it under the bed and you’re ready for relaxing, yet exhilarating days of fresh ocean breezes and new ports of call. Aboard every Windstar vessel, you’ll find a World Spa by Windstar, offering a wide menu of spa services ranging from facials to Bamboo massage.

Once embarked, peruse the brochure and spoil yourself with one of these luxury wellness sessions. Windstar’s team have technical massage therapy expertise to give passengers a world-class soothing 50-, 75- or 100-minute treatment.

[Spa relaxation room with heated tile lounge chairs]

I booked a 75-minute Aroma Stone Therapy session one afternoon while at sea. This Windstar signature treatment uses hot Balinese stones to help relax and release muscle tension. My massage therapist, Janice, begins by asking if there are any trouble spots that need extra attention. During the treatment, massage oil is worked into the skin, followed by pressure by heated volcanic stones which naturally retain heat longer.

Following the hot stone experience is a pressure point body massage to further relax those tight muscles. Janice discovers them all during my time on the massage table. It’s a blissful experience made even more soothing with the gentle rocking of the boat along the waves and soft music in the background.

An instant refreshing gel made of camphor, arnica and menthol is later massaged in to aid with inflammation, tired muscles and bruises.

The occipital area (located near the back of the skull) also gets worked on, to release tension as well as to increase circulation, oxygen and blood supply to the brain. The neck, hairline and shoulder areas are next in line once I’m turned over.

After a couple of days of Seattle sightseeing, indulging on board with a massage is a win! This newly-renovated spa boasts a larger space with four heated tiled beds adjacent to a thermal shower, steam room and sauna to get into that relaxed state before your treatment.

World Spa by Windstar also offers facials, acupuncture, teeth whitening, personal training sessions, nutritional consultations, plus hair, nail and wax services.

My massage was compliments of World Spa by Windstar for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, are my own.