Any day on a boat is a good day, but a massage at sea makes life even more rewarding! I recently experienced two body treatments at Holland America Line’s Greenhouse Spa: ELEMIS Aroma Stone and Deep Tissue massages.
The ELEMIS Aroma Stone Massage starts with an all-over dry brush treatment, and some deep breaths to take in a few drops of ELEMIS lime essential oil on a pillow near my head.
This particular treatment harnesses the properties of warm-water bathed Basalt volcanic stones, massaged on key energy points of the body to balance the spirit. Until now, I’ve only had Basalt stones placed on the body, not used as a massage medium.
The combination of deep penetrating heat of the stones with traditional massage techniques and warmed oils combine for a luxurious indulgence and feels wonderful on the skin!
As with any enjoyable massage, 75 minutes go by all too quickly, and with a light clinging of Tibetan tingsha bells, the session ends and I take a few moments to return to my immediate surroundings before gently getting up and continuing the day, mind deeply relaxed and skin smooth from the warm oil.
Imagine a morning Deep Tissue massage to soothe and rejuvenate. Following a light breakfast served in my stateroom, I head to the spa, starting off at the relaxation lounge. The room has loungers facing the sea, particularly romantic as we pass the Faroe Islands en route to the Orkney Islands, our next port of call.
This massage also begins with a few deep breaths, then a full-body working of all muscle groups using warm massage oil. I’d never booked an early morning treatment on a sea day before, but this was rewarded with a nice slow rhythm to the day – and that silky smooth skin derived from the oil. Highly recommended on a sea day, followed by an afternoon soak in the hydrotherapy pool!
Located on deck 9, adjacent to the fitness center, Greenhouse Spa offers a wide variety of treatments, including acupuncture, teeth whitening, Thai Herbal Poultice, Bamboo and Aroma Spa Seaweed- and Intensely Cleansing Salt Scrub massages, hair and nail services, plus cellulite reduction services.
[More unwinding, post-massage, at the Thermal Suite’s heated tile loungers]
Most massages can be booked for 50-, 75-, or 100-minute sessions, depending on availability. Sea days are often booked far in advance; pre-cruise booking can be done via the Holland America Line Navigator smart phone app.
My massages were provided for the purpose of experiencing the Greenhouse Spa for this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own.
