Get your vitamin sea
Published 26 March 2024
Just being at sea is enough to boost your health and fitness levels. Add an on-board spa, gym, pool, personal trainer and chef - and you have all you need to come back glowing. Here's how to get the most from your wellbeing yacht charter with our Burgess guide
The science bit
Being on, in or near the water is scientifically proven to have beneficial effects on our health and wellbeing. From fat-burning watersports to fresh ocean air and Vitamin D enriching sunshine, simply being at sea is a tonic for both the mind and body. For centuries people have flocked to the coastline hoping to cure their ailments, and it has been well-documented that blue spaces make us feel happier, healthier and calmer. But exactly why does the sea benefit the body and mind? From better sleep to boosted social bonds, you can discover the benefits for yourself...
Ease your mind
The sound of the ocean has a measurable effect on your mental wellbeing, helping to hit 'pause' on racing thoughts and reduce stress levels. The ebb and flow of waves that you hear as you lie on your sunlounger de-stimulates the brain, and for some has a more relaxing effect than even music.
Activating the parasympathetic nervous system, scientists have shown that the sound of water also helps to lower the concentration levels of cortisol in your bloodstream, slowing your heart rate, reducing blood pressure and relaxing the body’s muscles.
Recent years have seen a demand for the yachting experience to take more of a holistic approach, with health and wellbeing as a priority of most guests. When it comes to the ultimate relaxation, many of the superyachts have their own spas and treatment rooms, along with Hammams, saunas and jacuzzis. Some of the larger yachts even have entire decks devoted to wellness, with dedicated beauty and massage therapists.
Relax your body
Being by the water is often associated with increased physical activity. The ocean provides an endless arena for watersports, and these fun activities can also increase your fitness. Swimming and snorkelling can provide a full workout, while stand-up paddle boarding and water skiing are also great for the core. Kayaking gives the arms, shoulders and back a solid workout, and staying on deck with a yoga or Pilates session will help tone muscles as even with stabilisers the motion of the ocean increases the demand on your body’s core balance.
Many of the superyachts also offer state-of-the-art gyms, with a wide variety of gym equipment. Some yachts have personal trainers within the crew, and on the larger yachts the gyms are often located with views out over the horizon for an inspiring workout at sea. Those yachts that don’t have the space for a dedicated gym still carry some gym equipment that can help you work off lunch.
Discover natural skincare
Revitalising and refreshing, seawater is rich in nourishing minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium. Many of these are powerful anti-inflammatory skin-healers. Sea bathing can improve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis, and reduces allergic skin responses while soothing sensitive, dry skin or healing small wounds faster. What’s not to love?
Take time together
Whether it’s a one-to-one catch up with a friend, a barbecue on the beach party or a family movie night on board with popcorn and candy, being on a superyacht provides the space and opportunities for social interaction with friends and loved ones. Strong social bonds are known to be important for your mental wellbeing, and a superyacht charter is the perfect chance to bring family and friends together.
Sail into the blue
Increases in the 'happy hormones' serotonin and oxytocin are proven benefits of being by the sea. Plus, being in, on, around or under the ocean also boosts your dopamine levels, a key chemical messenger within our inbuilt reward system. Added to this, for many people the colour blue is associated with feelings of calm and peace, so waking to views of the ocean actually changes the frequency of our brain waves and puts us into a mild meditative state. Some studies have also found that the colour blue is associated with a boost of creativity.
And just breathe...
Sea air is generally cleaner and fresher than that on land, with higher levels of oxygen in the air, which improves sleep. Sea air also contains negative ions: oxygen atoms with an extra electron, which boost your body’s ability to absorb oxygen and helps to balance your serotonin levels.
Added to this, a superyacht cocoons guests in comfort with luxurious and stunning accommodation. From the finest linens to exquisite soft furnishings and quality beds, drifting into a peaceful slumber will feel effortless after a full day’s activity at sea.
A wellbeing yacht charter
In addition to all these benefits, superyachts are designed to cater for your individual needs in a way that you will rarely find ashore. Whatever your requirement, be it a rejuvenating diet, hard-core sport, need to just relax and breathe in that sea air or massage away the stress - your peace of mind comes from knowing that it is all taken care of for you. So you and your friends can get on with sipping a green smoothie after a core-strengthening pilates session and think about a steam in the Hammam.
Tailored nutrition
Aboard a superyacht your chef has access to the freshest fish, seafood and local ingredients which are both full of flavour and packed with nutrition. When arranging your charter your chef will discuss your nutritional requirements with you and will tailor your meals to complement your health and wellbeing charter - without losing any of the gourmet styling and taste. They will plan creative ways to deliver a delicious, nutritious menu, taking into account the fuel you need for workouts and watersports. At your request, your chef can even coach you how to recreate the meals for yourself on your return home.
Al fresco living
Blending the indoor and outdoor experience adds to the holistic, relaxed atmosphere when the water feels within touching distance. Layouts that bring the outside in, or take the inside out, are always a popular feature on board today’s superyachts. Balconies, sea terraces and floor-to-ceiling glass doors are now commonplace on modern yachts.
The larger yachts can also offer the complete beach club experience, with a deck at water level offering pools and bars as well as the swimming platform and dock. You can relax right by the water in privacy, and access the water and watertoys with ease.
Watersports and toys
Whether you are looking to channel your inner child playing with the kids or feel the ultimate thrill on an e-foil, messing about on the water is an essential ingredient of any yacht charter, and comes with the added bonus of keeping you fit while having fun. From on board golf driving ranges and basketball courts to inflatable slides and aqua parks, keeping active simply doesn’t get any better than on board a superyacht. You could opt to up-skill and learn a new watersports under the careful instruction of a qualified crewmember.
Bedroom suites
To ensure every member of the your party is comfortable, charter yachts offer flexible layouts, with convertible cabins to suit a range of different accommodation requirements. Many have double cabins that can be converted into a twin beds, and sometimes a twin cabin will have Pullman berths for extra children. Every cabin on a yacht features a private en-suite bathroom, while many yachts have a master cabin for the principal charterer, usually located on the main deck. A handful of charter yachts also a VIP suite to rival the master suite - ideal for when there are two principal charterers in your party.
Pool and spa
On superyachts a spa pool is a given. You will usually find a jacuzzi on the sun deck, plus the largest of the charter yachts also have all manner of additional water features, ranging from infinity pools to swim-up bars, and even pools with a countercurrent so that you can exercise by doing laps while still on board.
Gym
Most superyacht gyms are fully immersive indoor-outdoor spaces. They are often located in the beach club by the water’s edge or on an upper deck with a view of the sea. The gym equipment available varies, but most yachts will have cardio machines plus free weights or a Technogym. Also, look for hydro-resistant rowing machines, ellipticals, Peloton spin bikes, and running machines - everything will be state-of-the-art.
Most superyacht gyms are fully immersive indoor-outdoor spaces. They are often located in the beach club by the water’s edge or on an upper deck with a view of the sea. The gym equipment available varies, but most yachts will have cardio machines plus free weights or a Technogym. Also, look for hydro-resistant rowing machines, ellipticals, Peloton spin bikes, and running machines - everything will be state-of-the-art.
Your yacht, your way
Take your choice of these superyachts from the Burgess charter fleet. This is a short list of the superyachts we know have everything on board to deliver your ultimate health and wellbeing holiday, and our charter experts will tailor the experience to your exact party size and needs. So, have a look through our hand-picked selection...
Spend a stress-free charter surrounded by family on board the 96.6m (316.8ft) FAITH. Her communal guest areas are designed for indoor-outdoor living, whether relaxing around the vast glass-bottomed swimming pool, or in her beach club taking advantage of the wide array of watertoys. Alternatively, the sun deck gym features a unique equipment inventory for indoor and outdoor training, while her dedicated games deck has facilities for football, tennis, volleyball and basketball. To reward yourself after a workout, she also offers the ultimate wellness centre with a massage room, a large Hammam and even a snow room.
EXCELLENCE
12 in 7 cabins
From USD 1,150,000 per week
Designed for outdoor living, the 80m (262.5ft) EXCELLENCE features spacious decks with a host of wellbeing facilities. Start the morning balancing body and mind on the large sun deck with a morning yoga class, or have a workout in the stunning gym space located on the main deck. There is also a large pool with a swim-up bar for a refreshing dip and drink after a workout, or perhaps have a spa and sauna afterwards, making a workout part of a more relaxing spa experience. The large beach club with terrace is where guests can sit back and relax or jump in the water to discover her wide range of watertoys.
SIREN
12 in 6 cabins
EUR 490,000
Work out in the cool, climate-controlled gym on board the 73.5m (241.2ft) SIREN. The well-located beach club gym space means that guests can enjoy their exercise in close proximity to the water with the option of a refreshing dip only a few steps away. There is even a personal trainer within the crew who can help you to achieve your goals with a tailormade workout program. Those looking to enjoy more adrenalin pumping activities can also enjoy SIREN’s extensive selection of watertoys.
TITANIA
12 in 7 cabins
From USD 565,000 per week
The 73m (239.6ft) TITANIA is known as the yacht that ticks all the boxes. With deck spaces for every wellbeing activity conceivable, her pool deck provides the perfect lounging area, her beach club includes a sauna, and the sun deck hosts a fully equipped glass-walled gym with panoramic views. She also offers an array of watertoys, including both a waterslide and an extensive inflatable water park, ideal for both the young and young at heart to enjoy. If this all seems too active though, simply head to the dedicated spa room and have a relaxing massage from the fully qualified therapist.
JOY
12 in 7 cabins
From USD 700,000 per week
When it comes to the ultimate in relaxation, 70m (229.7ft) JOY is the superyacht of choice. She has a spa room and masseuse among the crew, and an impressive gym on the upper deck with spectacular views through floor-to-ceiling windows, she is the perfect yacht for a family health and wellbeing charter. While you enjoy a daily massage or treatment, relax knowing that the younger children will be fully entertained with the watertoys or the latest Disney screened on the vast video wall, while the teenagers can also play a game of basketball or badminton on the foredeck.
SEANNA
12 in 7 cabins
From USD 462,000 per week
The 65m (213.3ft) SEANNA has all the credentials required for a wellbeing charter. As well as treadmills, cross trainers and free weights, SEANNA’s unique indoor-outdoor gym affords beautiful sea views to admire while you get your pulse racing. Follow your work out with a treatment in her fully equipped massage room.
Make it happen
From finding your ideal superyacht to incorporating wellbeing into your charter, our Burgess charter experts are on hand to make it happen for you. Just give them your party size and needs, and let them take care of you. Call or live chat with our charter brokers today.
To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.
- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.
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