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SPAS ATSEA Today’s travelers want more from their vacations, and wellness

is playing a bigger role. Cruises are no exception. “The demand for full-service spas aboard ships has been on the rise in recent years,” says SeaDream Yacht Club spa director Bassima Tveraabak. “Guests expect a complete range of services. That expectation has led cruise ship spas to expand, increase their menu of services and keep up with trends happening ashore.”

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PRIVATE DECKSThe SeaDream Spa has private spa areas for open-air massages.

FITNESS FACILITIES High-tech gear like the Kinesis wall at Samsara Spa is the new standard.

EXCLUSIVE CABINS Spa cabins are located adjacent to the spa to allow for private access.

Spas no longer consist of a few plain treatment rooms,” says Costa Favolosa spa manager Tino Van der Merwe. “� ey off er exotic treatments for the face and body.

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01 SEADREAM SPA Where to Find It: SeaDream Yacht Club

The Experience: SeaDream’s spa combines the best of Asia and Europe with Thai therapies along-side Swedish massage. All of the treatment rooms are skylit with ocean views. “SeaDream’s Spa philosophy is focused on inner balance and an overall state of well-being,” Tveraabak says.

Why It’s Unique: The SeaDream Spa is Thai certified and a member of the Thai Spa Association. “Our therapists are trained in the top school in Bangkok (Wat Pho) for Thai massage,” Tveraabak says. “Thai people believe that Thai massage is a healing medicine and therefore they get a Thai massage weekly to stay healthy.”

Signature Treatment: The Asian Blend Massage, which combines Thai massage techniques and Shiatsu with herbs. “It is a very detoxifying treatment, stimulating all lymphatic and muscular body functions,” Tveraabak says.

SAMSARA SPA Where to Find It: Costa Cruises Costa Favolosa, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Luminosa, Costa Serena, Costa Concordia, Costa neoRomantica and, in 2012, Costa Fascinosa

The Experience: The design, amenities and treatments of the spa are well thought out and luxurious. “Our treat-ments and facilities are meditative and rejuvenating. We believe that every interaction our guest has with the spa should give them positive energy,” says Van der Merwe.

Why It’s Unique: Samsara offers luxurious indulgences such as the exclusive spa cabins that come with a welcome spa ritual and access to the spa via private elevator. “Samsara spas have state-of-the-art facilities, such as the thalassotherapy pool, Tridosha shrine, relaxation lounges with four-poster beds and Japanese tea room,” says Van der Merwe.

Signature Treatment: The Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial. “It has been tried and tested to prove anti-aging results after just one treatment,” Van der Merwe says.

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THE SKIN SOOTHERSun and sea can rough up your skin and leave it looking lack-luster. Carry on Darphin’s Ideal Resource cream to help soothe, fight fine lines and leave skin glowing. $90, darphin.com

TRAVEL-FRIENDLY

PRODUCTS

CARRY-ON ESSENTIALSIt’s no secret that traveling can be stressful; the four-piece Aromatherapy Associates Essential Travel Oils include everything you need to unwind and relax when you take a vacation. $53, aromatherapyassociates.com

THE SKIN SOOTHER

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CANYON RANCHSPACLUB Where to Find It: Oceania Cruises, Queen Mary 2, Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines

The Experience: Canyon Ranch SpaClubs have services similar to those offered on land. “The spa is a cruise enhancement and worth its weight in gold when partnered with a quality spa,” says managing director of Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea John Roseby.

Why It’s Unique: World-class spa quality at sea with skilled staff-ers who know the Canyon Ranch philosophy. Private spa decks on Oceania vessels and an elaborate Aqua Therapy center on the Cu-nard Queen Mary 2 provide varied amenities. “The Aqua Therapy center is one of the best ways to relax the day away,” Roseby says.

Signature Treatment: All ships offer the signature Canyon Stone Massage, a therapeutic massage with heated basalt stones.

CRYSTAL SPA Where to Find It: Crystal Cruises, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity

The Experience: The first feng shui-designed spa at sea, Crystal Spa provides “a spa experience that is enlightening, uplifting and indulgent,” says marketing manager for onboard spas by Steiner Leisure Marilou Jaen.

Why It’s Unique: “We offer a surprisingly wide range of services onboard from the Bamboo Massage, which incorporates the expert hands of our therapist with heated bamboo sticks used for relieving tension, to our Elemis Exotic Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap with Massage, which uses a float bed,” Jaen says.

Signature Treatment: Acupuncture for Sea Sickness. Drug patches often cause drowsiness and dry mouth. “The acupuncture treatment for sea sickness works immediately and has none of these side effects,” Jaen says.

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Additional spas on cruise ships can be found at spafinder.com/Cruise-Ship-Spas.htm

THE RADIANCE REVEALERJust a spritz of TSA-approved GloMinerals Revive Hydration Mist drenches dry skin with antioxidants like skin-soothing green tea. $18, gloprofessional.com

EYE BRIGHTENERKerstin Florian Brightening Eye Crème instantly hydrates and reduces puffiness so you look rested—even when you’re not. $70, kerstinflorianusa.com