Cruise Spas - Mandara Spa

Be Self-Indulgent on Your Next Cruise Vacation

For those who think you have only a few basic choices--massage, facial, body, hair, or nails--you are in for some real fun. There are usually at least half a dozen different types of massages, facials, or body therapies from which to choose. In addition to private treatment rooms, most cruise ships have saunas and steam rooms. A typical cruise ship spa "menu" might be several pages in length. My problem is that I always want to try them all! My last cruise, I limited myself to one facial, one body treatment, and one massage. That's what I call restraint. Here's a look at the Mandara Spa that is found on the Silversea, Norwegian, and Orient Cruise lines.

Mandara Spa
I've visited the Mandara Spa on both the Silversea Silver Whisper and the Silver Shadow and found them to be a perfect complement to my cruise vacation--kind of like a good dessert or a good wine. The name "Mandara" comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the Gods' quest for the elixir of youth and eternal life. The Mandara Spas originated in Bali, and the company has developed many interesting and exotic spa treatments that might not bring you eternal youth or immortality, but will bring you restoration, relaxation, and rejuventation. The Mandara Spas include facials, body treatments, massages, hair care, nail care, and waxing. Here are a few of my favorites.

When you first enter the Mandara Spa treatment room, the therapist will ask you to put your feet in a bowl of warm water. The bowl has small rocks in the bottom and flowers floating on top. I found this little extra touch to be a very peaceful, relaxing sensation. It also gives you an opportunity to get acquainted with the therapist.

Facials
The Silversea Mandara Spas have a selection of seven different facials, and Norwegian and Orient Lines have similar offerings. Each of these can be enhanced with an eye treatment or a special mask. I had the "Intensive Renewal" facial on the Silver Whisper and enjoyed it so much that I had again the next year on the Silver Shadow! It is especially designed for "mature" skin and makes your face feel 20 years younger. The "Intensive Renewal" uses marine-based products, but some of the other facials use wonderful aromatic oils or even freshly-blended fruits and vegetables as a basis for the treatments. There is even a facial especially designed for a man's skin.

Body
If you love facials, a body treatment might be the next spa treatment you should choose. The Silversea Mandara Spas offer five different body treatments. I had the "Javanese Honey Steam Wrap", a Mandara specialty, on the Silver Whisper. This spa treatment is the ultimate in self-indulgence. First, the therapist used a rub that smells of cinnamon and coffee as an exfoliant. Next, she lathers you with warm honey and wraps you in a sheet. It's off to the sauna to let the steam and the honey make your body soft and glowing. After a shower and some body oils, you will feel like a new person. Of course, you might also be hungry. I loved the many aromas and the pampering.

Another body treatment is the "Aromatic Odyssey", which is a combination facial and body treatment. After you are scrubbed, exfoliated, and massaged, the therapist wraps you in a silver thermal blanket cocoon. The heat intensifies the ingredients used. If you are claustrophobic, this might be a little much, but I came away with softer, new-feeling skin and without several ounces of dead, dry skin.

Once your body and face are refreshed, it's time to move on to one of the most popular treatments at a spa--the massage.

Indulged or Hot Rocked!

Massage
The "Ultimate Indulgence" lives up to its name. Two therapists work on you simultaneously and in synchrony. The feeling of four hands kneeding out those knots in your muscles is more than twice as good as two hands! This massage treatment will spoil you for the rest of your cruise (and when you get home.)

When I saw the "Hot Lava Rock" massage on the Mandara Spa menu, I decided I had to try it. After all, it met my criteria of cruise vacation self-indulgence! The therapist first steams smooth rocks covered in cocoa butter. She then glides these warm rocks over your body. When the rock first comes into contact with your skin, it is like a smooth, warm heating pad being applied with pressure. The heat starts in one small place, but quickly spreads deeply into your muscles as the therapist moves it across your body. This massage is not as deep as a traditional massage, but is just perfect for those who really don't want to be "prodded" too much.

Either of these massages will provide a quiet respite to your hectic life. What a great sensation to be massaged with four hands or with hot rocks, and you can imagine the eyes rolling at the office when you describe one (or both) of these delightful pamperings!

The Silversea Mandara Spas also have several other types of more traditional massages. My friend Juanda enjoyed her massage on the Silver Shadow so much that she went back for another session before the end of our cruise.

Some Tips for All Cruise Spas
If you are planning a spa treatment on any cruise, you might want to book your appointment early. Sea days always fill up fast. I leave all my jewelry in the cabin safe and wear a robe. Since your hair and make-up will probably end up a mess, there's no need to go to the spa looking your best. After all, you will come away feeling better than when you went in. Be sure to be prompt, or even a little early. Your treatment will have to end at the appointed hour; otherwise, you would be intruding into someone else's time. Spas usually have some type of information form required, so you can spend your short wait-time filling out the form and getting into a relaxed mood. If you need to cancel your appointment, be sure to call the spa. You might be depriving one of your fellow passengers of a wonderful experience.

Next time you plan a cruise, reserve some time and some of your cruise budget for a trip to the spa. It will be like a dessert on top of your cruise vacation.