Spa at Sea : Holland america koningsdam
The well appointed aft facing Greenhouse Spa offers a range of tempting treatments including facials and a wide choice of 30, 45 or 60-minute massages – sensibly priced by duration rather than type – besides the usual run-of-the-mill treatments and hairdressing services. The spacious salon with calming décor and lots of greenery has six treatment rooms including one specifically for couples. Better still, passengers who book treatments have free use of the sauna, mood showers, steam bath facilities and relaxation lounge.
I opted for a facial, my problem was which to choose - Cleansing? Reviving? Aromatherapy? Caviar? … the list is comprehensive. All last for 45 minutes. Facials are designed to rejuvenate skin, usually starting with exfoliation - sloughing away skin-dulling cells - then moisturising and massage to boost circulation, a combo which acts together to improve the texture of the skin. Just what my tired London skin needed.
My petite, gentle therapist Juliet kicked off my treatment with a thorough cleanse before smothering my skin with a cooling mask of argan oil and menthol then placing a de-puffing mask on my closed eyes. As with all good facials, while the mask was on, Juliet massaged my neck and shoulders.
Then it was a pressure point massage to stimulate the facial muscles, a pleasant sensation with quick, repeated manipulation before she applied a second mask to moisturise my whole face. Last came a resurfacing serum with a tension lifting head massage which was so blissful I almost fell asleep. The 45 minutes passed in a jiffy and the immediate effect was smoother skin with a healthy glow. There's nothing quite like a facial to make you feel and look great, even if results are short lived. It’s a deeply relaxing experience which helps kick start sluggish circulations, great news for the skin.
I opted for a facial, my problem was which to choose - Cleansing? Reviving? Aromatherapy? Caviar? … the list is comprehensive. All last for 45 minutes. Facials are designed to rejuvenate skin, usually starting with exfoliation - sloughing away skin-dulling cells - then moisturising and massage to boost circulation, a combo which acts together to improve the texture of the skin. Just what my tired London skin needed.
My petite, gentle therapist Juliet kicked off my treatment with a thorough cleanse before smothering my skin with a cooling mask of argan oil and menthol then placing a de-puffing mask on my closed eyes. As with all good facials, while the mask was on, Juliet massaged my neck and shoulders.
Then it was a pressure point massage to stimulate the facial muscles, a pleasant sensation with quick, repeated manipulation before she applied a second mask to moisturise my whole face. Last came a resurfacing serum with a tension lifting head massage which was so blissful I almost fell asleep. The 45 minutes passed in a jiffy and the immediate effect was smoother skin with a healthy glow. There's nothing quite like a facial to make you feel and look great, even if results are short lived. It’s a deeply relaxing experience which helps kick start sluggish circulations, great news for the skin.
images (c) G & M Pickup
Other therapies offered in the salon include a honey massage. This is where warm honey is massaged into the abdomen and back to release tension and remove toxins from the system. It is said to improve the skin's thermal regulation and has a positive influence on the nervous system – can’t be bad .
A newer treatment is the exotic-sounding South Pacific Seashell Therapy, a combination of ocean minerals used to massage the body and relax tired muscles. Their Ayurveda therapies pack a punch too, one is Kizhi therapy where a warmed pouch of herbs, plants, roots and herbal powder is placed on the body. The heat induces sweating to bring toxins to the skin’s surface and once the pores are open, skin absorbs the properties of the healing herbs.
On sea days, many passengers take the opportunity to book the spa packages on offer, for example, a 45 minute package could include a neck and shoulder massage, reflexology, a mini facial and an Indian head massage. Those who are unsure about which treatments to choose can opt for a combination of three sampler treatments – perhaps an anti-ageing eye treatment, a deep conditioning hair treatment and a hand and arm massage. However, make sure you book early for anything you fancy as despite being open from 9am to 9pm, the Spa is often fully booked especially on sea days or for formal nights.
Of course beauty treatments are not only for the ladies, men are looked after too with anti-age facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.
More at Holland America Line
Like river cruising? I enjoyed sailing the Douro - read about it here
Or how about a TransAtlantic crossing? A real experience. Read about mine here
Return to features index
Other therapies offered in the salon include a honey massage. This is where warm honey is massaged into the abdomen and back to release tension and remove toxins from the system. It is said to improve the skin's thermal regulation and has a positive influence on the nervous system – can’t be bad .
A newer treatment is the exotic-sounding South Pacific Seashell Therapy, a combination of ocean minerals used to massage the body and relax tired muscles. Their Ayurveda therapies pack a punch too, one is Kizhi therapy where a warmed pouch of herbs, plants, roots and herbal powder is placed on the body. The heat induces sweating to bring toxins to the skin’s surface and once the pores are open, skin absorbs the properties of the healing herbs.
On sea days, many passengers take the opportunity to book the spa packages on offer, for example, a 45 minute package could include a neck and shoulder massage, reflexology, a mini facial and an Indian head massage. Those who are unsure about which treatments to choose can opt for a combination of three sampler treatments – perhaps an anti-ageing eye treatment, a deep conditioning hair treatment and a hand and arm massage. However, make sure you book early for anything you fancy as despite being open from 9am to 9pm, the Spa is often fully booked especially on sea days or for formal nights.
Of course beauty treatments are not only for the ladies, men are looked after too with anti-age facials, manicures, pedicures and massages.
More at Holland America Line
Like river cruising? I enjoyed sailing the Douro - read about it here
Or how about a TransAtlantic crossing? A real experience. Read about mine here
Return to features index