Explora Journeys Launches Ocean Wellness Retreats at Sea

For travellers who see the journey as just as transformative as the destination, Explora Journeys is setting a new course in seaborne self-care. This October and November, the luxury ocean travel brand will debut its Ocean Wellness Retreats — a series of immersive, one-day wellbeing programs offered exclusively on select Grand Journeys aboard EXPLORA I and EXPLORA II.

Designed to restore balance and inspire deeper connection, the retreats blend Eastern and Western traditions into a curated mix of yoga, breathwork, sound healing and guided reflection. Mornings might begin with Surya Shakti Yoga and pranayama practice, while evenings could unfold under the stars with a meditative Gong Bath, the ocean’s natural soundtrack in the background. Guests are welcome to join multiple sessions during their voyage, allowing the experience to evolve as the days and horizons pass.

“The Ocean Wellness Retreats exemplify how travel can nurture the mind, body and soul,” says Julanda Marais, Head of Ocean Wellness for Explora Journeys. “They invite guests to slow down and reconnect — within themselves, and with the vast, calming energy of the sea.”

The retreats will debut on two distinct sailings: EXPLORA I’s 26-day journey from Venice to Miami, weaving through Mediterranean cultural gems and Caribbean shores (October 18–November 12, 2025), and EXPLORA II’s voyage from Barcelona to Barbados via Tangier, Gran Canaria and lush Caribbean isles (November 11–22, 2025).

With the luxury of time, spacious oceanfront suites, and a bespoke program led by top wellness experts — complete with thoughtful touches like a lavender-infused eye pillow and Ocean Wellness booklet — guests can expect more than relaxation. They can expect renewal.

A Fresh Peak: Aman Debuts Rosa Alpina in Alpine Splendour

Tucked into the storybook village of San Cassiano in Italy’s South Tyrol, Rosa Alpina has long been a cherished retreat for those in the know — a place where alpine charm meets refined hospitality. Now, under the Aman banner, this iconic property reopens after a transformative renovation, offering a new chapter in Dolomite luxury.

The relaunch blends Aman’s signature serenity and sleek design sensibility with Rosa Alpina’s deep-rooted ties to the region. Interiors by architect Luigi Vietti and designer Bambi Sloane have been subtly refreshed, honouring the building’s heritage while adding a contemporary Alpine polish. Think warm timber, natural stone, and plush textures, all framed by sweeping mountain views.

Aman Rosa Alpina‘s 52 rooms and suites — including newly reimagined accommodations in the main lodge and adjacent chalets — are havens of understated elegance. For a more private escape, the property’s standalone three-bedroom Chalet Zeno offers the ultimate hideaway, complete with its own spa area.

Epicurean experiences remain a star attraction. The hotel is home to St. Hubertus, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Chef Norbert Niederkofler, famed for his “Cook the Mountain” philosophy that champions hyper-local, seasonal ingredients. Guests can also dine more casually at the Wine Bar & Grill or savour traditional Ladin dishes in the intimate Fondue Stube.

Wellness is equally central to the experience. The newly enhanced spa features a pool, hammam, and saunas, alongside Aman’s holistic treatments designed to soothe and revitalise after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.

With direct access to the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, the property offers year-round adventures, from skiing and snowshoeing in winter to mountain biking and alpine wildflower walks in summer. And after days spent in the crisp mountain air, evenings unfold in a world of candlelight, fine wine, and fireside relaxation.

By combining Rosa Alpina’s timeless soul with Aman’s meticulous eye for detail, Aman Rosa Alpina sets a new standard for European mountain escapes — one where authenticity and indulgence go hand in hand.

A New Luxury Link Between Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende

For the first time, two of Mexico’s most celebrated luxury hotels — JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco (above) and Hotel Matilda — are joining forces to create a seamless escape that moves effortlessly between the cosmopolitan pulse of the capital and the artistic allure of San Miguel de Allende.

Launching May 2025, the From Polanco to San Miguel package invites travellers to experience the country’s cultural spectrum without sacrificing style or comfort. In one trip, guests can savour Mexico City’s high-energy sophistication and San Miguel’s intimate, art-filled streets — all wrapped in the five-star service of two properties that are, until now, rarely mentioned in the same itinerary.

“Mexico City delivers cosmopolitan energy and style, while San Miguel de Allende offers a more intimate, artistic rhythm,” says Bruce James, General Manager of Hotel Matilda. “This package lets guests immerse themselves in both.”

The journey begins with two weekend nights at JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco, a freshly renovated 314-room address at the intersection of glamour and green space. Steps from the boutiques of Presidente Masaryk Avenue and across from Chapultepec Park, the hotel’s offerings include three new restaurants (Sendero, Corsi, and Archiebald), cocktail lounges ranging from sleek wine bar Estación 29 to a traditional mezcal tahona, a panoramic outdoor pool, and a spa devoted to vegan, organic treatments.

Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende
Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende

From there, a private luxury SUV whisks guests to San Miguel de Allende in under three and a half hours. Here, Hotel Matilda — a Design Hotels member and long-time cultural tastemaker — blends modern design with colonial architecture. Guests might dine at the acclaimed Moxi restaurant, sip cocktails at the intimate Monkey Bar, unwind in the serene garden spa, or wander hallways that double as contemporary art galleries.

In Mexico City, days can be filled with world-class museums such as Museo Jumex and the National Museum of Anthropology, or detours into bohemian Coyoacán for the Frida Kahlo Museum and bustling markets. In San Miguel, the cobblestoned streets lead to landmarks like the pink spires of the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, the Fábrica La Aurora art complex, and rooftop wine tastings with views over the city.

The package includes breakfast at both hotels, private transfer between cities, and cultural experiences curated by Hotel Matilda — and for Marriott Bonvoy members, the added perk of earning points.

“This trip is much more than a transfer between cities,” says Daniela González, Director of Sales and Marketing for JW Marriott Mexico City Polanco. “It is an opportunity to connect with the rich culture of Mexico while enjoying the luxury, comfort, and impeccable service that characterizes these great hospitality brands.”

With its blend of urban sparkle, artistic spirit, and door-to-door ease, this new collaboration offers a fresh way to see — and savour — Mexico’s diverse charms.

Colony Club Returns: A Fresh Chapter for a Barbados Classic

Along the platinum sands of Barbados’ celebrated west coast, one of the island’s most beloved resorts is preparing to welcome guests once more. On September 1, 2025, Colony Club — now part of Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection — will reopen after a thoughtful renovation, blending its signature colonial charm with a modern sense of sophistication.

Long a favourite for travellers seeking understated elegance, the reimagined Colony Club offers an updated vision of Caribbean luxury. Guest rooms and suites have been redesigned with bespoke furnishings, ocean-hued palettes and a breezy, contemporary feel, while the resort’s tropical gardens, lagoon-style pools and beachfront setting remain as captivating as ever.

New culinary experiences celebrate the island’s vibrant flavours, with menus built around locally sourced ingredients and Caribbean traditions. A revitalised spa and wellness program brings beachfront yoga, holistic treatments and serene garden spaces for quiet reflection, while enhanced pool areas create an even more inviting backdrop for leisurely afternoons.

For those eager to explore beyond the resort, Colony Club offers easy access to Barbados’ most alluring experiences — from sailing and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters to curated cultural and epicurean excursions.

Whether returning or discovering it for the first time, guests will find the Colony Club more beautiful than ever — a place where timeless elegance meets the easy rhythm of island life. Reservations are now open for stays from September 1, 2025.

Rediscover yourself at Santani Wellness in Sri Lanka

Nestled in the hills of Kandy and named after the Sanskrit word meaning, “in harmony with”, Santani Wellness is more than a resort; it’s a destination.

With its unique brand of human sustainability and seamless flow between interior and exterior, the Sri Lankan resort invites guests to rebalance, whether it be with a glass of wine or a personalized Ayurvedic tea.

“Peace of mind is luxury because nowadays it’s rare; it’s the rarest thing you can find, and that’s what we’re giving guests at Santani,” says the resort’s founder, Vickum Nawagamuwage. That luxury is intrinsically linked to sustainability, from the architecture of silence and locally sourced foods to the daily excursions led by the naturalist on staff.

After falling asleep to the sound of crickets, guests wake up in their private chalet or pool villa where they can linger on the terrace, looking out at verdant green mountains in the distance.

Serenity is built into every design element, with lines that direct the eye outward towards the floor-to-ceiling windows, merging the exterior nature with interior calm. Luxury and sustainability are woven into every detail, including the handmade and organic soaps.

Whether on a leisure stay or wellness package, guests are invited to unburden themselves from the stresses of modern life. From the restaurant’s no phones policy to the spa’s list of traditional and modern treatments, Santani offers the opportunity to recover from information overload.

 Set on a former tea estate and with 116 acres of tropical jungle and rice fields, the resort has an infinity pool, yoga pavilion, spa, and elevated restaurant with premium dining and an excellent wine list. Guests can choose from morning and evening yoga or attend both group classes. There are also sessions in sound healing and meditation, and guests are invited on guided excursions, nature walks, and dips in the nearby river.

No thinking, just feeling

“Wellness is incorporated into the architecture itself. There’s no thinking, there’s just feeling,” says Nawagamuwage. “Anyone can have better amenities, but you can never replicate the feeling you have when you come here.”

Maybe anyone can have better amenities, but it’s unlikely. It’s also unlikely to find better hospitality. From the warm Sri Lankan welcome to the individualized attention, you can truly disconnect. Everything is taken care of.

Guests on a wellness package enjoy personalized Ayurvedic treatments—a holistic approach to medicine— beginning with a visit to one of Santani’s two licensed Ayurvedic doctors. During the consultation, guests discuss their history, goals, and discover their dosha, or Ayurvedic type.

At Santani, the treatment blends ancient wisdom and modern science, focusing on removing metabolic waste to increase longevity and vitality. Along with dietary and lifestyle plans, guests indulge in traditional spa treatments and herbal remedies. Because there’s also an educational component, the benefits last beyond the rich rice fields of Santani. It’s all about creating sustainable change, inside and out.

In a world of constant motion, Santani invites guests to pause, breathe in the sweet scents of tea leaves, and listen to the sound of silence.


This story first appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to subscribe to the digital magazine.