If you think of a yacht, the images that often come to mind are wild parties, magnum-served champagne, and endless dinners. In reality, things have changed considerably. Today, it is far more likely for a guest to be offered an organic juice rather than an alcoholic cocktail. Yacht owners are placing increasing importance on health and well-being, leading to the creation of new wellness areas on board, where the SPA is no longer just a simple service but the beating heart of social life at sea.
In recent years, the concept of wellness at sea has undergone a radical evolution. Spacious areas, often grouped together on the same deck when dimensions allow, now integrate SPAs, gyms, treatment rooms, and relaxation zones. These environments are not designed solely for quick visits, but to encourage guests to linger, unwind, and enjoy personalized experiences.
Why wellness on board is on the rise
Several factors are driving this change. One of the most practical is the low level of physical activity on board; even walking back and forth on a 50-meter vessel is unlikely to meet the recommended daily movement goal.
For this reason, more and more owners are dedicating generous space to gyms and wellness zones, even sacrificing other functions to include them in the design.
Until just a few years ago, perhaps one in five clients would consider installing a gym on their yacht. Today, almost every new build includes some form of wellness area. It is not only about offering a place to exercise but about rethinking the yacht as a home on the water, where daily life is more balanced and sustainable.
For many owners, the SPA also becomes a social activity: a place to spend time with friends or family, not unlike hosting a movie night or a board game tournament. This new approach is especially appreciated by a more mature clientele, who see wellness as a moment of conviviality and shared enjoyment.
When the entrance becomes the wellness area
In the past, the SPA was tucked away on lower decks or in secondary spaces, treated almost like an accessory service. Today, however, it is increasingly at the forefront of design.
On some yachts, wellness area even occupies the main entrance: instead of the traditional lounge and dining room, guests are welcomed by a reception that also serves as a SPA desk, offering fresh towels, healthy drinks, and a lounge for immediate relaxation upon boarding.
This solution, particularly popular in the charter market, creates a strong first impression and instantly conveys the spirit of the vessel. Naturally, more private areas, such as massage rooms or saunas, remain separate and screened, ensuring privacy and comfort.
The design challenge
Bringing wellness to the open sea comes with its share of technical challenges:
Wellness as a sensory experience
Water is a central element in any wellness project, and on a yacht it becomes even more precious, as every square meter must be used efficiently.
In this context, experience showers and horizontal showers can take center stage, offering multisensory experiences in spaces much smaller than pools or tubs, which are often difficult to integrate due to weight, size, and technical constraints.
These solutions require far less water and energy management, making installation easier and lowering operational costs.
Thanks to chromotherapy, aromatherapy, and customizable water features, they can be designed to suit any interior style and create tailored wellness journeys for owners and guests.
Their versatility also allows them to be placed in strategic spots, such as passageways or small dedicated areas, while still delivering strong visual impact. In the nautical world, where comfort, functionality, and design must coexist, experience showers and horizontal showers are the ideal combination of luxury and space optimization.
A new way of experiencing the sea
Wellness on board is becoming an integral part of the yachting experience. Guests can start the day with a yoga session in a lounge overlooking the ocean, continue with a treatment in a private cabin, and end the evening between sauna and pool, all without ever setting foot ashore.
This reflects a cultural shift: from the yacht as a party stage to the yacht as a retreat for recharging, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and enjoying quality moments with loved ones.
Designing a SPA on a yacht means finding the perfect balance between luxury, functionality, and naval engineering. It requires creativity to overcome space limitations, advanced technical solutions to ensure safety and comfort, and a careful choice of materials to withstand the marine environment.
Above all, it means providing an experience that blends wellness with the rejuvenating power of the sea. A SPA on board is not just a place for self-care, it is an invitation to experience the journey in a slower, more mindful, and more fulfilling way.
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