Paying “homage” to ancient Roman culture, ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is showcasing its new spa concept, "Otium, the original art of comfort,” this week on the new, 596-passenger Silver Dawn. Now sailing roundtrip from Lisbon, Portugal, the ship will be christened in that city on March 31.
During a Saturday presentation in the ship’s Venetian Lounge, Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s chief commercial officer, told an audience of travel advisors and news media that the line is quite passionate about the new spa's approach for guests.
Inspired by the Roman Lifestyle
As reflected in ancient Rome's lifestyle for elite citizens, Otium is designed to be a “natural part” of the guest’s day, says Muckermann. More than two millenia ago, "otium” symbolized the leisure time in which the upper class pursued their preferred activities—nurturing their mind or enjoying life's pleasures. Simply put, wealthy Romans didn’t work, but rather lounged around their extravagant villas and were indulged by their staff. Throughout the day, they savored gastronomy or wine, listened to poetry or music and pampered themselves, perhaps with good conversation or the serenity of a Roman bath.
Thus, Silversea designed Otium as a holistic spa experience focused on pleasure. Guests can relax, luxuriate, be pampered and reward themselves too (with small sweet treats, for example), much as wealthy Romans did.
Muckermann stressed that Otium is based on some “very strong principles,” among them: “Feeling well, living well and being well are not mutually exclusive; sharing moments with like-minded people can be as rewarding as [it is] enriching; and we believe that you are never going to lose weight on a cruise ship.”
Slightly Different Spa Footprint
The footprint of the spa is a bit different than on Silver Moon. For example, Otium's spa treatment rooms were positioned a bit further away from the fitness center/exercise area. That ensures a quieter, more serene aura for those treatment rooms.
The spa has both regular treatment rooms and also those for couples. Check out the couple's treatment room (shown in the photo above); within that same room is a whirlpool tub for the couple's use (see photo below).
Luxurious Relaxation Room
In addition, a sumptuous interior relaxation area with loungers is a bit larger than on Silver Moon. Steam room and sauna facilities are adjacent to that relaxation area.
It's the perfect relaxation venue for guests who've had a pampering spa treatment. That said, there's one change from previous spa policy. During limited hours, guests who aren't receiving spa treatments can also relax here without paying an added charge.
The spa relaxation area is also home to some sweet nibbles, again reflecting the Otium concept of indulgence being part of wellbeing.(See photo below). The spa also has a thermal area.
Another spa change? The outdoor spa pool pool (such as on sister ship Silver Muse) is gone, but the amount of spa deck space available is about the same.
New Spa Treatment Menu
The new Otium spa menu offers numerous Otium signature treatments, what the line calls the "ultimate in hedonistic wellness." The line has always had a range of "treatment lengths" but in this era, 100-minute options have become more popular with guests. So, the line added four new 100-minute treatments. Among them is a 100-minute “Eternal Youth Facial,” an Otium signature treatment. It's designed to supercharge skin with bio-electric energy and sub-zero therapy.
In addition, this treatment uses technology that hasn't been in place before on Silversea. For example, during the "Eternal Youth Facial," the guest's eyes are targeted with cryosculpting to reduce puffiness and crow’s feet, and to instantly refresh. This treatment is priced at $349.
A range of Medispa cosmetic treatments are offered, too.They range from Thermage skin tightening to microneedling, Dysport wrinkle treatments and Restylane dermal filler treatments
Among the new Otium Experiences is “The Otium,” a 100-minute treatment, priced at $399. Warm, fragrant oils are infused with shea butter, raspberry and chamomile and drizzled onto the body in soothing, sweeping movements. Mineral-rich pink salt stones, natural bamboo and calabash are used to stimulate skin and release tension.
The spa's body treatments include the 75-minute “Roman Bliss Massage,” designed to restore mind-body balance. It includes a back exfoliation followed by a massage to release stiffness and aches, while feet are cosseted in warm booties. The charge is $299. In addition, guests can opt for an acupuncture session by a certified onboard acupuncturist or a herbal medicine consultation. Nail services, salon services, teeth whitening and men’s grooming are also available.
For women, the Otium signature “Hedone Manicure and Pedicure” treatment combines a 45-minute manicure with 60-minute pedicure, priced at $79 and $89 respectively. For men, the 55-minute “Emperor’s Chair,” an Otium signature grooming service, provides a double-close shave; scalp, face, hand and arm massage; eyebrow trim and warm neck wrap. The cost is $129.
Adjacent to the spa is the fitness center (see photo above). For $119, guests can opt either for an "InBody 570 Composition Analysis," or an hour-long personal training session. Pure form Pilates and yoga are both complimentary.
Extending Otium to the Suites
Muckermann explained that the new Otium concept extends beyond the spa to the ship's guest suites. Since guests spend more than a third of their time onboard in bed, Silversea guests will sleep on a mattress with the new Soft Touch, 400-pocket spring system; it's infused with the essential oils of lemon, lavender and eucalyptus.
Bedding includes 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens by Rivolta Carmignani. Guests also can ask their butler to personalize their sleeping experience. A pillow menu (available on all Silversea ships) offers different customizable down and feather blends, memory foam, firm down and improved down alternatives.
Upon request, suite butlers will draw a candle-lit bath with Sicilian sea salts. Salt choices include orange blossom; amber, vitiver and patchouli; or fig and cedar. Ambient music, champagne and gourmet bites will complete the experience.
Separately, the Otium concept also now extends to the suite balcony, says Muckermann: “They pay for a balcony for a reason because that’s the best real estate of the ship, and that’s where they spend most of their time." So, in cool weather, the butler might bring a cashmere blanket and hot chocolate to a guest lounging on the balcony. In hot weather it might be a cool cocktail and sun tan lotion.
Comfort Food Dining
In addition, there’s a new “Otium comfort food dining menu” that guests can enjoy in their suites. Check out our photo above showing these foodie treats. Available upon request, options include:
- Caviar & lobster in brioche roll with lemon mayonnaise and Oscietra caviar;
- Marinated crab meat cucumber roll with cilantro, lemon juice and sour cream;
- Homemade spaghetti pasta with Oscietra caviar and butter;
- Foie gras burger on a brioche sesame bun with berry compote;
- Cauliflower three ways—Tahini glazed, chips, puree and micro herbs;
- Truffle fries—hand-cut potato fries with truffle oil and freshly grated Parmesan; and
- Amaretto custard with poached cherries and crispy meringues.
In addition, guests who desire to enjoy an en-suite movie night or simply want to invite friends over for conversation can now order truffle-flavored popcorn.
“For our guests and travel advisors selling Silversea, we want them to know that Otium is our version of wellbeing, where every day is a holistic approach to experience indulgence,” says Katina Athanasiou, Silversea’s senior vice president, sales. “It’s an opportunity to help guests curate and experience luxury as they define it, where the ship, suite and spa are organically connected to ensure a perfect, bespoke journey."
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