
Crystal unveils details of latest wellness cruises
Crystal has released itineraries for its second wellness retreat cruises, giving passengers a chance to boost their body, mind and spirit on land and at sea.
The body and mind-focused sailings, run annually by the cruise line, will take place aboard Crystal Symphony.
There are two itineraries. The first departs on 26 November for a 15-night sailing from Lisbon, Portugal, to Tema in Ghana, with prices starting from £5,900 per person.
There is also a 12-night sailing from Tema to Cape Town, South Africa, that departs on 11 December. Prices start from £4,700 per person.
The itineraries feature wellness-focused activities such as strength and balance training as well as pool-based exercises and guided walking
Passengers can do morning yoga and mindfulness meditation and attend workshops and lectures including sessions on cold exposure and the science of breathing.
There are also cooking classes and detox programmes as well as port activities such as nature hikes and visits to botanical gardens to help passengers relax.
Back onboard, cruisers can opt for treatment packages such as aromatherapy or acupuncture in the Aurora Spa.
Crystal Symphony also hosts the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea as well as the Umi Uma restaurant, curated by Michelin-rated chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and the only Beefbar on the ocean, a collaboration with restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi.
Fernando Delgado, chief product officer for Crystal parent company A&K Travel, said: 'Following the success of our first wellness sailings, we are pleased to enhance this transformative experience in 2025.
'These voyages seamlessly blend sophistication, wellness and discovery, providing guests with the inspiration and tools to embrace healthier, more balanced lifestyles.'
Many cruise lines will offer ways to unwind and de-stress on board, with spas or by simply relaxing by the pool. But dedicated wellness activities are a popular travel trend and cruises are no exception.
Explaining its approach to wellness, Crystal's head nutritionist Dalila Roglieri said: 'Wellness on Crystal is a holistic approach to health, focusing on finding balance across the many dimensions of your being.
'Our wellness retreat cruises are designed to show travellers just how beautiful and fulfilling their personal wellness journey can be - especially at sea.'
Other cruise lines also offer dedicated wellness trips. Virgin Voyages has wellness-focused sailings at the start of each year.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
18 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities
TREKKING up a steep ski slope wasn't on my radar for a summer mini-break in Spain. And the hike at an altitude of 2,300ft in the Pyrenees was leaving me a little breathless. 5 Vallter 2000 ski resort in the Pyrenees of Girona, Catalonia Credit: Alamy 5 Ryan and Scarlett at summit Credit: Supplied 5 Ryan, Kelly, Scarlett and Savannah soak up Girona Credit: Supplied But I was determined to keep up with my children, Savannah, 13, and Scarlett, 11, who had left me trailing. My wife Kelly and I had been promised the effort would be worth it for the spectacular views and, when we finally reached the peak, we were not disappointed. From our incredible viewpoint, our guide Xavi revealed the delights of the northern Spanish region of Catalonia, with the Mediterranean Sea in one direction, the French border in another. Many Brits may picture sun, sea and sangria when they think of Spain, but the lush green pastures, thick pine forests and tinkling cow bells give this area a truly peaceful Alpine appeal. READ MORE TRAVEL NEWS HIGH FRY Premier Inn takes on McDonald's with new burger menu - we tried the whole list While Spanish tourists flock here all year round for hiking in the summer and snow sports over winter, the area remains relatively undiscovered for us. And with blue skies and milder temperatures, it could make for a much more temperate option for families keen to avoid the scorching south. After our three-hour trek at the Vallter 2000 ski resort, we were ready for a hearty meal and soon discovered the area is a secret foodie paradise, boasting a constellation of 20 Michelin stars. At the rustic Can Jepet, a family restaurant set in the picturesque mountain village of Setcases, we were treated to a memorable five-course tasting menu. The highlights included organic eggs with asparagus, fresh river trout and a warm cookie cake served with ice cream made from the local Birba biscuits. With bellies full, we checked into Hotel Grevol, our home for the next three nights. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival This charming hotel's wooden decor evoked a Swiss ski lodge and its wellness centre was the perfect place to soothe aching limbs. The next day took us to nearby animal park Mollo Parc, where we wandered through a river valley, admiring native rabbits, baby goats, birds of prey and huge brown bears. Scarlett was especially delighted when the zookeeper invited her to help feed the marmots — a friendly meerkat-type creature — their healthy breakfast of carrots and courgettes. All-time top pudding Just next door is the Mollo adventure park, which offers Go Ape-style activities. I was more than happy to be the designated photographer, while my fearless daughters flew through the fir forests on zip wires. That afternoon there were more gastronomic delights on offer at Restaurant Can Calixto, where we feasted on seasonal dishes and local produce, including salmon with leek cream and juicy pork ribs. Our next stop was the small town of Camprodon, another hidden gem oozing history and situated idyllically beside the Ter River. Our culinary adventure concluded at Pont 9 restaurant, a favourite with locals and featuring an adventurous menu including pig's trotters and cuttlefish. It was here my daughter Savannah discovered her new all-time 'top pudding' — a warm, sugar-coated croissant-style pastry filled with Catalan cream. They are called xuixos, and we hope they make their way to the UK soon! 5 Scarlett feeds the marmots Credit: Supplied 5 I hope a warm, sugar-coated croissant-style pastry filled with Catalan cream called xuixos make their way to the UK soon Credit: Alamy We also visited Girona, a beautiful and lively city in Catalonia, half an hour from the coast and often overshadowed by its coastal neighbour Barcelona. Girona has become a magnet for both professional and amateur cyclists, resulting in a buzzy and stylish cafe and restaurant scene. A walking tour took us up to the spectacular city walls, first built by the Romans in the 1st century BC, where we admired panoramic views. Winding our way back to our hotel through the city's cobbled alleyways, we spotted locations featured in smash hit TV series Game Of Thrones and walked across a striking red bridge. Our guide informed us it was designed by one Gustave Eiffel before he turned his attention to a certain tower in Paris. Our sumptuous lunch was at Fonda cal Ros, which offers Catalonian twists on classic tapas and made us vow to return to this wonderful city. If you're looking for a family-friendly culinary adventure, combined with exhilarating activities in natural surroundings, book your ticket pronto for this stunning corner of Spain.


Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
How to spend an ideal summer weekend in Barcelona
Barcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design clout of almost any city in the cold north. Its patchwork of architectural styles displays dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas and the skyline-piercing constructions of Jean Nouvel or Herzog and de Meuron. A day spent admiring them can be topped off with a sundowner on one of the city's many beaches before dinner at any number of Michelin-starred gastronomic temples or humble, family-run tapas bars. This is a city with a proud sense of identity and its language, culture and traditional festivals are fiercely guarded. Human pyramids, fire-breathing dragons and fibre-glass giants strolling the streets are in evidence most weekends if you look hard enough. For further Barcelona inspiration, see our in-depth guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars and nightlife, shopping, attractions, beaches and things to do for free. In this guide: What's new in Barcelona this summer Cuisine: Nuara The Port Olímpic has undergone a classy transformation, with the tacky bars ripped out and the introduction of some excellent new restaurants, including Nuara. Its USP is meat and seafood cooked over an open fire and served alongside sophisticated salads, paella and more, on a wide terrace overlooking the marina. Cinema: Sala Montjuïc This year, the beloved outdoor Sala Montjuïc cinema will move from the castle at Montjuïc to the 'Three Chimneys' – a newly zhuzhed-up seaside zone at the very north of the beach. Films are a mix of contemporary and classic from every era, and are shown from the end of June to early August. Culture: Grec Festival The Grec, a festival running from the end of June to the beginning of August, brings together 90 performances of dance, music and theatre in more than 50 venues across Barcelona. The loveliest place to catch a show is the outdoor Grec amphitheatre on the flank of Montjuïc. How to spend your holiday Day one: morning Modernisme is the local take on art nouveau, and the Passeig de Gràcia is its showcase. Starting at the top and walking downhill, you'll pass Gaudí's undulating apartment block, La Pedrera, which now contains an exhibition centre. Be sure to head up to the roof for the perfect Insta shot alongside Gaudí's warrior-like chimneys. A little further along you'll come to his fantastical Casa Batlló, a glittering, polychromatic affair, also open to the public – although with limited time you might want to just check out the façade and those of its neighbouring buildings, which perfectly illustrate the contrasting styles of modernisme. A short stroll seawards from here will take you to Tapas24, one of the city's best tapas bars, but make sure to get here well before 2pm for any chance of a seat.


Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
Underrated UK village is a foodie heaven with three Michelin-starred restaurants
If you were to head 11 miles north of Liverpool or 16 miles west of Wigan, you'd stumble across an unassuming village that's home to around 8,300 people. While those who've visited say it's a 'peaceful' and 'wonderful' little spot, it's fair to say there's not a lot to keep you occupied in Aughton, Lancashire. According to Tripadvisor there are three main things to do: go to church, or visit the Oaks Golf Club either for a round of golf or a pamper session at the spa. Despite this, people from all over Europe and even as far as the US return to the village each year for one simple reason: the food. Aughton is a must-visit for foodies with not one, not two, but three Michelin Star restaurants. They have an impressive five stars between them and are all within walking distance of one another. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Moor Hall, a hotel with a modern British restaurant, is the most notable. It has three stars to its name, which means the Michelin gods have deemed the food 'exceptional'. If that weren't enough, the restaurant also boasts a Michelin Green Star for its sustainable practices (most of the seasonal produce is grown in the grounds of the hall), as well as five AA Rosettes. It was just named the second best restaurant in the UK in the National Restaurant Awards 2025. Headed up by chef Mark Birchall, the restaurant serves a Provenance tasting menu for dinner which is priced at £235 per person (this is going up to £265 from July 1). There's also a four-course lunch menu for £125 per person (£145 as of July 1). The restaurant has a cheese room containing some of 'the best British and Irish Farmhouse cheeses', as well as a wine cellar. The AA Awards 2024 awarded Moor Hall's wine list as the 'best in England and overall', and there are two options for wine pairings with a meal, including a £145 Prestige pairing or a Rarity pairing for £295. An alcohol-free pairing is also available for £85 and features single vintage teas from around the globe. There are hundreds of five star reviews on Google, which hail the food as 'amazing', 'fantastic' and 'the best in the country'. Kate Weil wrote: 'Been here several times. It is quite simply the best restaurant in the country. Staff are exceptional, food is beyond belief and the wine is everything. Michelin and quality hospitality at its best. Love coming here, worth every penny.' Similarly, Saveena Pomian said: 'Difficult to express this experience in words. You feel every course is the best thing you have ever tasted, only to be beaten by the next! From the amuse bouche including a delectable warm black pudding in a crisp shell to the most amazing beef tartare that burst with freshness on the palate. This was followed up by native lobster with a delicate flavour and then a moist Guinea hen with a perfect side of offal ragout. 'The carefully chosen ginger ice cream freshens ready for an apple and blackberry pudding. There is an amazing choice of English cheeses followed by an exciting choice of petit fours. We had 12 'courses' in all and the wine pairing was perfect.' They added: 'The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is spot on. Attentive without being obtrusive. An absolutely fantastic gastronomic experience' Moor Hall is also home to the second of Aughton's three Michelin Star restaurants, The Barn. This is a sister restaurant to the main dining space and shares the same ethos, however dining here is much more affordable. Set in a rustic barn, a three course lunch will cost £48 per person, while a set dinner menu is £56 per person. Example dishes might include Chalk stream trout, radish, sea greens and malted wheat or Roasted Sladesdown duck served with organic carrots, red kale and girolles. On Sundays, you can tuck into a hearty roast dinner with 60-day-aged Belted Galloway Sirloin or Herdwick Lamb Rump with yorkshire puddings and some other fabulous trimmings. The third and final spot is sō–lō, another modern British restaurant set in an 'understated' and informal setting. Created by chef Tim Allen, the menu features culinary influences from around the world, mixing flavours and textures with seasonal ingredients. Guests can choose between a £105 tasting menu for dinner, a £52 three-course lunch or a £64 Sunday lunch menu that features dishes such as Cumbrian Heritage Sirloin, Ham, Egg & Chips and an artisanal cheese plate. 'Unstuffy' sō–lō has garnered a big online following with dozens of impressive reviews. Phil Steele posted on Google that his meal there was 'incredible excellent', while Nidtima Maroengsit commented: 'Had an amazing experience. The food is fantastic, especially the Sunday roast – truly a must-try. The staff are so friendly and helpful, making the whole dining experience even better. Highly recommend it!' Others said it was 'as close to perfection as you can get'. If you're in London, you'll have to be prepared to spend a fair chunk of time getting to Aughton. The train is the quickest way to get there but there is no direct service. You'll want to start at London Euston and take an Avanti West Coast train to Liverpool Lime Street. From here, you'll want to head to Liverpool Central and then get the Merseyrail towards Ormskirk, getting off at Town Green (Aughton). Moor Hall is a 15-minute walk from the station, while sō–lō is just five minutes away. Aughton is mostly residential, so there's not too much to do but the wider parish does have two shopping areas, two train stations, churches and a village hall. More Trending As well as visiting the local Michelin star restaurants, there are a few other pubs and eateries in the village, including The Dog and Gun Inn, Daily Dose Coffee, The Stanley Arms and Arthur's of Aughton. And nature lovers can head to the Gorse Hill Nature Reserve to see various wildlife or visit the cafe. For more to do, you can head to nearby Ormskirk, where you'll find farms to visit with the kids, the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, the West Lancashire Light Railway, Mere Sands Wood Nature Reserve, and various walking and cycling routes. Beach lovers aren't far from the coast, as Formby Beach is just a nine mile drive from Aughton, or if you're more of a city person, Liverpool is a little over 30 minutes by car or train. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Bowling, burgers, fries and drinks: 10 unmissable Time Out deals MORE: 12 ways to spend London Pride 2025 including a day party with a performance from Nadine Coyle MORE: Every phone in the UK is going to get an emergency alert warning very soon