The Italian-owned ultra-luxury cruise line is taking a leap forward by introducing a new onboard wellness concept that elevates the experience of even the most discerning passenger—those who enjoy the ultimate in pleasure and pampering body and soul for a few days—to new heights. It will be implemented on the Silver Dawn very soon and will subsequently be rolled out across the entire fleet.
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 58 – September 2021
“Otium is an abstract Latin term that has various meanings, including leisure time in which a person can, among other things, enjoy eating, playing, contemplating or resting. (…).
“Otium can also be a temporary, sporadic moment of leisure. It can have intellectual and virtuous implications (...)”, reports the latest version of Wikipedia, confirming the term's continued relevance, which will soon become famous among the most demanding cruise passengers.
With that simple word, which needs no translation, the ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea has created a new universe of sensations and experiences linked to wellness in its most hedonistic sense, which will be the driving force behind its new and exclusive ship, Silver Dawn. Its launch is scheduled for several weeks from now (date to be confirmed) and will mark the beginning of a new era for the Italian-based company. This new concept will initially be implemented on its newest ships and gradually adapted to the rest of the fleet, as structurally and in terms of size and capacity allow.
The etymology of Otium takes us back to Roman civilization, where leisure was the antithesis of business, emphasize Silversea's Marketing team. Those privileged enough to dedicate themselves solely to the former enjoyed cultivating mind and body, under the premise of well-being, beginning with their revered thermal baths, which in the case of their cruises translates into increasingly spacious and serene spas. However, in modern Western culture, the idea of 'wellness' has always been associated with sacrifice and restrictions. This is the complete opposite of the approach now championed by Silversea, where indulgence (and constant pampering) are the cornerstones of a dream vacation at sea, free from deprivation and meticulously indulgent.
The Evolution of Luxury and Its Principles:
Any seasoned cruiser in the luxury category knows that cruise lines provide many elite amenities on board, but Otium seems to go much further, striving to imagine and implement a vast array of features that make the experience unforgettable (and addictive). Aboard their latest ship to date, the Silver Moon, they have meticulously recreated the program developed after months of brainstorming in pursuit of "more and better" to "anticipate guest desires and ensure their happiness," Muckermann and his team revealed exclusively to a small group of international press.
Otium is a program of improvements to the onboard experience linked to wellness in its most hedonistic sense.
For example, some of the slogans used to present the invention: “Why count sheep when you can count pillows?” (in bed), or “Foie gras, caviar and truffle popcorn: that’s what we call a comfort zone” (on the suite’s sofa), or “Why live in a bubble when you can live in a million bubbles?” (in its bathtubs), or “Everything new under the sun” (adding that a suite without a balcony is like a day without sunshine).
The company's president and CEO, Roberto Martinoli, explained to CruisesNews that with this latest development, Silversea maintains its innovative approach in the competitive luxury sector at a key moment of expansion. The company, founded in 1994 and distinguished by its European elegance, is making a strong comeback after the industry slowdown caused by the pandemic and has definitely benefited from the economic boost provided by its integration into the Royal Caribbean group, while maintaining its executive headquarters in Monaco. Martinoli emphasized that the growing number of amenities added place the traveler at the heart of all priorities.
Here is a first list of the subtle changes that Otium introduces in the way of treating the traveler:
Sweet dreams on board.
Bed linens on the Silver Dawn take on a new dimension. They guarantee that their linens are handcrafted “with tailoring precision.” In this case, they incorporate 100% sateen into their 400-thread-count combed Egyptian cotton. More specifically, the century-old firm Rivolta Carmignani claims to be the only Italian manufacturer with a fully integrated process, from yarn selection to jacquard production. This process combines traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art looms, allowing for a multitude of customization options.
A necessary effort to give the new generation of Otium mattresses the crown they deserve. This time, they've enhanced the comfort of all suites by working closely with Dorelan. "We want to provide the best sleeping experience at sea," emphasizes Muckermann. To achieve this, they've introduced the latest Soft Touch technology, which adds softness; a twin-spring system with 400 springs per square meter for greater comfort and adaptation to each user's weight; a layer of Myform Memory Air foam on top to help relieve pressure; and even two odorless plant-based essential oils.
The finishing touch to the experience is added by the new Otium Topper, hypoallergenic and with a greater height for enhanced comfort. In the superior suites (Owner, Grand, and Royal), this element will reach 7.5 to 11 centimeters, while it will be around 5 cm in the Silver, Veranda, and Vista suites.
The sleep package is completed with a new pillow menu, expanding the options to five. Samples will be provided in a box for easier and more informed selection. These include the two most popular pillows on board the cruise line: one with a blend of 25% down and 75% goose feathers, offering subtle support for the neck; and another with a firmer core, composed of 30% down and 70% feathers.
Otium will be implemented first on the new Silver Dawn and then extended to the rest of the fleet.
But you can also choose a viscoelastic foam pillow that molds perfectly to the head and neck, with an aloe vera lining, ideal for people with neck problems. Or the hypoallergenic Fairfax polyester pillow, perfect for back and side sleepers, and also available in a firmer option.
And since relaxation also involves aromatherapy, another clever trick up their sleeve is an assortment of fragrances whose ingredients correspond to potential moods or sensations (from Ahhh to Grrr, including Hmm and Ohhh), ranging from the most sensual to the most energizing ingredients, to envelop the bathroom or any room in aroma. Again, a choice à la carte.
In-suite bathing experience.
To further enhance the ambiance, Otium will present a musical menu on the Silver Dawn, comprised of three playlists “carefully selected for relaxation.” The first playlist, Ricercare, will be a ‘soundtrack’ featuring composers from across Europe who captured beauty in sonatas and concertos, now presented with new instrumental approaches.
Two other lists to be released later are Arcadia, with “mystical and bucolic themes through the oldest musical forms and the voice, a sacred element that elevates relaxation,” as its creators explain. In contrast, they consider Decor to be the sound conceived in Otium for “the rebirth of indulgence,” with serenades and romantic melodies.
With a keen ear and a soothed soul, the program suggests it's time to fully indulge in the bathtubs and whirlpools of their suites. The package for indulging in these aquatic rituals begins with a selection of Sicilian bath salts, 100% naturally scented, allowing guests to choose the aroma that resonates most with them. Their butler will then take care of the restful experience.
Choosing between Orange Blossom, ideal for soothing sensitive skin or tired legs, or the amber, vetiver, and patchouli blend from Ortigia, also very calming and presented in a luxurious box with a dragonfly design, will be quite a challenge. The Fico D'India salts will bring a highly sensorial fragrance of fig and cedar, they add.
This cabin-only experience is further enhanced by a setup that includes lamps that perfectly mimic the effect of candles, creating an immersive atmosphere, as well as roses and sparkling wine served for the occasion, truffles, caviar and other delicacies.
Delicacies Available 24/7.
While it's difficult to feel hungry between meals given the wide variety of gourmet restaurants and room service options offered by Silversea, this resort takes gastronomy to a new level with a tempting short menu of delectable dishes available 24 hours a day in all suites. Among other indulgences, it will feature lobster in a brioche roll with lemon mayonnaise and Oscietra caviar; a cucumber roll with marinated crab meat, cilantro, lemon juice, and Sauer cream; homemade spaghetti pasta with Oscietra caviar butter; a foie gras burger on homemade sesame brioche bread with berry compote, hand-cut fries with truffle oil and freshly grated Parmesan; cauliflower with homemade tahini and purée, microgreens; amaretto flan with poached cherries and crispy meringues; and a whole host of other tempting options available at any time.
Exclusive bedding, a five-pillow menu, and aromatherapy will take your rest to another level.
Not forgetting the truffle popcorn in its little boxes to experience the feeling of a home cinema in the cabin lounge, or the fun ice creams for adults (because of their 'packaging'), from the Highland Truffle, to the Scotch Decadence (from Single Malt) or the Old Fashioned…
Balconies that are more than just viewpoints.
Barbara insists that in the enhanced experience Silversea will offer, balconies and terraces take on a new, much more integrated role in relation to the fundamental role of the sea on a cruise. These spaces can't be merely an escape to fresh air with standard furnishings (in this case, chairs, a table, and usually at least one sun lounger), but rather they must invite active enjoyment. In this case, she proposes dressing the sun loungers with comfortable sarongs like those found on the solarium, and providing them with cashmere blankets with a delightful cover that invites you to cuddle. On the terraces, original artisanal sweets or smoothies prepared on-site are also served, perhaps even flavored with a few drops of Amaretto or another liqueur that subtly stimulates the palate.
The ultimate spa experience:
Otium's spa treatment menu delves into the most exquisite treatments with many new offerings, without altering the structure and dimensions of its physical facilities, which include treatment and water cabins. Now, the immersion begins with a glass of champagne or another beverage of your choice, a few minutes of pre-treatment relaxation, and a consultation with the therapist to explore the guest's requests and desired sensations.
Among the most celebrated treatments, a body butter massage will undoubtedly stand out, offering an intense golden glow thanks to honey and organic coconut and macadamia oils, among other ingredients. For 75 minutes, it enriches the skin with essential fatty acids and powerful antioxidants, smoothing and rejuvenating the epidermis, retaining moisture for long-lasting hydration, and also relaxing and calming.
The Roman Bliss massage will be another key element, based on an organic blend of pure argan oil that, for 75 minutes, focuses on reducing muscle tension; protecting the skin's natural moisture factor, softening it, reversing environmental damage, and improving its appearance.
With music playlists chosen for every mood and a 24-hour gourmet snack menu, the experience inside the suites takes on a whole new meaning.
With the Divine Experience, the body and hair massage also incorporates a paraffin treatment for hands and feet, providing relief from muscle tension and a calming effect.
On a more local level, new treatments will also be offered, such as The Emperor's Chair, a grooming ritual including a massage for the scalp, face, hands, and arms, and eyebrow shaping. Or The Ultimate Hair Pleasure, a highly nourishing and hydrating hair treatment that strengthens and adds texture, with results lasting up to two weeks. And of course, the essential "haute couture" manicures and pedicures, preceded by exfoliation, will also be available.
The list will grow in the coming weeks, as Silversea is still working on the final details, promising to surprise with each new step, in the midst of the countdown.
Anticipating desires
: “When you’re tired from a good night’s sleep, great food, luxurious baths, stargazing, a winter tan, new friends, old friends, time for yourself, the pillow menu, bespoke cocktails, and so on…” (“All benefit, no suffering. That’s true well-being,” concludes one of the brochures unveiling the project). A true declaration of intent focused on “enjoying and regenerating.”
CruisesNews has had the opportunity to delve into the specific programming of this new symbol for the brand, thanks to Barbara Muckermann, Commercial Director of Silversea, and her team. As the driving force behind this initiative, she explains that the wellness program the cruise line will embrace in the coming months represents a further step in excellence for passengers who appreciate casual luxury but also cherish the finer details.
Otium's spa treatment menu delves into the most exquisite treatments with many new additions.
Following the success of the SALT (Sea and Land Taste) program, which, starting with the Silver Moon, focuses on gastronomy as a form of cultural immersion throughout the destinations visited, the commitment to Otium confirms the "evolution of the brand". Its coordinates encompass body care (in the most sensory and relaxing sense), leaving behind any stress and immersing oneself in the idea of "total comfort," which starts with a new range of options for comprehensive well-being in its spa, but is one hundred percent intertwined with everything that happens in the guest's cabin: from its exclusive mattresses – "one of the places where the passenger spends the most time" – and pillows, to the gastronomic details that the butlers will present, the best (and even innovative) drinks, passing through a new conception of the balconies and terraces, new experiences for the cabin bathtubs, a musical selection that promotes disconnection, and many other resources that reach all the senses, including smell through its selection of integral oils to choose from to personalize the cabin, or touch, with silk masks to cover the eyes and fall asleep five stars, or cashmere blankets to contemplate the stars from the sun loungers on the terrace itself when the weather requires it.
