All Hands on Deck: Emeraude Classic Cruises Debuts Spa Among the Karsts

Unbeatable views, jade-green waters, cool breezes, international standard food and cocktails on deck – could it get any more relaxing? As of this month, Emeraude Classic Cruises says yes.
Massages, facials and body scrubs are now being added to the already
luxurious on-board package. The opening of the onboard spa adds another layer of relaxation to supplement the dazzling views.
“The most sublime pleasures on this bay have always been visual, and nothing changes about that,” said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude Classic Cruises. “But there’s no reason we cannot complement the wonders of these limestones karsts with the wonders of.. a deep tissue massage.”
Hanoi-based Santal Spa is providing four on-board skilled therapists.
They’ll focus on feet and shoulder massages on the sun deck and full bodytreatments carried out in rooms boasting views of the unmatched scenery.
“Most spas provide little consideration for the view during treatments,”
said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude Classic Cruises. “But these views – of limestone karst islands and a bay that’s shaping up as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – adds a whole new dimension to theexperience.”
The Emeraude’s spa mirrors the ethos of the boat itself, a stunning
near-replica of a 19th century paddle steamer. The aim is to evoke an era of bygone glamour when people travelled in real style.
Santal is best known for its signature massage – a relaxing “four hand”
massage performed by two therapists using a blend of Shiatsu, Thai, Swedish, Balinese and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomu techniques.
Other available treatments include traditional Vietnamese massage, warm stone treatments, Western reflexology, Asian-style foot massages as well as body wraps and scrubs and a range of facials.

The international flavour is enhanced by top quality cosmetics from Franceand Germany.

ABOUT EMERAUDE CLASSIC CRUISES

Since its maiden voyage in late 2004, the Emeraude (www.emeraude-cruises.com) has set the standard for upscale passage on Halong Bay. Modeled on a paddle steamer of the same name that cruised Halong Bay from 1906-1937, the Emeraude accommodates 74 passengers in 12 superior cabins, 24 deluxe cabins and three suites. The vessel evokes the romance of the nautical age with classic architecture, polished wooden floors, beadboard wainscoting and brass fixtures. The Restaurant specializes in western fare and freshly caught seafood. Each cabin features outdoor seating, as does the commodious sun-deck up top where the crew screens a movie nightly.

Emeraude Classic Cruises is owned and operated by The Apple Tree Group, a

French-owned, Ho Chi Minh City-based company with interests in tourism and hospitality, real estate and construction and import and distribution all

over Southeast Asia. Its hospitality properties also include La Residence

Hotel & Spa in Hue and the Press Club in Hanoi, as well as the Kamu Lodge on

the Mekong River near Luang Prabang and the Villa Maly, a boutique hotel in

Luang Prabang.

Mandarin Media

Tags: Emeraude, Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay