Heritage Line, one of Asia’s leading boutique cruise operators, is charting blissful new channels with the launch of the first ever wellness and mindfulness-focused voyage on Lan Ha Bay.

Heritage Line Ylang, a new ten-suite vessel, counts a sumptuous floating spa and onboard meditation and tai chi among its holistic calling cards.

Featuring a splendid blend of Asian-Vietnamese design with French colonial accents, the ship plies the pristine waters of Lan Ha Bay, a relatively uncharted marine wonderland just south of the more established tourist destination of Ha Long Bay.

Though it retains all the majesty of its immediate neighbor, Lan Ha Bay sees a fraction of the traffic. The two seascapes are virtually interchangeable, but the lack of tourist boats imbue Lan Ha Bay with a more isolated appeal.

Unlike Ha Long Bay, it also has the advantage of numerous white sand beaches, some of which are pit-stops on Ylang’s dedicated three-day, two-night voyage, aptly named “Senses of Lan Ha”.

While the surrounding nature as well as the ship’s beautiful suites, which all come with a private balcony, in-room lounge area, and spacious bathroom, are certainly attention grabbing, Ylang’s most unique selling feature is its emphasis on wellness. The expansive spa is one of the most luxurious facilities of its kind with a full range of therapies to choose from.

“The launch of Heritage Line Ylang has been momentous for us for a number of reasons,” said Mr. Andreas Schroetter, Heritage Line’s Director of Sales and Marketing. “Not only is it the first ultra-luxury vessel sailing a three-day itinerary in Lan Ha Bay, it is also one of the first ships in the destination that fully conceptualizes a journey focused on wellbeing.”

Indeed, the itinerary of the Lan Ha voyage has been carefully curated to keep the wellness thread running throughout. Offshore expeditions during the trip include soft hiking and cycling on pristine Cat Ba Island and kayaking on the emerald waters of the bay.

The ship’s culinary offerings also put an emphasis on health, with multi-course lunches and dinners featuring fresh, light Vietnamese cuisine served in the ship’s restaurant - a spectacular glass-fronted affair featuring near-360-degree views of the bay. The food menu also offers vegetarian options and meals are customized for guests with specific dietary requirements.

“Lan Ha Bay is a very special place,” Mr. Schroetter added. “It’s every bit as beautiful as Ha Long Bay, but the peace, quiet, and isolation makes it more of an exclusive and relaxing destination. That’s why we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to tailor Ylang specifically to the wellness market.”