Massages on the rails: Britannic Explorer to debut luxe spa

The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, has partnered with British wellbeing brand Wildsmith to create a first-of-its-kind ‘Wellness Suite’

The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will introduce an onboard spa when it launches in July 2025, making it the first train in England and Wales to offer wellness on the rails. The new ‘Wellness Suite’ – housed in one of the train’s ten meticulously designed carriages – is the result of a partnership with British wellbeing brand Wildsmith, who has curated a menu of five treatments designed to enhance relaxation during travel.

“Wellbeing is at the heart of the Britannic Explorer experience,” said Hendrik Huebner, the train’s General Manager. “Our collaboration with Wildsmith is a commitment to offering our guests more than just a journey; we are providing an opportunity for them to take time to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. By integrating Wildsmith’s nature-inspired approach to wellbeing into our offering, we are providing an opportunity for every guest to leave the Britannic Explorer feeling re-energised and deeply cared for. This partnership reinforces our belief that travel should be transformative, immersive, and ultimately, restorative.”

Mindfulness and grounding techniques will feature in the treatments, which focus on growth, sleep and renewal, using bio-active botanical ingredients including calendula, chamomile, rose and lavender, sourced from Wildsmith’s farm at Heckfield Place. Packaging materials include compostable mycelium, recyclable aluminium, and English ceramic, with filtered rainwater also incorporated into the mineral-rich formulations.

The ‘Signature Circadian Rhythm Reset’ treatment has been created specifically for the Britannic Explorer. It offers three variations: an energising morning session, a purifying midday treatment, and a relaxation-focused evening ritual.

Additional treatments include the ‘Radical Botany Facial’, which combines breathwork, myofascial release and acupressure; and the ‘Rebalancing Massage’, designed to support natural circadian rhythms. A deep-tissue treatment aims to relieve muscle tension, while a separate option for expectant parents is designed to promote relaxation and skin health.

The wellness menu has also been designed to align with the natural surroundings of the train journeys that include scenic routes through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales. Offboard experiences in Cornwall will include coastal sailing, yoga and a fire ceremony; the Lake District itinerary features wild swimming, rowing, and paddleboarding; while the Wales route includes valley hikes, lavender farm visits, wood-fired saunas, art classes and clay pigeon shooting.

The Britannic Explorer will begin operations in July 2025. Prices start from £11,000 (about AU$22,500) per double cabin for a three-night itinerary inclusive of excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages. The Wellness Suite will be available for guests throughout each journey.

belmond.com