A growing trend: Holistic therapy superyacht charters
Holistic therapy has its origins in Ancient Greece, focusing on treating body, mind and spirit rather than a specific ailment and different in many ways from other forms of alternative medicine due to physical health not always being the prime focus of treatment. “The natural healing force in each one of us is the greatest force in getting well,” said Greek physician Hippocrates. The World Health Organisation has estimated that 65% to 80% of the world’s population use Holistic or complementary medicine as their main source of healthcare.
According to Dr Ilias Theodoropoulos of Helios Therapy, which offers specialist yacht-based holistic therapy programmes, a holiday is the perfect setting for holistic therapy, as the absence of stress helps to maximize scientific results from the sessions. Combining holistic therapy with ‘vacation’ time was first seen with the Greek ancient tradition of thermalism – the use of hot water springs – as a therapeutic service. “This generated the concept that offering medical and wellness services to people during their time-off periods could be surprisingly revealing and successful,” he says.
It is therefore no surprise that many have made the link between a superyacht charter vacation setting for enjoying a Holistic therapy program. “Pairing a well-organized certified medical team with their portable set of diagnostic devices, accompanied or assisted by a number of paramedical, wellness and dietary experts, with the superyacht environment is becoming the new era of high end medical tourism,” says Dr Theodoropoulos. Each yacht therapy program is created as bespoke, with Theodoropoulos and his team undertaking careful assessments of each guest prior to the charter commencing, followed by onboard clinical evaluation and the setting of a therapeutic plan. “Whether the plan will include advisory consultation, complementary and alternative medication, dietary programs, exercise, physiotherapy, mental or spiritual assistance, is assessed on a case per case basis,” he says. A daily program of treatment, diet, wellness sessions is then tailor made to individuals, and is designed to complement vacation time on board to ensure the perfect balance of vacation and therapeutic approaches.
Choosing the right yacht for a holistic therapy charter program is key, with large outdoor spaces, good proximity to calming waters and plenty of open space all playing a role. Your captain will be able to choose the most serene anchorages to ensure complete peace of mind and the perfect setting for sessions. There are a wide range of options in the IYC fleet including 50m Ouranos, designed with charter in mind and boasting a huge beach club terrace, light filled interior and spacious sundeck to make use of. 49m Match Point is another popular choice thanks to her generous outdoor spaces and dedicated crew who will be able to create the perfect setting for holistic therapy. Your IYC consultant can advise on the perfect yacht to fit any requirements.
To discuss arranging a specialist Holistic Therapy charter please contact the IYC office most convenient for you. IYC has offices in the Bahamas, Fort Lauderdale, Newport, Nantucket, Great Lakes, St. Barths, St. Maarten, Monaco, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Turkey. To contact an IYC office click here.