Among the many temptations aboard Virgin Voyages’ ships, one of my greatest weaknesses kept appearing: Champagne. During two sailings on the flagship Scarlet Lady (Mayan Sol and Riviera Maya), I could summon a chilled bottle of Moët & Chandon and two flutes to my exact location with a shake of my phone. Pre-dinner bubbles were available at Sip Champagne lounge, and suite guests could enjoy champagne in the hot tub during happy hour at Richard’s Rooftop. A neon sign above the main pool deck advised, “Save Water, Drink Champagne.” Challenge accepted. Thankfully, the ship offers plenty of spa and fitness options to balance indulgence.
Treatments at the aptly named Redemption Spa have evocative names like Salvation, a Swedish-style massage, and Absolution, where guests recline on a bed of amber crystals while a therapist uses quartz poultices to ease tension. I booked the Atonement, a deep-tissue massage that did wonders for my perpetually stiff neck, a consequence of too many hours at a laptop. Massages come in 50-, 75- and 90-minute options.
The facial menu addresses a range of skin concerns. Remedy is rich in superfoods and essential minerals to boost nutrition and radiance; Restoration targets fine lines with padina pavonica, an antioxidant-packed brown marine algae; and Rejuvenating combines oxygen, light therapy, galvanic stimuli, microcurrents, a sonic peel and Elemis BIOTEC products for a comprehensive treatment.
© Virgin Voyages
Before and after my treatment I had access to the Thermal Suite. The relaxation area features built-in window seating beneath portholes, offering a tranquil view of the ship gliding through the Caribbean—one of the most calming parts of a cruise. You can purchase a Thermal Suite pass without booking a treatment; note that sea days are busiest, as many guests use onboard facilities while heading to the next port.
Because the Thermal Suite is so popular, the line will introduce Spa Soirées once per voyage starting next year. For $99, guests gain access to the suite from 8 to 10 p.m., plus Prosecco, mini-massages, and DIY body scrubs, masks and mini facials. The package also includes a $50 voucher toward any spa service.
The mud room was my favorite part of the Thermal Suite and the largest area, useful to remember if the rest feels crowded. A sign by the door suggested warming up in the aromatherapy steam before applying a Moroccan mud mask to face and body, which rinses off after 10–15 minutes. It left my skin noticeably soft and smooth, so it’s best enjoyed near the end of your spa experience.
The Himalayan Salt Room is a distinct feature: a heated chamber clad in white marble and bright pink where guests practice halotherapy—breathing salted air to support respiratory wellness and a sense of purification. There’s also a dry sauna with cedar seating and an aromatherapy steam room scented with calming lavender and invigorating eucalyptus essential oils.
While the spa doesn’t offer a full hydrotherapy circuit, it provides several small hot and cold plunge tubs and a heated pool. The Thermal Suite is all-gender, so swimsuits are required. I also enjoyed lying on a heated marble hammam bench inspired by Turkish bathhouses, which was soothing on worked muscles. Comfortable chairs and ottomans are available for relaxed lounging.
To continue the wellness theme after leaving Redemption Spa, two bars serve health-forward elixirs, with or without alcohol. The Athletic Club’s “Hit the Gym” Smoothies include Re-Fresh, made from cucumber, celery, lime, mint and dehydrated beet (with the option to add rum or gin). The Elixirs & Energy menu features kombucha and shots with spirulina, turmeric and ginger. Gym & Tonic offers cold-pressed and freshly extracted juices, plus Reset Cocktails with ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera. Hydration Nation mixes blanco tequila with lime, coconut water and agave, served with a ginger rim. There’s also a Gin & Tonic menu with mix-and-match gins, mixers and botanical garnishes—the quinine in tonic is traditionally thought to help ease leg cramps and varicose veins.
© Virgin Voyages
Between sampling the ship’s impressive food and drinks, I enjoyed the fitness offerings. Options to work up a sweat include HIIT, SUP yoga, the Geezers Boxing Ring, MyBeast equipment, and strength and gymnastics installations. A dance class on the midship basketball court teaching NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” choreography turned into an unexpectedly intense cardio session. A throwback workout called VHS (Videotapes Headbands Simmons), led by instructors in leg warmers and leotards, featured an ’80s soundtrack and playful commentary—especially during a Shake Weight segment. Irreverent, unexpected and fun, it captures Virgin Voyages’ lively approach to wellness at sea.