Launching in September 2023, ZenBoat will offer wellness sailing holidays aboard a vintage Greek gulet yacht. Featuring activities, tours and healthy meals, itineraries will take in spectacular Greek islands, from the mystical Ionian islands to the magical Peloponnese coastline, and the delightful and little-known Saronic Islands en route to Athens.
Founded by Swiss chef Louis Papadopoulos and his wife Lisa, who together run The Maya Boutique Hotel in Nax, Switzerland, the idea of ZenBoat was born during the pandemic. While they were holidaying in Greece, they realised they could transfer their experience and skill set from the hotel and create a similar holistic concept, but on a vintage gulet.
“Life isn’t about the destination – it’s about the journey; ZenBoat is about both,” they said. “The unique gulet allows guests to sail to stunning secluded spots, accessible solely by smaller boats, while savouring tasty Mediterranean food and enjoying gentle exercise to suit all fitness levels. We believe that being surrounded by healthy food and activities, like-minded people – and the sun and the sea – is the perfect rejuvenation for mind, body and soul… everything that a wellness holiday promises.”
The gulet
Traditional gulets, originally built as fishing boats, have been luxuriously re-fitted for comfort and relaxation. Each gulet has an onboard health coach, offering daily light physical activities, while an onboard chef prepares delicious, yet healthy, Mediterranean dishes.
The experience
Each week-long voyage features an itinerary visiting secluded islands and beaches. Examples of cruises include “Diamonds & Pearls”, a trip that starts from Corfu port, and calls at some of Greece’s most stunning islands and mainland destinations. Sailing through the Gulf of Corinth and on to Athens via the Corinth Canal, the gulet can sail into remote coves and smaller bays, where larger vessels have limited access.
Guests are encouraged to take the opportunity to enjoy swimming and snorkelling while, back on the gulet, the health coach will organise light physical activities, such as yoga, pilates, aqua gym and calisthenics. Every day the onboard chef will prepare appetising and nutritious breakfasts and lunch buffets, providing the very best that the Mediterranean has to offer.
Evenings will see the gulet moored at a different location every night, with guests strolling to local tavernas, giving them the opportunity to experience authentic local Greek cuisine.
ZenBoat sailings in 2023
Three sailings are scheduled for this year, starting with “Diamonds & Pearls” from 2-9 September 2023. Prices start from €2,400 per person (based on double occupancy), which includes seven nights’ en-suite on-board cabin accommodation, with daily breakfast and lunch buffets included; a welcome-aboard Captain’s Dinner; onboard health coach; two cooking classes; plus return transfers to the nearest airport. International flights are not included. Highlights include an Odysseus coach tour and an olive oil factory tour and tasting.
“Ionian Odyssey” takes place from 16-23 September 2023 and trip highlights include a shipwreck and blue caves boat tour; Odysseus coach tour; and olive oil factory tour and tasting.
The “Icons and Islands” sailing, from 23-30 September 2023, features snorkelling over the sunken ruins at the lost city of Epidavros, and a bus transfer and guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens.
See more at zen-boat.com