The oldest French perfume and cosmetics house, Guerlain, will be in charge of wellness on board the Orient Express Corinthian, conceived as a grand hotel with all possible attributes of luxury
The first thing that comes to mind when one hears the phrase “Orient Express” is luxury trains that operated in Europe in the 19th century, and particularly the one connecting Paris to Constantinople, celebrated in literature and cinema. In the 21st century Orient Express opens a new, unprecedented chapter in its history: voyages in a truly regal setting on board a luxurious sailing ship.
The gigantic sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian, was launched last summer at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in in Saint-Nazaire (France). At present, she is at the stage of outfitting and finishing works (ilodka.com has already told you about the interiors of the vessel in the article “Orient Express Corinthian: world’s largest cruising sailing yacht’s interiors revealed”), and her maiden cruise with passengers on board is scheduled for June 2026.
Moreover, in a year Corinthian will be followed by her twin sister, Olympian, which is currently in build.
The ambitious project commissioned by Silenseas promises to “redefine sustainable luxury through cutting-edge technology”. The 220-metre Corinthian can carry 4,500 sq.m of sails, under which she can reach a top speed of up to 17 knots without using the engines. She is the first sailing yacht to feature a revolutionary “SolidSail” system based on rigid sails made of composite materials and a tilting gaff rigging. The vessel’s control system will be equipped with artificial intelligence, which will constantly scan the water surface to avoid collisions with marine animals.
In addition, the vessel will also feature hybrid propulsion running on liquefied natural gas, ensuring a low level of emissions and excellent performance, without compromising passenger comfort.
According to the designers, time on board the Corinthian will be more than just a voyage. The cruises will be a kind of journey to the world of art: each space was created for new impressions, each detail will tell you a story, where modern design and glorious heritage evoke emotions and imagination, and a well thought out program of cultural events both on board and ashore will not let you get bored.
Architect Maxime d'Angeac, who drew his inspiration from the “golden age” of transatlantic liners, turned the yacht into a true floating palace, incorporating the finest examples of French craftsmanship.
Corinthian will offer 54 suites from 45 sq.m to the presidential suite of 230 sq.m with panoramic windows. There will be two pools, a gym 12 bars and restaurants managed by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, a 115-seat cabaret and even a private recording studio.
And in the very heart of the gigantic vessel, there will be Guerlain's first marine spa. The area of 500 sq.m will be home to treatment suites, a gentle sauna, a serene relaxation lounge, a barber studio, an elegant beauty salon, a fitness space, and an infinity lap pool.
Guerlain has announced they have crafted four experiences exclusively for Orient Express Sailing Yachts. "Wave Serenity" invites guests to experience absolute tranquility with expert gestures with cool, wave-like spoons. "Aqua Odyssey" implies tonic pressures and energizing gestures awakening circulation and restoring the body's natural rhythms. "Soleil Plein Sud" will regenerate the skin before and after exposure, with a honey-enriched ritual. "Ocean awakening" will alternate warm and cool sensations and awaken energy.
Passengers will also be offered bespoke wellness retreats designed around the four essential pillars of wellness – nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mindfulness, and featuring guided meditations, movement sessions, spa rituals and nature-immersive experiences led by Guerlain’s Wellness Experts.
In summer, Orient Express Corinthian will be cruising the Mediterranean and call in such glamourous ports as Monte Carlo, Portofino and Saint Tropez, followed by its Caribbean season later in autumn.
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