Unearth your inner zen with ZenBoat, a brand-new Greek vintage yacht experience with a holistic approach
It has long been known that just being near the sea has therapeutic benefits; the brain releases feel-good hormones which make us feel happier… and here we have the perfect sailing holiday, amidst beautiful Greek islands and the delightful Peloponnese peninsula, on a classic gulet, with daily light exercise and delicious Mediterranean cuisine combined…
Introducing ZenBoat, a brand-new concept launching this September, providing a wellbeing boost for the body and mind.
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, whilst an onboard Chef prepares delicious, yet healthy, Mediterranean dishes. Itineraries take in spectacular islands, from the mystical Ionian islands to the magical Peloponnese coastline, and the delightful and little-known Saronic Islands en route to Athens.
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 whilst, 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 is the vision of Swiss Chef, Louis Papadopoulos, and his wife, Lisa, a trained nutritional therapist, who together run The Maya Boutique Hotel – a small, sustainable self-built hotel in Nax, Switzerland, which provide retreats specialising in nutrition and fasting, with a selection of activities outdoors, rounded off with a delicious healthy meal at the end of the day!
ZenBoat was born during the pandemic. Whilst the couple were holidaying in Greece, idly watching yachts bobbing in a harbour one day, they realised they could transfer their experience and skill set from The Maya Boutique Hotel and create a similar holistic concept, but on a vintage gulet.
Commenting, Louis and Lisa say, “Life isn’t about the destination – it’s about the journey; ZenBoat is about both. 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.”
Three sailings are scheduled for this year, starting with zen-boat.com – Diamonds & Pearls from 2nd to 9th 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 given by Louis, outlining cooking methods and how to maximise the nutrient content of meals – plus return transfers to the nearest airport. International flights are not included.
Trip Highlights
- Odysseus coach tour: Odysseus (Ulysses) was the legendary King of Ithaca. This guided tour takes in the most iconic locations and artifacts that are associated with the hero of Homer’s epic poem.
- Olive oil factory tour and tasting: Learn how some of the world’s finest olive oils are made on a cultural visit to an important and accomplished local producer.
The other two sailings include:
Ionian Odyssey – 16th – 23rd September ’23
Trip Highlights:
- Shipwreck and Blue Caves boat tour: a favourite with instagrammers. After time to swim, sunbathe and relax, the boat goes on to the Blue Caves, passing the coast of Zakynthos and Cape Schinari, where once again there is time for swimming or simply enjoying this amazing natural phenomenon.
- Odysseus coach tour: Odysseus (Ulysses) was the legendary King of Ithaca. This guided tour takes in the most iconic locations and artifacts that are associated with the hero of Homer’s epic poem.
- Olive oil factory tour and tasting: Learn how some of the world’s finest olive oils are made on a cultural visit to an important and accomplished local producer.
Icons and Islands– 23rd – 30th September ‘23
Trip Highlights:
- Snorkelling over the sunken ruins at the lost city of Epidavros
- Bus transfer and guided tour of the Acropolis