Silver Dawn to debut Otium, an indulgent wellness program

In a nod to Silversea's Italian heritage, Otium takes inspiration from the leisurely nature of the ancient Roman upper-class lifestyle. Otium — the opposite of negotium, the nonexistence of pleasure — was a period of time dedicated to leisure when people bathed, conversed, sang, theorized, drank, ate and relaxed.

Diverging from existing wellness programs, Otium encourages balanced indulgence, pampering and pleasure over sacrifice and delayed gratification. The idea is that living well and being well are not mutually exclusive and that wellness need not be a solitary experience but a social pursuit that is best enjoyed with others.

'Deprivation and suffering are not in our soul'

'Otium is unlike any other wellness program,' said Barbara Muckermann, Silversea's chief commercial officer. As she said in a profile in the current issue of Seatrade Cruise Review: ‘Deprivation and suffering are not in our soul. It fits with the brand: This is all about indulgence and enjoying the moment.’

Otium will extend beyond the spa, into an enhanced dining program and into the suites, with special sleeping, bathing and balcony experiences.

For example, Silversea butlers will prepare a bespoke bathing experience with plush Otium bathrobes, exclusive bath salts, candlelight, a playlist of the passenger's choice from a curated music menu and delicacies including caviar canapés, chocolate truffles and Champagne.

First hot chocolate menu at sea

While enjoying their suite balconies at sea, depending on the climate and the weather, the pampering experience may include a cashmere blanket, a selection of appetizers and the first hot chocolate menu at sea or, in warm regions, body mists, sun creams, cocktails and gourmet bites.

Silversea already offers sustainable caviar and Champagne on demand 24/7. With Otium, the line is further enhancing its food and drink offering with the addition of an in-suite comfort food menu, available 24 hours a day. It's designed to enhance movie nights, pre-dinner aperitifs and other moments of leisure. Signature dishes range from lobster and caviar in brioche rolls to a selection of gourmet popcorn.

The Otium spa experience

Silver Dawn’s spa will be redesigned with Otium in mind. Besides relaxing massages and a range of other treatments, spa-goers will be able to unwind and socialize in the thermal areas with a glass of Champagne or signature snacks with luxurious ingredients, from caviar to truffles.

Muckermann expands on the Otium concept here: