Imagine this: as the British countryside smudges into dappled shades of green and gold, inside a beautifully restored train carriage, a different kind of journey unfolds. Lavender and chamomile drift through the air, while the world beyond the train slips away with each turn of the wheels.

This is wellness travel, but not like we’ve ever seen it. This isn’t a five-star haven in the hills of Tuscany, a spa perched high above the Swiss Alps or a luxe yoga retreat in India. It’s something entirely new – a moving sanctuary of wellness, travelling across England and Wales onboard Belmond’s Britannic Explorer.

In July 2025, Belmond’s latest luxury sleeper train will introduce the first-ever spa on the rails in Britain, partnering with the renowned British wellbeing brand Wildsmith Skin to bring nature-inspired treatments to the tracks. It’s a slow, luxury wellness experience that feels both novel and inevitable – after all, what could be a more perfect reflection of the languid romance of train travel than indulging in oh-so-relaxing treatments while the countryside rolls by?

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The Wellness Suite, tucked inside one of the train’s 10 restored carriages, is designed around the idea of encouraging guests to slow down (yes, even while they’re in motion). Designed exclusively for the Britannic Explorer, Wildsmith has created a ‘Signature Circadian Rhythm Reset’ treatment, tailored to the changing rhythms of the day. A refreshing, circulation-boosting session in the morning. A midday detox. An evening ritual that dissolves any tension away before bed. 

Ingredients are drawn from the biodynamic gardens at Heckfield Place, where Wildsmith’s botanicals are cultivated. From the breathwork-infused botany facial to the deep-tissue rebalancing massage, every detail is designed to align with the natural world outside the window. The eco-luxe wellness even continues through to the packaging, as Wildsmith uses compostable mycelium (mushroom packaging), recyclable aluminium and English ceramic. 

“By integrating Wildsmith’s nature-inspired approach to wellbeing into our offering, we are providing an opportunity for every guest to leave the Britannic Explorer feeling re-energised and deeply cared for,” says Britannic Explorer general manager, Hendrik Huebner. “This partnership reinforces our belief that travel should be transformative, immersive and ultimately, restorative.”

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After the train pulls into the station, the wellness journey continues. Each itinerary – through Wales, the Lake District or Cornwall – extends the sense of restoration and rejuvenation. In Cornwall, a morning begins with yoga on the rugged cliffs before sailing along the sparkling coastline. In the Lake District, wild swimming in deep, mirror-still waters leads into a fireside meditation, the scent of burning wood and damp earth heavy in the air. In Wales, a wood-fired sauna nestled in the valley offers a quiet escape, before a slow afternoon wandering through vibrant lavender fields.

Train travel has always tapped into the pleasure of the in-between, allowing us to settle into different rhythms. And a trip like this with the Britannic Explorer is the ultimate reminder that you really can slow down, even when you’re on the move.The Britannic Explorer debuts in July 2025. Luxury accommodation onboard starts from £11,000 based on a double cabin (which includes a 3-night itinerary, excursions, meals, wine and alcoholic beverages on board). The Wellness Suite will be bookable for guests on each Britannic Explorer journey. For more information visit the web page here.

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