Fancy a 18 hour and 45 minutes non-stop flight? Not likely. But, if your direct journey from Singapore to the US involved science-based wellness programs aimed at making you feel rested and relaxed by the time you arrive, you might feel a little more inclined.

Singapore Airlines and Canyon Ranch have teamed up to create a long-haul flight with a difference. The Canyon Ranch team, made up of integrative medicine, exercise and nutrition experts (including a US Surgeon General), have developed new menus and activities to enhance travellers’ wellbeing and comfort on board.

So, what exactly does this mean for the passengers? First, you’ll be served what’s been dubbed ‘wellness cuisine’, or meals that have been developed with a healthy level of nutrients and hydration in mind.

Appetisers include wild-caught prawn ceviche and lavosh, and fresh orange, cucumber, grapefruit, coriander, spring onion and bell peppers. Among the main options are the seared organic chicken and zucchini pappardelle, and pasta cut zucchini, parmesan, braised tomatoes, lemon vinaigrette and micro basil. And, dessert is still on board in the form of lemon angel food cake with a blueberry topping. Those flying in the mornings can enjoy the Canyon Ranch Breakfast, comprising a ‘Lox Eggs Benedict’ that features a wholewheat English muffin, chive cream cheese, smoked salmon, an organic egg omelette and a yogurt hollandaise.

After your wellness cuisine, it’s time for rest and relaxation. Sleep strategies and gentle light settings are designed to help flyers sleep soundly. And, Canyon Ranch exercise physiologist-led guided stretches are aired on personal seatback entertainment systems to promote further relaxation.

And yet, those who prefer the movie, snooze and Singaporean food combination are welcome to enjoy the usual Singapore Airline food offerings and skip the stretches.