Vietnamese boutique cruise-line operator, Heritage Line, has launched a spa and wellness-focused ship called the Heritage Line Ylang.

Heritage Line offers a selection of cruises in Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, and currently owns eight riverboats.

Conceptualised with Asian-Vietnamese influences, all accommodation on the 10-suite boat is equipped with a private balcony and in-room lounge.

The Heritage Line Ylang will offer the ‘Senses of Lan Ha’ wellness tour, involving a three-day voyage cruising south of popular tourist destination, Hạ Long Bay, with the final destination being Lan Ha Bay.

Starting prices are US$546 (€493, £415) per person per night.

The holistic wellbeing experience includes an activity schedule comprised of guided meditation, early morning open-air Tai Chi sessions and offshore expeditions, including nature walks, cycling tours, kayaking and a visit to a floating fishing village.

Thalgo has been selected to supply treatments in the on-board spa, which has three treatment rooms located on the upper deck. The wellness area includes a dedicated reflexology suite, sauna, steam bath and wellness studio.

The studio offers a variety of wellness programmes ranging from a traditional Vietnamese tea tasting to a singing bowl ritual.

Meals in the ship’s glass-fronted restaurant feature fresh Vietnamese cuisine and have an emphasis on healthy eating.

“The launch of Heritage Line Ylang has been momentous,” said Andreas Schroetter, Heritage Lines' director of sales and marketing. “It’s one of the first ships in this part of Vietnam to fully deliver a voyage focused on wellbeing.”

“Lan Ha Bay is a very special place,” added Schroetter. “It’s every bit as beautiful as Hạ Long Bay, but the peace and isolation make it a more exclusive destination. That’s why we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to tailor an offer specifically to the wellness market.”