Explora Journeys officially introduced Mandala, a new fine jewellery brand that will be available exclusively onboard its fleet, during an intimate celebratory soirée onboard EXPLORA I on 6 June. A meaningful first for the ultra-elegant ocean travel brand, this bespoke collection translates the spirit, elegance and sense of wonder of Explora Journeys into physical luxury – beautiful pieces that become personal talismans of memory as they’re worn close to the skin.

The exclusive event welcomed approximately 100 distinguished guests, including the Aponte-Vago family, President of Explora Journeys, Anna Nash and an exceptional array of VIPs.

The evening took the form of a cocktail dînatoire, with the highlight being a curated model showcase. Transitioning seamlessly from tailored daytime silhouettes to elegant evening wear, each look was accentuated by curated jewellery pairings to demonstrate how these intimate, luminous and quietly powerful objects can be worn.

Origin and Inspiration

The creation of the fine jewellery collection is directly inspired by the Explora Journeys emblem, a symbol rooted in the vision of the Aponte-Vago family. This intricate logo reinterprets the ancient mandala, which traditionally represents harmony between individual experience and the wider universe.

Within the emblem itself, the geometry unfolds inside a perfect circle, which serves as a symbol of wholeness and infinite energy. The design incorporates a lotus flower motif to symbolize purity of body, speech and mind, alongside a fleur-de-lis acknowledging the brand's European heritage. By capturing this sacred geometry, the new collection beautifully conveys a worldview that is balanced, connected, open and alive.

The creative vision for Mandala Fine Jewellery was developed in collaboration with jewellery designer Fanny Blanchelande. Inspired by conversations around the family’s deep connection to the sea, their appreciation for symbolism and their vision of refined ocean living, these emotions and philosophies were translated into pieces designed to be both deeply personal and timeless.

Every Mandala piece brings these foundational concepts into physical sensation through deliberate material choices and texturing. Precious metals and richly hued gemstones are juxtaposed with unexpected contemporary materials, including enamel, ceramic, titanium and aluminium. Created with the thoughtful artistry of poetry, each structural detail is selected to elevate exquisite craftsmanship into an emotional narrative, turning the brand's visual identity into a tactile reality.

The Core Collection

Mandala’s debut collection unfolds across three distinct design lines, each capturing a unique facet of the brand's maritime philosophy. Reflecting the nuanced lifestyle of luxury ocean travel, these primary designs are accompanied by T/T (TenderTo) pieces – delicate, smaller-scale interpretations that act as nimble companions to the signature pieces.

• Origin: Centred on the signature family emblem, this line translates ancient geometry into luminous, powerful talismans of balance and transformation designed to live close to the skin.
• Horizon: Capturing the unique interplay where sea meets sky, this collection embodies calm sophistication and the luxury of open space, reflecting the shimmer, movement and precious stillness of the ocean.
• Odyssey: Drawing directly from the Mediterranean spirit, this line uses the emotional language of colour, light and mosaic patterning to create playful, expressive pieces full of joyful vitality.

Following the exclusive preview in Monaco the Mandala story will continue to unfold through the introduction of new pieces in the months ahead. Available exclusively on board EXPLORA III from her inaugural Journey on 24 July 2026, the collection will be showcased within a dedicated space at Ocean Atelier, the ship`s jewellery boutique, before extending to further ships across the Explora Journeys fleet over time.