Can Traveling Enhance Your Longevity? These Resorts Believe It Can.

Within just 20 minutes of introducing ourselves in an ocean-view suite in Costa Rica, our group of seven transformed into what felt like lifelong companions, sharing our deepest secrets and most embarrassing vulnerabilities. One woman opened up about feeling adrift after an unexpected divorce, while another expressed her struggle to find her “tribe.” I found myself reflecting on my own circle of friends, pondering who truly made up my community, and whether I had ever genuinely felt a sense of belonging.

It was the first day of a five-day immersive retreat at the Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, located in one of the world's six recognized Blue Zones: regions where people enjoy significantly longer, happier, and healthier lives. First identified by demographers in 1999, the term “Blue Zones” was popularized in 2005 by author and Guinness World Record cyclist Dan Buettner. He used the term to describe these “longevity hot spots,” which are characterized by a high concentration of centenarians who engage in regular physical activity, experience low stress, maintain strong social connections, adhere to a healthy local diet, and exhibit low disease rates. Buettner's research indicates that these areas are found worldwide—Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Loma Linda in California, and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica (where I was). Singapore has recently been recognized as the only city added to this list, where leaders have adopted Blue Zones principles to cultivate their own longevity environment.

During our time at the Andaz, Celine Vadam, a certified Blue Zones facilitator, introduced us to the “Power 9,” a framework developed by Buettner that highlights the lifestyles and habits of the world’s healthiest and longest-living individuals. We commenced with the “Connect” workshop, which led us through engaging exercises and discussions centered on themes of belonging, prioritizing our loved ones, and discovering the right community. We explored the Nicoyans' joyful outlook and their capacity to laugh freely, alongside their “plan de vida,” which emphasizes living in multigenerational homes and frequently visiting and sharing resources with neighbors.

Reflecting on my connections, I realized that while I have many individual friends, I lack a close-knit group beyond my family. As I took in the lush, biodiverse Guanacaste coast from my duplex villa, I contemplated what truly connects me to others and realized it’s during moments of dancing to live music, even among strangers. (Note to self: Attend more concerts!) When Vadam mentioned a study from Brigham Young University indicating that having a supportive social network can enhance lifespan by up to 50 percent, I made a mental note of my favorite people and texted them a simple hello when I returned to my room, nurturing my community.

Exploring the roots of “Blue Zones” and the emergence of the longevity travel trend

The immense popularity of Buettner’s Netflix documentary, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, along with viral HealthTok insights and influential books like Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Bill Gifford and Peter Attia, has led to a surge in longevity travel. The Global Wellness Institute reports that the wellness tourism market is set to exceed $1 trillion this year, a significant increase from $439 billion in 2012. A 2023 survey by market-research group Phocuswright found that about 13 percent of Americans engaged in spa or wellness activities while traveling in the past year. Additionally, research from luxury travel advisor network Virtuoso shows that over one in five clients globally are traveling with the intention of enhancing their well-being.

It’s no surprise that leading hotel chains are capitalizing on the wellness travel movement by integrating the Blue Zones philosophy, even if they don’t have properties in those specific areas. (A key reason these regions boast a significant number of healthy centenarians is their avoidance of modern conveniences like fast food and social media.) Kerzner International has recently introduced its SIRO brand, which stands for “strength, inclusivity, recovery, and originality,” in, of all places, Dubai. This hotel-within-a-hotel concept at One&Only One Za’abeel features programming crafted by elite global athletes and emphasizes five wellness pillars: fitness, recovery, nutrition, mindfulness, and sleep. SIRO aims to provide personalized coaching for serious athletes while also offering sessions on sustaining healthy habits for everyday travelers.

Six Senses, renowned for weaving wellness into every aspect from architecture to culinary offerings, is enhancing its wellness initiatives. The brand’s comprehensive view of well-being aligns closely with the principles of the Blue Zones, emphasizing plant-based diets, a slower pace of life, and fostering organic connections. According to Anna Bjurstam, the brand’s wellness advisor, properties in Europe and North America focus more on longevity, while those in Asia emphasize spirituality and outdoor experiences. "Being connected to nature, having a community, and feeling purposeful contributes to happiness and longevity, unlike relying on IVs, injections, and stem cells while stressing out," Bjurstam explains.

TJ Abrams, Hyatt Hotels' vice president of global well-being, which includes the Andaz brand, notes that Hyatt's various hotel collections cater to guests at different stages of their wellness journeys based on their selected brands. At Alila Ventana Big Sur, guests can enjoy reiki in the redwoods, reflecting the Blue Zones Power 9 principle of "downshifting." Meanwhile, the Path to Gratitude program at Miraval in the Berkshires aligns with the "loved ones first" tenet, and there's collaboration with the meditation app Headspace ("downshifting") and the online lecture series MasterClass ("purpose") across all brands. "Our data indicates that guests are increasingly investing in wellness amenities during their travels with us," says Abrams.

My experience with the Blue Zones program at Andaz Costa Rica transformed my habits once I returned home.

Honestly, I entered Andaz Costa Rica with skepticism. I doubted whether the Power 9 checkup would influence my nomadic lifestyle. Yet, after several nights of meditating amid lush landscapes, wandering through lovingly tended family farms, enjoying nutritious meals, forging friendships with incredible women, and exploring my purpose, along with physical fitness and mental clarity in nature, I might just be a hesitant believer now.

Vadam explains, "Blue Zones retreats are crafted to offer participants a life-changing experience. They facilitate deeper exploration and faster transformation, providing the necessary accountability and social connections that encourage vulnerability, critical thinking, and significant life-enhancing changes." Her perspective is compelling.

Two months later, I find myself frequently reviewing my Blue Zones worksheets as I prepare for significant life changes. I ensure I "move naturally" every day at the park. I’m making plans with friends I cherish, practicing the principle of only eating until I feel 80 percent full, and even achieving an ambitious endurance challenge of hiking the Grand Canyon in a single day with my cousins. With a bit of luck, just like the residents of the Pacific coastal peninsula's mountainous villages in Costa Rica, I too will have double the chances of reaching 90 in good health, surrounded by friends, family, and meaningful accomplishments.

I continue to connect with the women in our Blue Zones WhatsApp group, sharing small victories and checking in with each other weeks after we said our goodbyes, as they become the newest members of my expanding global community.

Blue Zones vacations worldwide

You can participate in the same retreat I attended at Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo in February (21–24 and 24–27, 2025; with rooms starting at $750, a three-night retreat costs $2,889 per person) led by Celine Vadam. Besides these scheduled offerings, the resort also provides private Blue Zone retreats that can be exclusively reserved for small groups. Many hotels globally feature wellness programs that leverage Dan Buettner’s Power 9 principles, but they become particularly impactful when they involve interactions with locals in an immersive, multi-day experience in an authentic Blue Zone. Here are some of our recent favorites in various Blue Zones across the globe.

Silvestre Nosara Hotel & Residences, Costa Rica

This luxurious surf resort opened its doors in February 2024, launching its World Class Speaker Series with Blue Zones marketing expert Dan Buettner. Silvestre was designed with Blue Zone principles in mind, featuring communal spaces that encourage connection, locally sourced ingredients, and daily classes that promote an active lifestyle.

Shangri-La Singapore

Nestled within 15 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and just minutes away from the bustling Orchard Road, Shangri-La Singapore’s wellness initiatives emphasize holistic health. The property features the Chi Spa, which includes a Better Sleep program and a half-day Wellness Escape. Recently, it unveiled a 23-foot-tall orchid greenhouse, showcasing 32 hybrid varieties among approximately 600 blooming plants. Strolling through this serene space fulfills the Power 9 principle of "moving naturally."

Halekulani Okinawa, Japan

Situated in one of the original Blue Zones, Halekulani Okinawa is one of the few luxury resorts in the region and is embarking on a three-year partnership with Buettner starting October 20. The Blue Zones Retreat will span six nights, replicating many experiences from the Andaz in Costa Rica, including excursions to pottery-making villages, breathwork sessions, and even karate lessons.

Romazzino, a Belmond Hotel, Sardinia, Italy

At this Belmond hotel, guests can embark on a culinary adventure featuring local delicacies at La Terrasse, which boasts stunning views over the bay, and at Éntu e Mari, a charming seaside trattoria grill. Enjoy natural movement in the turquoise waters on paddleboards or explore personalized hikes along the Pevero Health Trail, just steps from the hotel. At the spa, indulge in the Silentium treatment, utilizing wind to create tranquility and incorporating thyme, lavender, and myrtle to help reduce the signs of aging. If you’re aiming to live to 100, you might as well glow.