Hi everyone,

The last days of summer are here, and many are taking advantage of a last-minute vacation.

A vacation lifts our spirits; it refreshes us and brings balance, pleasure, and relaxation back into our lives.

Vacationing at a spa or resort is particularly focused on rejuvenating the mind and body… and more of these spas are now aiming to prolong your lifespan too.

In this newsletter:

• Why the longevity spa redefines resort.

• What longevity spas you should check out.

• Here’s what to expect from your spa visit.

• Wait, consider this first.

• And more…

WELLNESS

“The biggest trend in the wellness world”

The “biggest trend in the wellness world” may revitalize vacation and extend lifespan.

It’s high time to redefine your mental image of the resort experience.

What was once simply sitting poolside with a cold piña colada and under-eye cucumber slices has evolved into intensive health testing, stem cell treatments, and proprietary skin procedures for clinical anti-aging.

This redefined picture of a spa getaway may seem futuristic and clinical—far from the stereotypical idea of relaxation.

That’s partially true, because this type of spa is not just about relaxation—it’s about life extension.

With the swift rise in people interested in longevity and anti-aging, more spas are infusing longevity treatments into the spa experience, according to an article by Robb Report.

When relaxation and anti-aging are combined into one, it’s possible to leave a healthier and better version of yourself.

What is a longevity spa?

Futurist ideology and data-driven technologies are modernizing all industries, and wellness and hospitality are no exception.

The longevity spa is one of the more grandiose manifestations of modernization in wellness.

It distinguishes itself from the traditional spa by reinforcing holistic wellness practices with high-tech, personalized, and specialized clinical treatments.

“Longevity programs require millions in medical technology and testing, partnerships with functional doctors, on-staff physicians, technicians, and nutritionists,” Robb Report writes.

The popularity of the longevity spa

Often called a ‘longevity program(me)’ or ‘longevity retreat,’ the longevity spa is rapidly becoming one of the most popular branches of wellness.

“Longevity programming has got to be the biggest trend in the wellness world,” says Beth McGroarty, the vice president of research for the Global Wellness Institute, in the Report.  

• “Today’s wellness traveler wants to go deeper and stay longer,” she adds. 

In the past 2 years, wellness travel has grown into a $1 trillion affair. 

Longevity spas are contributing to the excitement and growth of this field, and longevity continues to be the backbone supporting this entire genre of wellness.

• Recent projections suggest that the anti-aging and longevity market will reach $183 billion by 2028.

• According to Wall Street Journal, there could be as many as 800 longevity clinics in the U.S. alone.

What’s included?

Longevity programs aim to reinforce timeless wellness habits with clinical-grade technologies to ensure that people leave healthier than they arrived. 

Generally, these spas include detoxification treatments, anti-aging therapies, stress reduction therapies, and nutritional guidance.

However, many therapies are part of health optimization programs that are unique to each spa.

For instance, renowned SHA Wellness Clinics use body scans and in-depth biomarker testing to curate personalized lifestyle-based prescriptions.

In contrast, the Longevity Protocol at The Four Seasons Maui Wailea will look quite different.

The Maui experience includes 4 days of IV (intravenous) stem cells, exosomes (nano-scale vesicles that are derived from stem cells which may reduce inflammation and treat various conditions), and ozone therapy to “optimize your body's natural healing mechanisms and balance,” according to the website.

Switzerland’s Clinique La Prairie–recognized as the first-ever luxury medi-spa–has a Revitalization program that centers around cell regeneration and immune health under medical guidance, according to Luxe Wellness Club.

• The resort also includes technologies for photo-stimulation, cryotherapy, stem cells, infratherapy cabins, and spa waves, and offers healthful longevity-forward dishes.

Then, there is Italy’s Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda. 

Listed as a top 5 longevity spa by Luxe, Lefay takes a slightly less diagnostic approach to wellness, offering a longevity package with a “benevolent and harmonious approach to aging.” 

• Services include intestinal check-up, moxibustion, postural analysis, and cryotherapy.

The price of a longevity getaway

A 4-day Longevity Protocol at The Four Seasons Maui is priced at a premium cost of $44,000 USD, according to the website.

Five days at Clinique La Prarie’s Revitalisation Retreat costs nearly $26,000 USD. 

A seven-day Advanced Detox program at the well-known Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland is slightly over $6,000, while a night at the longevity resort Canyon Ranch (multiple U.S. locations) can go for $1,600.

Other longevity retreats offer more modest technologies and services, but they are no less effective.

The 14-day Basic Balance & Revitalize Retreat (Thailand), which is based on Blue Zone principles, costs just over $6,000 USD.

A 10-night stay at Italy’s Lefay costs approximately $4,300, but that is excluding accommodations.

Treatment efficacy could be factored into the value of this cost. 

Despite popular demand and the subjective benefits of the spa’s cutting-edge treatments and health services, there is limited federal regulation and clinical validity to many treatments and concepts.

• Stem cells are not FDA-approved to treat aging. Studies both favor and counter its effectiveness for aging and vitality, and this research can also pose an ethical dilemma.

• Exosome products are not FDA-approved. And while browsing Maui’s website, I found little mention of the science behind exosomes promoting longevity. 

• Short-term cleansing or detoxification practices have little evidence of having any type of medical advantage, according to Harvard Health.

• Many of these clinics are abroad. Regulations can look different, and there may be certain risks associated with various procedures that are not approved in the U.S.

That’s not to say there aren’t any longevity benefits associated with spa therapies (among many other therapies I was not able to cover).

However, always do your own research and assess the individual risks of joining a program and investing in certain procedures that are not fully regulated.

Conclusion

The spa offers a natural bridge to introduce more clinical longevity practices into wellness, so I am eager to continue covering the expansion of longevity spas and their impact. 

Feel free to reach out at us at [email protected] and tell us about your experience at a longevity spa.

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🔔 Catch up on last week’s newsletter

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We can’t wait to cover more trending topics in longevity in our next newsletter. Stay tuned.

-Erin

Longevity Media LLC

Be your own expert. Optimize your health. Look beyond conventional.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional before starting any exercise, wellness, or health program. Nothing in our content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Livelong is a media company and not a medical provid