Experience Longevity at iBestTravel’s Blue Zones Retreat
Embedded in a lush slope of jungle, my villa peered over the glimmering bay below, the whole scene animated by butterflies, birdsong, and the treetop rustling of monkeys. As I floated in my private plunge pool, I was reminded to take it all in. However, the impulse to check my weather app was strong. I put my phone down, scolding myself for the lapse in mindfulness.
This impulse arose from wanting to know what to expect: could I optimize every moment at the serene tropical wonderland known as Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo? I was just a stone’s throw from the Nicoya Peninsula, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world, making it one of five geographic “blue zones.” Here, journalist Dan Buettner and a team of researchers discovered people living extraordinarily long and fulfilling lives, presumably without an addiction to weather apps.
A Journey of Healing
Ever since I was diagnosed with advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma in early 2023, I have felt glued to my phone, living in constant fear of test results. Moreover, my body has not been the same post-cancer treatment. Bulky IVs of high-dose chemotherapy pumped through my veins for nearly a year and bouts of immobility have weakened my muscles. My once carefully balanced lifestyle didn’t deliver the promised health and wellness I sought. I controlled everything someone could control, yet it hadn’t outsmarted cancer. Was it possible that a Blue Zones Retreat could offer me tools to reconnect with my body?
The Origins of Blue Zones
The concept of blue zones originated from demographers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, who identified Sardinia as having the highest global concentration of men living over 100 years old. Buettner furthered the research by identifying other longevity hotspots and the lifestyle principles they share, termed “The Power 9.” These principles include:
- Moving naturally
- Eating until 80% full
- Connecting to a sense of purpose
- “Downshifting” after stress
- Eating lots of beans
Since the popular Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, wellness tourism to these blue zones has surged, with unique experiences emerging globally. To create its own programming, the Blue Zones organization enlisted health coach Célina Vadam to design retreats, which now include again the Nicoya Peninsula.
Transformation through Experience
This idyllic week at the Andaz Resort included workshops designed to explore happiness and purpose, specifically focusing on the healthy attributes identified in this Costa Rican blue zone, such as social interactions and strong family ties.
Wellness expert Célina Vadam performs a cacao ceremony as part of the retreat.
As Vadam explained, the Blue Zones company emphasizes the impact of our environments on well-being. If you live far from stores selling fresh produce, your diet will never match that of a Sardinian goat herder. It is critical to improve our communities’ environments for better health outcomes.
Personal Growth and Reflection
Retreats aim to provide individuals tools to improve their lives. At the first introductory workshop, Vadam guided our group through the Power 9 principles. We assessed our wellness across these areas, creating visual indicators of our strengths and weaknesses. My self-assessment revealed a star shape, with strong points indicating my competency in areas such as eating a plant-based diet and social connections. However, my “Purpose” dot was at the center, indicating much room for improvement.
A local cook making tortillas during the resort’s Huertas Experience.
Vadam emphasized that the Blue Zones principles are inclusive and flexible, allowing individuals to adapt them to their lives. Some changes, like eating until only 80% full, may not resonate with everyone, particularly after undergoing chemotherapy. Instead of adopting a strict regimen, I focused on what truly matters: being more intentional about spending time with loved ones and doing activities that bring purpose.
Embracing Life
These gentle shifts in perspective were effortlessly facilitated by the luxurious setting of the eco-resort, known for its biodiversity and commitment to local sourcing. At the resort’s tapas bar, I savored blue zone-inspired dishes infused with indigenous ingredients. Each bite became a reflection of the vibrant life I wanted to embrace.
Reflecting back, the retreat not only offered insights into longevity but, more importantly, the means to live well in the present. These lessons of intentional living amidst natural beauty have left a lasting impact, altering the way I perceive health and happiness.
This article was originally published on iBestTravel.
