Thailand’s Kamalaya Koh Samui is hosting a Blue Zone retreat that immerses participants in the ‘secrets of longevity’, inspired by centenarians in the world’s longest-living regions. Jenny Southan reports
Globetrender coined the term “Blue Zone Wellness” in 2020 to describe the health rituals of people who live in the world’s five Blue Zones, which have been identified by author Dan Buettner as the places where people live the longest.
Now, a rising number of resorts and spas a finally reacting to the trend and launching their own Blue Zone-inspired programmes and retreats. Hotel Nantipa in Costa Rica is one such example, and now the Kamalaya Koh Samui in Thailand has followed suit (even though it’s not actually in a Blue Zone).
The five Blue Zones are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California. And according to Buettner, the people living in these places frequently live to 100 or more thanks to nine everyday habits. If you want to know more there is even a new Netflix documentary about the Blue Zones you can watch.
Kamalaya’s Blue Zone Retreat has been created in partnership with Buettner’s official Blue Zones organisation, and is set to launch in May 2024. The programme is based on 20 years of research into human longevity and promises to “transform and inspire individuals to lead healthier, happier and more purposeful lives”.
Karina Stewart, founder and chief wellness officer of Kamalaya, says: “We are inviting our guests to embrace the wisdom and lifestyle habits that promote unprecedented longevity. Our collaboration with Blue Zones has allowed us to curate an evidence-based programme that uncovers the secrets of the world’s longest-lived cultures, empowering our guests to make meaningful changes in their lives.”
During the group retreat, guests will be immersed in authentic Blue Zones’ principles such as nourishing plant-slant meals inspired by traditional diets from the Mediterranean; Okinawa, Japan; and Costa Rica’s Nicoya peninsula.
Participants will also engage in an array of physical activities rooted in the traditions of the regions. From gentle yoga practices, Qi-Gong and meditation to invigorating movement workouts, guests will experience firsthand the physical vitality and endurance that characterises the world’s strongest inhabitants.
The Blue Zones group retreat at Kamalaya will place equal importance on mental and emotional wellbeing as the physical. Led by Celine Vadam, a retreats and hospitality expert at US company Blue Zones, participants will have the opportunity to engage in transformative afternoon workshops.
These workshops, entitled “Right Outlook”, “Loved Ones First”, “Purpose” and “Set-Up for Success”, are designed to help participants find balance in life, cultivate inner happiness and peace, explore one’s life purpose and embody their full potential.
They will also have a chance to delve into the Blue Zones’ “Power 9“ principles, which are based on proven evidence that making simple environmental changes and prioritising healthy choices can have a significant impact on improving one’s overall being.
As with all guests at Kamalaya, individuals on the Blue Zones group retreat will receive a wellness consultation and body bio-impedance analysis on arrival, complimentary participation in Kamalaya’s daily holistic schedule of activities and use of the herbal steam caverns, swimming pools, thermal plunge pools and Shakti fitness centre.
To book: Open to all guests aged 18 and over, the Blue Zones Group Retreat will take place from 5th – 11th May 2024 and is available as a six-night programme. The programme is priced at 246,173 THB per person (approx. £5,560) inclusive of 26 treatments, activities, and three meals daily. Accommodation is additional and starts at 8,500 THB (approx. £192) per night in a Hillside Room based on single occupancy.