Blue Zones: The ultimate trip inspiration for wellness travellers
The Secrets Revealed...
Ever wondered about the secrets to living a long, happy life?
To better health, life purpose and a thriving, healthy community?
Maybe you’ll be interested to learn more about The Blue Zones:
The areas in which people not only have the lowest rates of chronic disease, but also live the longest lives.
And it’s not only about producing the oldest generations (though these areas do boast the highest proportions of people who reach age 100); it seems these individuals can also offer us invaluable insights into everything that contributes to their highly fulfilling existence.
With many of us now associating our annual trips with wellness travel, and the pursuit of enhancing our personal well-being, we can forget invasive treatments and new age trends here: Blue Zones offer us the ultimate chance to learn the secrets to a long, happy life, from the people that are living it themselves.
Interested in combining lifelong lessons, with beautiful settings for truly transformative travel?
Here’s how a Blue Zone trip could inspire you…
Firstly, what’s the Blue Zones secret?
Some key research suggests it’s down to ’The Power 9’.
✰ Move Naturally – Exercise built into daily life
✰ Purpose – Knowing why you wake up in the morning
✰ Down Shift – Stress relieving rituals
✰ 80% Rule – Eating to 80% full and eat their smallest meal in the evening
✰ Plant Slant – A mostly plant-based diet rich in legumes, veg, and nuts
✰ Wine at 5 – Moderate wine shared with friends and/or food
✰ Belong – a faith based community with good social support
✰ Loved ones first – close family connections and interaction
✰ Right tribe – a strong network of close friends
And where can you take a Blue Zone inspired trip?
Okinawa, Japan:
The place where seniors spend optimal amounts of time outside, soaking up the sunshine.
Blessed with year-round warm temperatures and diverse, stunning scenery from dense jungles and mangroves to pretty white sand beaches: the longevity of the locals lives here give as much thanks to their slower paced, wholesome island lifestyles as it does their strong spirit, long-standing traditions and community support.
Johnaé De Felicis writes in her work for Blue Zones:
‘Older Okinawans believe in letting the past be the past and focusing on the present. They’re very likeable, laid back, and closely in touch with their spirituality. They also enjoy the company of their younger neighbors.’
A blue zone highlight: Visit the ‘village of longevity’ and try the ‘longevity meal’ crafted by a local nutritionist – a pilgrimage of sorts for locals and health-conscious travellers alike.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica:
The place where everyone has a ‘plan de vida’ or reason to live.
Nicoya is an 80 mile peninsula offering secluded beaches, authentic villages, and a laidback approach to life.
As well as making the most of the region’s natural beauty with plenty of time outside (like their fellow Blue Zone residents in Okinawa), Costa Ricans in this region have a strong sense of purpose.
Not only do they believe that joy is found when contributing to the greater good and therefore love getting involved with hands-on chores, they also recognise the stress relieving benefits of this work, the positive outlook it brings and its ability to keep elders more active.
A blue zone highlight: Discover the simple but fascinating practises of this area’s population of 90+ year olds (close to 1000 of them) full of long walks, daily chores, a stable diet and even some horse riding!
Ikaria, Greece:
The place where afternoon naps are embraced by the entire village.
A wild beauty with dramatic gorges, hidden beaches, and its own unique culture: Ikaria isn’t your typical Greek island.
With 1 in 3 residents living past the age of 90, Ikaria is famously known as ‘the place where people forget to die’.
And their greatest longevity secrets seem to be rooted in the more simple aspects of life and stress relief.
Strongly social, It’s typical here to take regular trips to your neighbours house and for multiple generations to live together (in fact many Ikarians believe living alone is unhealthy).
They highly value mindless exercise throughout daily life, herbal teas and wine with family and friends, and of course, those revitalising afternoon naps.
A blue zone highlight: Base your trip around the ‘Feast of Virgin Mary’ in August or the Icarus festival in July to be a part of some of the islands greatest celebrations of music, food and culture.
Sardinia, Italy
The place where the residents love of cracking jokes and happy hours contribute to less stress.
Oh Sardinia, the European alternative to the Caribbean or Maldives.
Yes, the beaches are to die for.
But Sardinia also ticks many other boxes, from outdoor adventures to an interesting history and of course that delectable Italian cuisine.
As far as the people are concerned, they don’t like to take life too seriously.
We’ve all heard the saying, ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and Sardinians embody this mindset as a way of life.
They also highly value their happy hours where they share antioxidant-rich Cannonau wine with friends, and family time where they share support and words of wisdom.
A blue zone highlight: Learn about Sardinia’s ‘wellness wine’ firsthand with a private tour and tasting session at one of the islands local wineries.
Loma Linda, USA:
The place known as Americas “longevity oasis.”
A sunny spot in California that translates as ‘beautiful hill’, with a stunning mountain backdrop and a history of health-conscious communities.
In Loma Linda lives the largest concentration of Seventh-day Adventists, a group that relies on a strong set of mutual practises and values to govern their way of life (with optimum health).
With a strong focus on nutrition, Seventh-day Adventists don’t drink alcohol, avoid caffeine, and believe in a diet of biblically ‘clean’ foods.
They also believe in a day of complete rest for the mind, body and spirit, a strong face-to-face social network, and a solid sense of compassion.
A blue zone highlight: Attend a Local Seventh-day Adventists church ceremony or visit the Church headquarters in Maryland for deeper understanding of their traditions. (Be sure to check on availability for tours of the conference building post pandemic).
Blue Zone experiences are all about witnessing the local way of life first hand and soaking up the unique values and energy of the people and the land.
And with many of us looking for the secrets to a long, happy and fulfilling life, why not learn from the experts?
Get in touch below to design your own Blue Zone inspired experience.
