Both transformational and wellness travel have been two of the biggest travel trends of this century. And we’ve seen a growing number of resorts focused on the science of longevity combined with the art of living, from the Four Seasons Maui to Six Senses Ibiza. As the Robb Report recently suggested, “Comprehensive medical testing and non-invasive treatments that help reverse the aging process are no longer reserved for stale doctor’s offices. If you’re going to get pricked and combat aging, why not do it while you’re in paradise?”
And, yet, as is so true in the longevity world, this form of longevity travel focuses purely on the physical side of things as these resorts are fixated on stem cell therapy, regenerative ozone therapy, therapeutic plasma exchange, and all kinds of other biohacking therapies. Of course, when you see high-tech billionaires looking for scientific anti-aging solutions to extend their lives, it’s not surprising that resorts would build these kinds of facilities and programs into their hospitality offerings.
But, this form of longevity travel is missing the essential piece of the puzzle: social science. As many of you know, Yale’s Becca Levy’s groundbreaking research shows that when you shift someone’s mindset on aging from negative to positive, you give them 7.5 additional years. This offers more life added than if someone stopped smoking or started exercising at 50. We opened MEA to be a living laboratory for proving Becca’s “pro-aging” research.
We’re proud to announce a big step forward for longevity travel by introducing a three-year partnership with the Blue Zones organization. Last spring, we trialed a Blue Zones workshop week with Dan Buettner, focused on the “Power 9” common variables that enhance longevity. This workshop was less about the lab and more about how you live. The Blue Zones ethos revolves around living a life that’s as deep and meaningful as it is long.
We will offer two Blue Zones workshops in 2024 – one in Baja June 17-22 and one in Santa Fe Oct 28-Nov 2 – and four per year after that. I’d recommend this TED Radio podcast with Dan Buettner for those who want to learn more about Blue Zones.
-Chip