Longevity travel is one of this year’s biggest trends as people everywhere grow increasingly captivated by the idea of living a longer, more fulfilling life. Many are shelling out hefty sums on cutting-edge tests and biohacking treatments that promise to extend lifespan. But what if you could reach 100 and stay in great health—without relying on science or technology?
Tucked away in southern Japan, far from the mainland, lies the subtropical island of Okinawa. A laid-back paradise fringed by untouched beaches, it’s home to a community that knows a thing or two about thriving. Okinawa is one of the five original ‘Blue Zones’—rare pockets of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. The others? The tiny Aegean island of Ikaria, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, the Southern Californian town of Loma Linda, and the rugged eastern highlands of Sardinia.
The Blue Zone concept was first floated by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, but it was National Geographic Explorer Dan Buettner who truly popularized it in the early 2000s. After years of studying these regions, Dan discovered there’s no single secret to longevity—instead, it’s a mix of lifestyle factors that all converge in these five zones.
He noticed that people here aren’t splurging on gym memberships or fancy superfood shakes. Instead, they stay active naturally, walking, gardening, and eating fresh, plant-based, seasonal foods. Just as vital? Prioritizing time with loved ones, unwinding, and savoring life—maybe even with a glass of wine or two.
This inspiring blend led Dan to team up with wellness expert Céline Vadam to create health retreats worldwide, from Costa Rica to Thailand. These high-end wellness hubs introduce travelers to the Blue Zone lifestyle, nudging them to slow down, prioritize health, and swap old routines for better ones.
“The retreats show guests that a healthy, longevity-focused life doesn’t have to be pricey, complex, or hard to adopt,” says Céline. “No matter where we are, there are always steps we can take to boost our wellbeing.”
Each retreat mirrors its host culture, packing schedules with workshops, cooking classes, movement sessions, and mindfulness practices. Guests also visit nearby villages, seeing Blue Zone life up close and mingling with locals for whom well-being is second nature.
Céline recently wrapped the year’s first retreat at Costa Rica’s beachfront Andaz resort on the Papagayo Peninsula. There, guests dove into talks on boosting health and happiness—like fostering friendships as adults—alongside breathwork ceremonies and leisurely forest walks. Next up? A May retreat in Koh Samui and an October escape in Okinawa.
Beyond soaking up Blue Zone wisdom, these retreats are a chance to bond with like-minded travelers, says Céline. “Watching guests open up and grow each day is incredible,” she adds.
Learn from the locals
Even without a retreat, you can craft your own Blue Zone adventure. For instance, adding a few days in Okinawa to a Japan trip reveals a place where long life is the norm, and chronic illnesses like heart disease and dementia are strikingly rare.
Diet is a huge factor. Okinawan meals are veggie-heavy, with one standout: the beni imo (purple sweet potato). Packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins—which give it that vivid hue—this humble spud is an island staple.
“In Okinawa, you’ll find purple everything—stews, desserts, even ice cream,” says Jo Davey, author of Bradt’s Okinawa & Japan’s Southwest Islands guide and a seasoned traveler there. Her favorite way to enjoy it? In sata andagi, a traditional doughnut made with beni imo puree.
Be ready to walk here. “It’s sunny most days, so you’ll want to be outdoors,” Jo notes. “And with limited trains, people rely on their own two feet over buses or subways.”
You might also encounter moai—tight-knit social groups that form Okinawa’s backbone. These circles foster camaraderie and fulfillment, fueling longevity.
Closer to Europe, Greece’s Ikaria offers another Blue Zone escape. This eastern Aegean island, about 30 miles from Turkey, is home to roughly 8,500 residents with some of the world’s highest life expectancies. Rumor has it one in three Ikarians hits 90.
Here, you’ll unplug and embrace a slower rhythm. Most locals don’t wear watches and have a relaxed take on time. “We don’t stress,” says Thea Pakiros, who runs a B&B in Nas village. “Living in the moment—that’s what matters.”
Like Okinawa, diet is key. Nearly everything eaten here is local, fresh, and often homegrown. Many Ikarians keep gardens and make their own wine, enjoyed in moderation. “A glass or two never hurt,” Thea says. “But we drink with meals or friends, not alone at bars.”
Community runs deep here too. “We help each other,” Thea explains. “If a family’s in trouble, we rally with fundraisers and parties.” On an island where everyone looks out for one another, loneliness is rare.
If there’s one lesson from the Blue Zones, it’s that longevity might be simpler than we think. “Don’t change your habits—change your environment,” Dan advises. “Eat plants, walk more, sleep well, stay curious, and—above all—make time for yourself.” Adopt these tweaks, and you just might unlock the secrets of Blue Zone living, no matter where you call home.