Longevity, lifespan, healthspan, anti-ageing, health optimisation, etc. these are all terms that have taken over our daily feeds, conversations and lives recently. After almost a decade working in the wellness travel industry, I’ve seen trends come and go, but I know, for sure, that biohacking and longevity are definitely here to stay. There is a lot that can be done with a good GP and functional doctor. And many simply follow the advice of KOL’s such as Bryan Johnson, Andrew Huberman and David Sinclair. For something more intense, there is nothing quite like a longevity retreat at one of the top retreats in the world to give you a head start. I recommend clients arrive with groundwork done pre-retreat to make the most out of their stay to save precious (and expensive) time. That means full body health checks at a hospital including checking for anything that’s of a particular concern such as early cancer detection, gut microbiome tests, etc., because you cannot improve what you cannot measure. Before I share the best longevity retreats in the world it’s important to mention that before you embark on any of these I highly recommend sleeping, moving and eating well as a very basic baseline, get outdoors, do what you love and spend time with friends and family. Once you have nailed these five important components you’re already ahead of the curve
Fountain Life x The Estate
When Physician and stage 4 cancer survivor Dr. Dawn Mussallem moved from Mayo Clinic (the number one hospital in the world) to Fountain Life, where she serves as Chief Medical Officer, I knew this was a company serious about offering life-changing longevity. This brand-new business promises to detect and fix medical issues while extending your healthspan, and with Dr. Mussallem at the helm, I have no doubt it will.
Programmes include AI-powered preventative medicine, early disease detection, and scalable longevity protocols for those wanting data-driven ‘turn back the clock’ results. There are 15 locations set to open around the world between now and 2030. The project is led by Tony Robbins & hospitality mogul Sam Nazarian. The latter shared at the 2026 Global Wellness Summit that he credits Fountain Life with saving his life by detecting and removing an aneurysm. With a mix of urban centres for testing, retreat properties for full wellness immersions, and online programmes for lifelong longevity work at home, it is an industry breakthrough I can’t wait to watch unfold. If you’re serious about your health, this is the retreat to book now.
Palazzo Fiuggi
This innovative Italian retreat first came to my attention as Oprah and Gwyneth Paltrow cite it as one of their favourite wellness retreats in the world. But I began recommending it to my longevity-focused retreat clients when industry expert Tracey Woodward shared that the medical team made a radical discovery during an MRI that helped save her life. Perhaps it’s because I’m the child of a doctor, but I’m a big believer that the success of a longevity retreat depends heavily on its medical team.
At Palazzo Fiuggi, the medical team has access to 300+ specialists, and a particular strength is the comprehensive medical treatment menu. It is essentially a very beautiful, historic hilltop palace set in an 8-hectare park, with a hospital as the beating heart of the property. I know many converts who credit their annual retreats and check-ups here with keeping them fit, healthy and happy. Served alongside every groundbreaking treatment there is Michelin-star cuisine, out-of-this-world hikes, Acqua di Fiuggi Springs with thermal healing waters, and a promise of a ‘longer life, better lived’.
Clinique La Prairie
Early detection reaches new heights at this Swiss retreat, which needs no introduction. The Longevity Master Assessment is a tool that analyses over 300 biomarkers linked to ageing, metabolism, immunity, and disease risk, using predictive algorithms to map your biological age and ageing trajectory. Think brain MRI’s, CT scans, X-rays, gene testing, glycan screening, epigenetic tests and neuropsychological evaluations overseen by Medical Director Dr. Adrian Heini, who specialises in internal and general medicine. All of this data is collected and turned into a personalised revitalisation and cellular therapy programme that reduces disease risk and provides measurable anti-ageing results. A major draw of Clinique La Prairie for my clients is their stem cell protocol, which includes the harvesting, storage, and administration of your own stem cells in accordance with Swiss security standards. If you want to feel better, look better, and feel like you’re retreating in a James Bond movie, there’s no better option than here.
Lanserhof
The iconic strict, modern, medical approach of Lanserhof has long drawn wellness travellers seeking structured, results-driven programmes. The Mayr Cure has been modernised with regenerative, high-tech medicine, but a strong emphasis is still placed on nutrition, gut health, and the power of mindful eating. The relatively new Sylt outpost offers blood panels, ECG, VO2 max, FibroScan, ultrasounds, and performance diagnostics. The basis of every offer at every Lanserhof Clinic is the essential fasting cure, which naturally and drastically reduces inflammation before your programme even begins. Medical Director Dr Jan Stritzke specialises in internal medicine and cardiology and heads up a team of 40+ specialists. The Lanserhof team believes that a body can heal itself only once it is detoxified, making it ideal for guests who want to lean into a more natural longevity retreat with medical support.
SHA
Integrative longevity programmes and preventive health in stunning settings that blend Western medicine and Eastern traditions sum up the family-founded retreat that has clinics in Spain and Mexico. Pre-treatment next-gen diagnostics, biological age assessments, DNA analysis, and over 50 specialists in longevity, preventative medicine and performance are all part of their Advanced Longevity Programme. What sets SHA apart is their 360 approach to wellness and living well as a way of life. Yes, it’s clinical, but it’s also beautiful, and the team stresses creating new healthy habits that are easy to take home. If you want to improve your biological age and biomarkers in a relaxed setting where you feel like you’re being encouraged (not forced) to increase your vitality, then there is no place like SHA.
Layan Life by Anantara
If you’re looking for a longevity retreat that is results-driven, can be incorporated into a holiday with literally anyone, and want a world-class team, look no further than Layan Life. This relatively new player in the wellness retreat world takes the best elements from every longevity retreat and optimises them, then offers them in an efficient, modern way. It is not a traditional retreat, as it is housed within the Anantara spa & beach resort in Phuket, but therein lies the beauty. While you are taken care of by Dr. Sataporn Wangthitikul (known as Dr. A), who is a longevity, aesthetic and emergency medicine doctor, the rest of your party can embark on the multiple activities the resort has to offer. Personalised regenerative programmes are developed by doctors, nutritionists and physiotherapists, and the Layan Life menu is available resort-wide. Sending in bloodwork results pre-retreat to maximise your time on site is highly encouraged, as is an aesthetics appointment with Dr. A.
Chiva Som
The long-lauded Grand Dame of wellness retreats has evolved in perfect sync with every wellness travel trend since it opened over 30 years ago. There is something special, serene, and most importantly, tried & tested at this beachside resort that offers longevity with unbeatable Thai hospitality. It is one of the most dignified and elegant places to retreat and has inspired countless wellness resorts worldwide. Cortisol levels are instantly lowered upon arrival; you will discover life-changing sleep, and under the guidance of naturopathic doctors and Thai Traditional Medicine Physicians, integrative medicine physicians, and a dedicated research team, you can naturally work on improving your longevity metrics. Nutrition and healthy (but delicious and beautiful) food are a huge part of Chiva Som’s offering; you will effortlessly lose weight without trying while enjoying every meal. The blend of Thai medical and holistic therapies focuses on restoring physical function, cellular health, mental wellness and increasing happiness. It’s perfect for a holistic longevity break where relaxation is key.
RAKxa
Nestled within the green lung of Bangkok and conveniently located less than an hour from the international airport, this efficient retreat has a partnership with VitalLife longevity clinic. RAKxa’s Integrative Longevity Programme begins with diagnostics, including detailed bloodwork, toxic metal profiling, gut microbiota testing, hormone testing, and more. Doctors then craft a bespoke plan that will see you experiencing every inch of the resort. The most dominant trait of the retreat is true East-meets-West integration through three distinct hubs. VitalLife (Western medicine/diagnostics), RAKxa JAI (Holistic healing, including Ayurveda, Traditional Thai, and Chinese Medicine), and RAKxa GAYA (a medical gym with functional fitness assessments using Olympic-grade equipment). By combining all three components and partnering with Bumrungrad International Hospital, it’s a favourite with results-driven clients.
AMAN
AMAN’s foray into the world of wellness has been slow, intentional and to great effect. Its flagship Amanpuri now has one of the best fitness, wellness, sport and medical offerings out of any luxury spa resort in the world. The fact that it effortlessly integrates into every stay and that you can now follow your wellness pursuits in AMAN attire while using the hospitality brand’s signature skincare range is an added benefit. The trick to their success in the world of longevity lies in the fitness & medical realm. They are one of the few properties I work with that are not scared to push guests (who pay for the pleasure) past their comfort zone in a wellness capacity. The team can get you Ironman-ready, chill you in a cold plunge or heat you up in a Russian Banya long enough to reap the benefits, do multiple blood and stool tests, test for cancer and tumour markers with a 3-day result turnaround, conduct a parasite cleanse, and administer IV’s that range from NAD+ to Exosomes. Their partnerships with world-class athletes, such as Novak Djokovic, for their tennis programme are also ideal for clients who want to enhance their performance in a given sport. The beauty of AMAN is that you can get whatever you want, whenever you want, and now that extends to wellness & longevity, too.
The Hoffman Process
While longevity and healthspan retreats often focus on physical wellness, it would be amiss not to emphasise the importance of mental health and how it impacts our overall well-being and quality of life. The Hoffman Process has been at the top of my retreat wishlist since I launched my wellness travel agency almost ten years ago. The retreat, offered in multiple locations worldwide, is an intensive, phone-free 7-day experience that many describe as ten years of therapy in one week. Despite no advanced medical imaging or biomarker testing, it complements longevity work by giving you mental clarity, drastically reducing stress, anxiety and depression, and significantly improving one of the greatest longevity markers of all: happiness.
Editor
Dervla Louli
