Costa Rica — At the Andaz Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, located within one of the world’s six renowned Blue Zones, the quest for longevity takes a unique form. During a recent five-day immersive retreat at this lush resort, the participants quickly formed close bonds, sharing personal stories and concerns in an atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of old friends than a group of newcomers.
One participant opened up about the disorientation following an unexpected divorce, while another expressed frustration at the difficulty of finding her sense of community. Reflecting on these exchanges, I found myself contemplating my own connections and wondering about the true essence of belonging.
The Andaz Costa Rica is situated in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the original Blue Zones identified in 1999 by demographers and popularized in 2005 by Dan Buettner, an author and cycling world record holder. These Blue Zones are regions where residents are known for their exceptional longevity and overall well-being. Buettner’s research highlighted these areas for their high concentration of centenarians who maintain a lifestyle characterized by regular physical activity, low stress, strong social support networks, a healthy local diet, and low rates of chronic diseases.
In addition to Nicoya, other notable Blue Zones include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; and Loma Linda, California. Recently, Singapore has been recognized as the only city to integrate Blue Zone principles into its urban framework, aiming to emulate the longevity-promoting attributes of these unique regions.
As travelers increasingly seek ways to enhance their health and longevity, Blue Zone resorts like Andaz Costa Rica offer not just a vacation, but a chance to experience the lifestyle habits that contribute to a longer, healthier life.
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