Our Wellbeing Travel consultant Artemis visited Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel in Portugal and gives us the low down from her visit.
What were your first impressions of the hotel?
Pulling up to the hotel you cannot help but experience the wow factor looking at the sleek architecture of the hotel building with its curved white structure replicating a wave.
The architectural marvel continues inside the building with its elegant spiral staircases and beautiful modern artwork and design features at every turn.
I fell in love with the roof terrace where the main restaurant, pool and lounge area are located. There are interesting 360-degree views from here, on the one side the coast and residential neighbourhood and to the other the surrounding countryside.
Although my initial impressions were that it looked like a fancy private hospital, after being here for a couple of days I realised what a friendly place it was with many solo guests getting to know each other in the group classes or whilst chilling by the pool.
I liked that the medical consultation and treatment rooms were on a separate floor to the holistic and spa treatments allowing the ambience and décor of the areas to reflect their function. The holistic spa area had an extremely relaxing feel with the dim lighting, spa music and quiet chill out zones with hanging chairs to recoup after your treatments.
What is the food like?
Whichever meal plan you are on you will be impressed with the vibrancy of colours, taste, presentation, and inventiveness of the food. The food is nutritionally dense with good portion sizes yet even on the semi-liquid detox meal plan you feel satisfied whilst still shedding weight.
The meal plan you are placed on will be in line with the wellness goal of the programme you are on and will be tailored by the nutritionist after your initial consultation to meet your needs. However, if you are on a light pampering programme but would like to do a couple of days of juicing this can also be arranged.
I enjoyed trying out the 25 loose tea infusions with an infusion to suit each purpose e.g. relax, detox, and energise. You can order your tea at the dedicated tea cafe or enjoy by the pool.
There are alkalising water infusions all around the hotel so you never feel thirsty and can improve your toxin purging capacity.
What did you like about the treatments?
The vast array of treatments here was mind blowing with around 25 treatment rooms each with cutting edge equipment for detoxification, liposuction, weight loss, dental, skin rejuvenation to name a few.
This hotel excels at both medical and holistic treatments, they have sought out the best therapists and practitioners in their field to offer the best results. There is also a collaboration with the private hospital next door to facilitate more advanced diagnostics such as MRI's whilst the hospital refers some of its patience to Longevity for treatment.
I had an incredible session with the Osteopath Ricardo who was able to detect an injury I had over 20 years ago using his own experience and high tech nerve conduction equipment which accurately pin points the health of each vertebrae and therefore where adjustments need to be made. Ricardo provides you with exercises and movements to do back home to maintain the benefits of the adjustments made in the session.
I bravely undertook a session in the Iyashi dome, a cutting-edge Japanese sauna which uses high intensity infrared light to heat the body from the inside out. Although it looked like a torture chamber it was a very pleasant heat and there are fans to keep your face cool. This technique can burn 600 calories in a 30-minute session plus raise your metabolism! Not bad for just lying down.
What is the spa like?
The spa is situated in the lower levels of the hotel giving it a cosy lair feel with low lighting and aromatic smells, The large windows are perfectly positioned to keep the glare out whilst providing a satisfying view of the manicured hotel gardens, the view alone helps facilitate your relaxation.
The number of people using the spa at any one time is carefully controlled so it always feels like you have the place to yourself.
The spa circuit is comprehensive with infrared sauna, hammam, ice fountain, Epson salt room, sensational showers, relaxation room, walking path, indoor heated detox pool and indoor sensation relax pool. You could spend hours here!
There are plenty of relaxation space after you have completed your spa circuit to take in the benefits.
What are the group activities like?
The group activities, weather permitting, are taken on a shaded roof terrace to take advantage of the views and the fresh air.
There is a wide range of activities to suit all tastes from TRX, HIIT and Yoga to the more spiritual such as energy balancing and astrology reading. The classes had a good uptake and found them to be a great way to get chatting with the other guests.
The instructors were excellent at accommodating for all ability types and pushing you to get the most out of the session.
A top tip
Visit the nearby coastal towns of Alvor and Portimao which is famous for some of the best seafood eateries in Portugal. I indulged in huge Madagascan tiger prawns whilst on the beachfront watching the beautiful sunset.
The nearby beaches are worth a visit to catch a look at the stunning cliff tops and sea cave formations.
Who should visit?
I would recommend Longevity for both a leisure client looking to relax and enjoy the delicious food and holistic treatments yet would also be ideal for those with dedicated wellness goals either as preventative health or for a health concern. The vast array of treatments, diagnostic facilities and quality therapists will effectively steer you towards better health.
it is ideal for solo travellers as you are busy with your programme and treatments during the day and guests seem to get to know each other by the pool.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 755
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
