Location and design
Longevity is located in a residential part of the Algarve's Alvor, overlooking Alvor bay and the sea in the distance. The hotel is compact and very easy to navigate, with just three floors so everything's quick and easy to get to. The spa, gym, reception and tea lounge are all located on the same level, together with the wet detox area and some treatment rooms, and there's an outdoor garden on the level below. The yoga dome, the hotel’s latest addition, is next to the hotel building and a nice place to practice.
The rooms are bright and spacious, with a modern, minimalist approach. Most rooms have shower cubicles made of glass. This is fine for a single traveller, but if you are sharing with someone there is a blind you can pull down for privacy. There are a couple of room types with different layouts offering more privacy, so discuss the best option for you with our team.
The food
There are two restaurants in the hotel, but one is only open during the high season. The rooftop café is an informal restaurant with great views and a lovely feel. I visited during low season and dinners were quiet, with only a handful of people dining. I didn’t mind this at all, as it gave me time to catch up on some reading. Other solo guests were friendly and I know that if I wanted to, I could have found company for dinner for sure.
The food was excellent. There are two options for full board meals — à la carte or the wellness menu. I tried both and there wasn't a dish that I didn’t like. The à la carte menu has a selection of meat and vegetarian dishes (be sure to try the veggie lasagne!).
The wellness menu consists of a starter and a main course and is different everyday, based on the Chef’s daily set menu. There is no dessert, but if you fancy something sweet and you're not on a detox or weight-loss programme just ask your waiter for options and it will be delivered!
Breakfast is a small buffet set-up with three daily à la carte options. Most items on the buffet were healthy but you can also find some naughty pastries and cakes. If you are on a detox or weight-loss programme I'd recommend having your breakfast in your room to avoid temptation!
Wellness facilities
The hotel has all you need for a spa break — sauna, salt room, steam room, reflexology path and two indoor pools, one heated with jets and a jacuzzi. There is also a lovely garden where you can sunbathe. The outdoor rooftop pool is on the smaller side and not heated but offers lovely views. You will also find different rooms for treatments and medical procedures. Even though you are at a medical wellness clinic, it does not feel clinical, as the space is bright and fresh. There are lovely spots dotted around the hotel with comfy chairs for you to rest and relax.
My wellness experience
As Longevity is a medical wellness hotel, I opted for the diagnostic testing and some clinical treatments to see the full range of what they have to offer. I did the basic blood test, bio physical evaluation, vertebrae dysfunction test, heavy metal evaluation and thermographic evaluation. All these sessions were very informative and the experts who led them explained everything in detail and answered all my questions. I was given all my results on a USB stick at the end of my stay. If you are curious — my results were all good, I’m healthy but need to top up on some vitamins!
Osteopathy
I had a superb session with Ricardo Rosa, the in-house osteopath. I have ongoing problems with my back which he could easily identify. All the problems were connected to the way I breathe, which was very surprising to learn! He gave me some easy tools I can do on my own to improve this condition.
Cryotherapy
I do not like the cold so getting into a tiny chamber that is up to minus 125 degrees was something I was not looking forward to. However, the session was very quick and not that bad! Totally doable (even though I was happy when it was over) but the feeling after was amazing! I felt very energised, rejuvenated and happy! It definitely triggered my endorphins.
Iyashi Dome
A treatment for weight loss where you can burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes. They close you into a chamber (your head is sticking out and you have cold air blowing on you). The dome is very hot, like a sauna, and you will sweat like crazy but the session is great for getting rid of the toxins from your body.
Ozone therapy
I did the IV version of this treatment. The basic principle is that they take your blood, mix it with the ozone and put it back into your body. I do not like needles so was a bit apprehensive. However, the nurse was great. The treatment room didn’t have that medical feel and it was over in about 10 to 15 minutes and painless. The main reason I did it was to raise my immunity. One should feel the benefits in two to three weeks, so we shall see!
I also had some lovely pampering treatments such as a scrub, wrap, relaxing massage and anti-ageing facial, which were all excellent.
My personal highlights
- Longevity Health and Wellness Hotel is adults only. It was quiet, which is exactly what I needed. I never had an issue getting a lounger in the wet detox area. As a solo visitor I never felt awkward, the staff were very friendly and accommodating and there were some other solo travellers like me, so I had a chance to socialise a little.
- The session with osteopath Ricardo Rosa was excellent. I would highly suggest booking a session with him if it is not included in your programme. His easygoing, down-to-earth approach was refreshing — his extensive knowledge is just something else!
- The clinical approach in non-clinical surroundings — there are doctors and various testing equipment, but I never felt like I was in a doctor’s office. Even the room where they take blood and do IVs had a friendly, relaxed vibe!
Areas for improvement
- The hotel is in a residential area so not exactly in a beautiful spot in nature. There were dogs barking at night, which didn’t bother me but some people might be sensitive to that. It's also worth knowing that the hotel is not on or close to the beach. You can walk there in about 30 minutes or take a taxi, though.
- There is no pool suitable for lap swimming.
Who's it for?
- Those who wish to do a medical wellness holiday for the first time.
- Those with a specific wellness goal to tackle, such as weight loss, but wanting a more cost-effective option than some of the more luxurious medical spas.
- Single travellers who want to upgrade their pampering spa break to another level.
Dominika visited in November 2023.
Has Dominika's review inspired you? Get in touch with our expert team to plan your own personalised break at Longevity.
