SOFT and tranquil lighting, the calming aromas of essential oils, and minimalist decor welcome me into the peaceful lobby.
It sets the tone for what is guaranteed to be a relaxing getaway.
Almost instantly I feel my shoulders loosen and I haven’t yet dipped a toe into the plethora of soothing activities on offer at the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel.
Nestled in the Algarve, Portugal, this five-star retreat offers bespoke wellness plans accompanied by state-of-the-art facilities.
As well as an outdoor yoga studio that lets you find your zen amid nature, there’s an advanced spa with an ice fountain, Epsom salt room, a sauna, and a heated relaxation pool — plus a traditional Hammam room, where the Moroccan aromatic scents transported me to another world.
Rooms are modern yet simple, as you would expect from a resort that takes wellness seriously, while food is healthy and nutritious.
Expect vegan feta, sugar-free muffins, and an assortment of organic juices for breakfast, while dinner menus offer everything from homemade soups to perfectly-cooked fresh fish and seasonal vegetables.
When you aren’t busy undergoing a rejuvenating treatment or joining an energetic gym class, there’s also a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city skyline — the kind of spot that begs to be shared on Instagram.
Here you can lounge on daybeds dotted around the poolside, sipping on a freshly squeezed juice.
Normally, I’d roll my eyes at influencers striking poses by the pool, but something about the vibe here drew me in.
Slipping off my sarong, I snapped a few photos for the ’gram. When in Rome, right?
I was meant to be keeping booze-free, but I convinced the waiter to sneak me a Sauvignon Blanc. Bliss.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6356283888112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Upon arrival, a host had sat me down to discuss my tailored plan.
There’s something to suit every need, including weight-loss plans, anti-ageing programmes, and itineraries for those in need of a detox.
I had already completed a health questionnaire outlining my concerns and goals which, after a tough break-up and juggling life as a stressed-out mum of two, was simply to reset and relax.
And both of those things I could do in abundance here.
My four-day programme promised ten treatments, each designed to relax and rejuvenate me inside and out.
One standout was the Iyashi Dome, a Japanese infrared sauna that claims to burn up to 500 calories in 30 minutes all while detoxifying you.
It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, and while it isn’t for the faint-hearted (even with a fan, it was HOT!), I emerged feeling lighter and incredibly energised.
My stomach felt flatter — a bonus given the amount of complimentary gluten-free biscuits I had been scoffing.
Other treatments included relaxing massages, lymphatic drainage, and a Himalayan salt scrub that left my skin glowing.
I also had a one-hour session with renowned celebrity osteopath Dr Ricardo Rosa.
[quote]At the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel stresses from the outside world feel a million miles away[/quote]People fly from all over the world to see him, and I can see why.
He taught me innovative exercises to help with shoulder pain and to realign my body, something I never knew I needed, especially after breastfeeding two children.
A game-changer
It was truly a game-changer.
The tailored treatments aren’t the only draw, though.
There’s an eclectic mix of holistic workshops too.
As someone managing Crohn’s disease, I loved learning how citrine gem stones can reduce stomach pains, as well as how carnelian gem stones can spice up your sex life.
At one workshop, my tutor Rosanna humorously demonstrated how to “pop them in your pants” and managed to lose her crystal in the process, which had the group in stitches.
An astrology class, on the other hand, mapped out my cosmic journey.
Perhaps the most unexpected thing of all, though, was connecting with an inspiring group of women, each on their own transformative path.
We bonded deeply and even snuck out for a few secret sangrias.
By the time I left, I felt renewed, relaxed and ten years younger.
At the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel stresses from the outside world feel a million miles away.
And where else can you emerge from a sauna session feeling both glamorous and 500 calories lighter?
[boxout headline=”GO: LONGEVITY, PORTUGAL”]GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from Luton, Manchester, Birmingham and other airports from £14.99 each way.
See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Wellness packages at the Longevity Hotel cost from around £332pp for a two-night Longevity Relax & Spa stay including breakfast, daily vitality activities and spa treatments.
See longevityalvor.com.
WE have just kicked off our new column for 2025 – giving you the low-down on what to see, do and enjoy in your favourite holiday hotspots.
This week, we are shining the spotlight on Faro in Portugal.
MUST SEE / DO: One of the most captivating elements of Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is its fascinating history.
And no places tell this city’s stories better than the chapels.
The 18th-century Capela Dos Ossos on Largo do Carmo within the walled city is an absolute must, but it’s only for the brave.
Translated as the Chapel of Bones, the ancient walls of this holy places are decorated with pieces from over 1,250 human skeletons.
If that doesn’t appeal then the Museu Arqueologico de Faro, the archaeological museum founded in 1894, houses an impressive collection of Roman artefacts.
HIDDEN GEM: Praia de Faro, on the island Ilha de Faro, is considered the best beach in the Faro region by locals, but few tourists have heard of it.
The gold sands stretch for five kilometres with views of the sea on one side and a natural park on the other.
The island can be accessed via a narrow bridge, crossing the Ria Formosa and makes for a great day trip – although be warned, the sea here can be very chilly even in the summer months.
BEST VIEW: For outstanding views across the entire capital, head to the Cosmopolitan Rooftop Bar at Hotel Faro.
From here you can soak up the marina and its glittering lights all while sipping on an exotic cocktail – there’s even live music on some nights.
The best time to visit is certainly sunset, but make sure to book if you want to bag one of the best seats.
There are bar snacks, too, if you’re feeling peckish. (hotelfaro.pt/en/cosmopolitan-bar).
RATED RESTAURANT: Tertúlia Algarvia (tertulia-algarvia.pt) is more than just a restaurant, it’s a culinary experience where visitors will not only gorge on traditional meals, but also participate in workshops and visit regular exhibitions.
It’s in the heart of the Old Town and has a strong focus on seasonal produce and fresh seafood.
Keen to sample one of the local specialities?
Order the Cataplana. It’s a traditional Portuguese fish stew, which pairs very well with a fruity white wine.
BEST BAR: 3HB was the first 5H hotel to open in Faro, but it’s not the comfy beds that attract most visitors.
The modern rooftop bar offers an impressive menu of classic and well-executed cocktails as well as gastro-pub style meals including a juicy burger.
HOTEL PICK: The AP Eva Senses Hotel is tough to beat and that is partly down to its location, with the Ria Formosa Natural Park as its neighbour.
Head to the rooftop for impeccable views of both the marina and the Old Town.
As well as comfortable bedrooms, many of which have a balcony or terrace, there’s a spa, gym and three onsite restaurants.
Prices start from £91 per night based on two adults sharing and including breakfast (see ap-hotelsresorts.com/eva).