Latest news with #BlueZone
Condé Nast Traveler
27-05-2025
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
7 Best Airbnbs in Slow-Paced, Sun-Splashed Sardinia
Slow-paced, sun-splashed, and teeming with natural wonders, it's no surprise that Sardinia is famed as the site of the first ever identified Blue Zone region. Travelers in search of la dolce vita need not look much further than Sardinia's exquisite selection of Airbnbs for a sense of the elusive secret to a long, healthy, and happy life. As the second-largest Mediterranean island, narrowly missing out on the top spot to its noisier sister, Sicily, this glamorous Italian outpost flaunts more than 1,200 miles of white sand and polished pebble coastline—and yet there's so much more to Sardinia than just its beaches. Acres of vineyards recount a wine history that dates back thousands of years, while the rugged mountains and hills are peppered with hiking trails and archaeological phenomena. Italian cuisine is always popular, but the intense and rustic nostalgia of Sardinia's restaurants leads even the most seasoned tastebuds into new territories. With such a dense culture to unpack on this Italian island, Airbnbs are essential to really get under the skin of the place, not to mention to meet the lovely locals. Whether you're seeking an escape to the coast or countryside, below are seven of the best Sardinia Airbnbs to tick off your travel bucket list. We've vetted these listings based on Superhost or Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Blue Zones experts say 'skip' this ingredient to live longer
Diet plays a big role in the longevity of people living in Blue Zones, and now experts have shared the one ingredient we should "skip" to live longer. Experts in longevity have shared one ingredient we should all 'skip' in order to live longer. Their advice is influenced by the diets of some of the world 's oldest living people, who reside in what are known as Blue Zones. These Blue Zones have some of the highest proportions of centenarians in the world, as well as low rates of chronic diseases. Part of their staying power is thought to be linked to their diet, with many Blue Zone diets being rich in plant foods and healthy fats, while low in ultra-processed foods. Based on 150 dietary surveys, experts from Blue Zones LLC shared their top tips on how to eat like a Blue Zones resident. Their advice stems from 'how the world's longest-lived people ate for most of their lives'. As part of their recommendations they told people to 'skip' sugar where possible. They explained we should only be eating a maximum of 28 grams (or seven teaspoons) of sugar a day. 'People in the Blue Zones eat sugar intentionally, not by habit or accident,' they said. 'They consume about the same amount of naturally occurring sugars as North Americans do, but only about a fifth as much added sugar—no more than seven teaspoons of sugar a day.' While they admitted that 'it's hard to avoid sugar' and that it occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, and even milk, the real problem is the added sugar found in a lot of western food. They continued: 'Between 1970 and 2000, the amount of added sugar in the American food supply rose by 25 per cent. 'This adds up to about 22 teaspoons of added sugar each of us consumes daily - insidious, hidden sugars mixed into soda, yogurt, and sauces. Too much sugar in our diet has been shown to suppress the immune system. 'It also spikes insulin levels, which can lead to diabetes and lower fertility, make you fat, and even shorten your life.' To lower your sugar intake they advised limiting sweet treats. 'If you must eat sweets, save cookies, candy, and bakery items for special occasions, ideally as part of a meal,' they said. 'Limit sugar added to coffee, tea, or other foods to no more than four teaspoons per day.' On top of this, you should 'skip any product that lists sugar among its first five ingredients'. Other Blue Zones-inspired dietary advice includes: Eat more plants Reduce your meat intake Eat up to three servings of fish per week Reduce your dairy intake Eat beans daily Snack on nuts Only eat sourdough or whole wheat bread Avoid ultra-processed foods Drink coffee, tea, water, and wine, and avoid soda. The five original Blue Zones are Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Sardinia in Italy, and Loma Linda in California, US.
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Travel + Leisure
05-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Gorgeous Lake in Minnesota Just Got a New Hotel for the First Time in 100 Years
Lake Minnetonka's only waterfront hotel, The Shoreline, opened on May 1 with 27 guest rooms, including a presidential suite, a restaurant, a 32-slip marina, and a sandy beach. Most rooms feature private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and panoramic water views. The full-service restaurant serves coastal-inspired cuisine with local influences. The hotel has partnered with a professional wakeboard athlete to offer on-site classes. The Shoreline Hotel, Lake Minnetonka's first hotel in a century, opened in Spring Park, Minnesota, on May 1. Located on the site of a former yacht club and office building, the boutique hotel has 27 guest rooms, including a presidential suite, a sandy beach, and a restaurant with coastal cuisine. The rooms' interiors are inspired by the hotel's lakefront surroundings and feature pebble tile and quartz countertops and floor-to-ceiling windows. As The Shoreline is the only hotel situated on the lake, most guest rooms offer unobstructed water views, too. Larger groups and families can stay at the king suites, which include sleeper sofas, or request a room with bunk beds. Kelly Olsen, the hotel's owner, told Travel+Leisure that she avoided designing the spaces in a "kitschy" nautical theme because she wanted the focus to remain on the lake. Scenic lake views from inside a guest room. 'Everything is in neutral colors, but there are a lot of textures, too. [...] We did a two-tone paint on the walls—it's lighter on the top than the bottom. That line brings your eye to the lake even more," Olsen explained. As an ode to her late husband, who was an artist, she decorated the hotel's public spaces with original art and plans to host artist exhibits. Cabana Anna's, the hotel's all-day restaurant, is named after Olsen's late grandmother and focuses on healthy coastal fare with local influences. 'She lived to be 104 and was the maid of honor in my wedding when she was 100,' Olsen said. "I started to put all of those Blue Zone principles in the hotel in honor of my grandma.' The Shoreline also provides access to a 32-slip marina for guests arriving by boat. 'Some of the slips are seasonal rentals, and the rest are open for boat-up traffic for the restaurant and overnight parking for hotel guests,' Olsen said. 'I want people to feel comfortable coming in off their boat for happy hour or getting ceviche and sitting on the beach.' While Minnesota is renowned for its lakes and many lakefront cabins, this is the only hotel on a lake within the Twin Cities metro area. 'We're 25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. I think there will be a lot of people who come here as a staycation," Olsen added. Lounge chairs and couches on the hotel deck. The Shoreline has partnered with professional wakeboarder and Minnesota native Alexa Score, who will teach classes on-site. Guests can also rent out paddleboards, kayaks, and e-bikes. Nightly rates at The Shoreline Hotel start from $299, and you can book your stay at
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Heard of Blue Zones Habits? Here's how they can help you live longer
Longevity as a concept is not linear, and many parts of the world see shorter lifespans than others. While a lot of it is due to the environment, and genetics as well (cleaner air, uneven terrain requiring heavy lifting/walking etc), sometimes, people of that region just manage to follow a much more healthy lifestyle than others. The Blue Zones in particular refers to regions around the world where people roughly live for 100 years or more... Let's dig deeper... Where are the blue zones? Blue Zones include regions like Okinawa, Japan: Known for its high number of centenarians, particularly women. Sardinia, Italy: Home to the world's highest concentration of male centenarians. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Where residents have a low risk of midlife mortality. Ikaria, Greece: An island with remarkably low rates of dementia and chronic diseases. Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists): A community with a high percentage of vegetarians who live about a decade longer than other Americans. Do their habits set them apart? Researchers have found that despite being in different parts of the world, people in Blue Zones share several key lifestyle habits that are common to them. And, the best news is that despite environmental differences, these habits are relatively easier to adopt, for anyone sitting anywhere is the world. Here they are... Move more Blue Zones people, while not gym freaks, are constantly moving as part of their daily routines. They garden, walk to visit friends, and do manual labor, naturally incorporating physical activity into their lives. Purpose ( Ikigai or Plan de Vida) Originally a Japanese concept, Ikigai refers to your sense of purpose. People in Blue Zones have a strong sense of why they wake up in the morning. This sense of purpose can add up to seven years to your life expectancy. Managing stress Stress is a part of life, but how you manage it matters. People in Blue Zones have daily routines to relieve stress, such as prayer, meditation, or afternoon naps. 80% food Rule Okinawans follow the "hara hachi bu" rule, which means they stop eating when they are 80% full. Eating less helps to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight. This is something that can be cultivated over a period of time, and eventually your stomach will start rejecting food when it is almost full. Plant based diet Beans, greens, and whole grains are cornerstones of most Blue Zone diets. They primarily eat plant-based foods and consume meat sparingly, if at all. Putting family first Blue Zones prioritize family. They keep aging parents and grandparents nearby or in their homes, commit to a life partner, and invest in their children. These close relationships provide social support and a sense of belonging. Applying Blue Zones Habits to Your Life You don't have to move to a Blue Zone to adopt these life-extending habits. Here are some ideas: Find activities you enjoy that keep you moving. Reflect on your purpose and find meaningful ways to contribute. Practice stress-reducing techniques. Eat a mostly plant-based diet and avoid overeating. Nurture your relationships with family and friends. Consider joining a community that aligns with your values.
National Geographic
29-03-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
What is longevity travel and where to go to experience it
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Longevity travel is one of the biggest trends of the year, as people worldwide become ever more fascinated with living a longer, fuller life. Many are spending significant sums, investing in state-of-the-art tests and biohacking treatments that claim to help you extend your lifespan. But what if you could live to 100 and still enjoy good health without the intervention of science or tech? Deep in the south of Japan, miles away from the mainland, lies the subtropical island of Okinawa. A slow-paced paradise hugged by pristine beaches, it's home to a community of islanders that can teach us a thing or two about living well. Okinawa is one of the five original 'Blue Zone' destinations, a handful of places where people live the longest and healthiest lives. The others are the tiny Aegean Island of Ikaria, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, the Southern Californian community of Loma Linda and Sardinia's mountainous eastern provinces. Researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain were the first people to suggest the idea of a Blue Zone, but it was Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Explorer, who took the concept forward in the early 2000s. Conducting years of research into these areas, Dan found there's no single answer for longevity; rather, it's influenced by several lifestyle factors, all of which combine in the five Blue Zones. He observed that here, people don't necessarily spend money on gym memberships and superfood smoothies. Rather, they move their bodies naturally, regularly participating in low-intensity activities such as walking and gardening and eating seasonal, plant-based foods. Crucial, too, is prioritising time with friends and family, making sure to sit back, relax and enjoy life — and even enjoy a glass of wine or two. Sardinia was one of the original Blue Zones. Photograph by Francesco Riccardo Iacomino, Getty Images It's an inspiring combination, and one that led Dan to work alongside wellness expert Céline Vadam in creating several health retreats across the globe, from Costa Rica to Thailand. These world-class wellness centres teach travellers about the Blue Zone lifestyle, encouraging them to slow down, focus on their health and swap old habits for new ones. 'The retreats show guests that having a healthy, longevity-driven lifestyle doesn't have to be complicated, expensive or difficult to set up or integrate,' says Céline. 'No matter our current situation and environment, there are things that we can do to help improve our overall wellbeing.' Each retreat reflects the culture of the host location, and guests are thrown into a variety of educational workshops and cooking classes, as well as movement and mindfulness sessions. This combines with visits to local villages, where travellers can witness life in the Blue Zones first-hand, interacting with people to whom living well comes as naturally as breathing. Céline has recently hosted the organisation's first retreat of the year, at the beachside resort of Andaz Costa Rica on the Papagayo Peninsula. While there, visitors participated in extensive discussions on ways to improve health and happiness, such as nurturing relationships and making friends as adults, as well as breathwork ceremonies and slow forest strolls. This sojourn will soon be followed by a retreat in Koh Samui in May and another in Okinawa in October. As well as gathering Blue Zone wisdom, the retreats are a great chance to connect with like-minded people and inspire each other, says Céline. 'I love watching attendees open up and grow a little more each day,' she adds. Learn from the locals Retreats aside, travellers can curate their own explorative trips to the Blue Zone regions. Incorporating a few days in Okinawa while adventuring around Japan, for example, will reveal a place where people are living long lives, and where rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease and dementia are impressively low. Diet plays a huge role in the longevity of its residents. Most meals in Okinawa are made up largely of vegetables, with one in particular — the beni imo (Okinawan purple sweet potato) — playing a starring role. This unassuming vegetable is packed with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which give it its vibrant colour. And it's readily available on the island. 'You'll find purple-coloured everything in Okinawa. Those potatoes are put in stews, in desserts, in ice creams,' says Jo Davey, who wrote Bradt's guidebook to Okinawa & Japan's Southwest Islands and has travelled the area in depth. She adds that her favourite way to consume it is in sata andagi (traditional Okinawan doughnut), which can be made with beni imo puree. Visitors should be prepared to walk when they're on the island. 'It's sunny a lot of the time so you want to spend time outside,' says Jo, 'and the rail system isn't extensive, so people are reliant on their own two feet rather than public transport.' You may also experience the impressive social support system. Known locally as moai, these are essentially small groups of individuals who share commonalities, hobbies or experiences. They form the backbone of Okinawan life, contributing to a widespread sense of fulfilment and camaraderie, and leading in turn to longevity. On Ikaria, one in three locals are said to live to 100. Photograph by Odyssey-Images, Alamy Closer to home, another option for a Blue Zone trip takes travellers to the Greek island of Ikaria. Located in the eastern Aegean, about 30 miles off the coast of Turkey, its 8,500 or so residents have some of the longest life expectancies in the world. In fact, it's said one in three Ikarians live past 90. Here, you'll have a chance to disconnect and embrace a slow, mindful pace of life. Most Ikarians don't wear watches and have a unique relationship with time. 'We don't stress,' says Thea Pakiros, who runs a bed and breakfast on the island in the village of Nas. 'Live in the moment — that's the most important thing.' Just like in Okinawa, diet is key to Ikarians' successful living. Food on the island is almost always locally grown, foraged and fresh, and most locals have their own gardens with fruits, vegetables and herbs. Many also make their own wine, which is consumed in moderation. 'A glass or two never hurt anyone,' says Thea, adding: 'We enjoy our wine, but we tend to drink it with food or with company rather than in bars or at home alone.' Ikarians also have a strong sense of community that in turn fosters social connections and support networks. 'We help each other out,' explains Thea. 'If there's a family in trouble, there'll always be fundraisers and parties to raise money.' She notes that it's hard to feel lonely on an island where everyone looks out for each other. If we take one thing away from the Blue Zones, it's that the secret to longevity may be easier than we think. 'Don't try to change your behaviour, change your ecosystem,' advises Dan. 'Eat plant-based foods, travel by foot, prioritise a good night's sleep, keep your mind engaged and, above all, make time for yourself.' By incorporating these things into our lives, it might just be possible for us all to reap the benefits of Blue Zone living, wherever we are. National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click Published in the Spa & Wellness Collection 2025 by(UK).To subscribe to(UK) magazine click here . (Available in select countries only). Unlimited Access for Less Subscribe now and save $10 SUBSCRIBE
