Health Update: 11 Medi-Spas To Book For A Wellness Reset – What Experts Say

Where: This luxury wellness and longevity clinic, which opened a year ago, can be found on the outskirts of Altea, a picturesque town on Spain’s Costa Blanca in the Alicante province. It nestles among pine forests at the foot of the Sierra de Bernia mountains with sweeping views of the Med.

The Philosophy: Here, the focus is on longevity, whereby pioneering medical science, ancient wisdom and cutting-edge technology come together to help guests improve their lifespan and quality of life. Based on the principles of prevention, regeneration and vitality enhancement, its vision is that living to 120 is possible if we live in full physical, mental and spiritual health. Throughout their stay (anything from three days to 21), guests are invited to cultivate a more mindful lifestyle to achieve their health and wellbeing goals. Another cornerstone of ZEM’s philosophy is deeply rooted in the power of nutrition, and all meals are based on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet and made with organically grown food from their own farm, Finca Althaya.

What To Expect: Arriving in the grand gold and cream lobby does not feel in the slightest like arriving at a health clinic – the vibe is elegant, more like a luxe five-star hotel. You are immediately introduced to your ZEM Master who shows you round the property, explains what to expect from your visit and gives you your schedule for your stay. Your first day is spent mostly at the clinic itself where you get an advanced 3-D electrocardiogram; a body scan that analyses all the lesions, moles and freckles on your skin (some of which can be looked at in more detail if they look worrying); a facial scan that looks at any problem areas like sun damage; and consultations with a doctor and a nutritionist. A personalised diet plan is then devised and can range from Detox (600 calories per day), Rejuvenation (rich in pre- and probiotics and fermented foods), Reset (anti-inflammatory, gluten free and 1,400 calories per day) to the Essential (the most flexible at roughly 2,000 calories a day). On the second morning, a visit to the gym is on the timetable – here, you are put through a series of fitness assessments to test your cardio, strength and mobility. Next up, the spectacular spa which has over 40 treatment rooms and a vast range of therapies to choose from. For total relaxation, we recommend the Quartz Massage where you lie immersed in a bed of hot granular quartz and get gently massaged with pindas (herbal compresses) and oils to the sound of singing bowls. The more techie therapies are worth a try too, such as the Metawell Triple Detox – this is a contact-free treatment during which infrared rays gradually raise your body temperature to accelerate detoxification, boost metabolism and alleviate inflammation and pain; plasma therapy works through the skin and inhalation to reduce stress and increase energy levels; and finally, light therapy enhances skin rejuvenation.

Need To Know: When it comes to the accommodation, you’d never know you were staying at a medi-spa – the 95 rooms and suites are large and elegant, with cream furniture and huge balconies, so it’s perfect if you are travelling with someone who wants to enjoy a break without using the clinic. Whichever meal plan you are on, the food at restaurant Salvia is mostly Mediterranean, so you can expect fresh, healthy, flavoursome and beautifully presented dishes. Be sure to have some downtime in the spa, a beautiful and peaceful marble sanctuary with a host of facilities including a bio-sauna, hammam, infrared cabin, dry sauna, steam cabin, ice cabin, snow cabin, Himalayan salt cabin and various showers and hydrojet pools. Or you could spend any spare time lying by the stunning outdoor pool or visiting their nearby finca (where they grow 60 different varieties of fruits, vegetables and aromatic herbs that supply the restaurant). There are also cookery lessons and exercise classes on offer, and a hairdresser and beauty salon on site too. 

Getting There: Fly to Alicante, followed by a 50-minute transfer by car.

Visit ZemAltea.com