I tried the European wellness resort for a New Year health kick with sci-fi like saunas and celebrity experts – The Sun

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

At the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel stresses from the outside world feel a million miles away

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?