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Long before Netflix’s bombshell documentary on longevity maverick Bryan Johnson turned your neighbor into an expert on the health of his mitochondria, another wealthy entrepreneur was tinkering around with his own formula for cheating death. Meet Dave Asprey, the “Father of Biohacking.”

In his twenties, Asprey weighed 300 pounds, and his 46-inch waist could barely fit into an XXL T-shirt. Relentlessly long days working in Silicon Valley had left him with brain fog, arthritis and pre-diabetes. Eighteen months of exercising 90 minutes daily on a strict low-fat, low-calorie, plant-centric diet hadn’t worked. “It was not a lack of effort,” Asprey says. “It was a lack of knowledge.” Determined to reclaim his health, he began experimenting, applying many of the same data-based hacks he learned from working in tech to his body. He started tracking and regulating his hormones, diet, sleep, blood sugar, exercise and stress, noting the inflammation he experienced when any one of these key systems was out of sync.

Illustration by Eleanor Shakespeare

Asprey not only lost 100 pounds and cleared his brain fog, he also claims to have reversed his biological age by 20 years and increased his IQ by over 12 points. He went on to create the wildly successful Bulletproof Coffee (a “keto coffee” made with grass-fed butter or ghee and MCT oil that’s designed to increase energy and mental clarity) and is widely credited with coining the term “biohacking” (Asprey’s name is in the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of biohacker).

At its best, biohacking uses technology — as well as simple daily adjustments — to extend longevity and boost performance, health and vitality. (At its worst, biohacking conjures five-day water fasts and pseudo-scientific hacks like penile injections.) Some of the newer therapies involve cycling psychedelics, therapeutic plasma exchange and gene therapy.

Asprey, who is not a medical doctor, is not without legal troubles — or critics. In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent him a warning letter regarding false declarations he made about his supplements’ ability to prevent and treat COVID-19, citing the lack of scientific evidence to support his claims. Asprey was required to cease making such statements and declined to comment on the incident. And his high-fat, low-carb “Bulletproof Diet” has also come under heavy scrutiny. “This diet can help people lose weight initially, but with most of the food coming from fat, it can be challenging to sustain long-term,” says Samantha Lynch, a registered dietitian nutritionist who specializes in integrative and functional nutrition.

Despite these controversies — and his lack of formal medical training — Asprey is still invited to lecture to thousands of doctors at medical conferences. There, he’s not one to tone it down. “I’ve got to get real with people when the doctors won’t,” Asprey says. “You can’t take away my medical license because I don’t have one,” he says.

Today, at 51, the four-time New York Times bestselling author of The Bulletproof Diet and Smarter Not Harder is 200 pounds with 4.8% body fat and an epigenetic age of 31.5 years old, according to a TruDiagnostic test (an at-home blood test that analyzes DNA to determine one’s true biological age). And with his popular podcast, The Human Upgrade, he is determined to share his hard-earned wisdom about health and longevity with the world. “We normalize obesity, metabolic dysfunction, hypertension, diabetes and early aging,” he says. “But we can do better. There are lots of ways to take control of your biology.”

His newest venture, Danger Coffee, is free of neurotoxic mold (a common coffee contaminant, he says) and packed with minerals that our bodies need. Though he stepped down as the CEO of Bulletproof Coffee in 2019, he has founded eight other companies, including Upgrade Labs, a longevity clinic where would-be “super agers” can test-drive many of Asprey’s favorite biohacks. At 40 Years of Zen, a five-day, $16,000 personal development retreat he hosts outside of Seattle, Hollywood celebrities, C-suite execs and professional athletes can sample cutting-edge treatments like neurofeedback, brain mapping and low-dose cyclic ketamine treatments. “Combining ketamine with neurofeedback creates a synergistic effect where the neuroplasticity induced by each method is amplified,” Asprey says.

If the thought of spending five days with electrodes stuck to your head makes you want to swan dive into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, fear not. Asprey’s biohacking blueprint has some core principles that even the most hardcore skeptics can get behind.

Dave Asprey’s Longevity Blueprint

Optimize Sleep

In addition to tracking your sleep and avoiding food within three hours of sleep, he recommends sleeping in total darkness. Cover all blue lights with tape and use blackout curtains with Velcro at the edges. He suggests using dimmers to keep lights at candlelight level. “LEDs take two seconds to scramble the timing system of your brain.”

Balance your Hormones

Asprey is a big believer in bioidentical hormones (Editor’s note: although such plant-based versions are often viewed as safer than traditional synthetic HRT, there is no credible evidence to prove this.) Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can prevent symptoms of hormonal imbalances that kickstart the aging process in men and women and is proven to protect bone and cardiovascular health. “If you supplement with hormones at the right age — and the age varies based on people — there is now so much evidence it reduces all-cause mortality risk,” says Asprey.

Eat with Intention

In general, Asprey advocates eating an organic, whole-foods diet rich in healthy fats (omega-3s) and antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits. Asprey avoids artificial ingredients and seed oils like canola, soybean and corn (high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids). While he doesn’t eschew red meat, he only eats grass-fed steak and favors white rice over brown (brown rice can contain 80% more arsenic than white, according to The National Celiac Organization). Bottom line: “You want to eat foods that nourish you without a lot of toxins,” he says.

Exercise Smarter, not Harder 

Asprey doesn’t push sustained, hardcore workouts as aggressively as one might imagine. Although regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of mortality by strengthening vascular health and lowering systemic inflammation, overexercising can hurt your joints and increase cortisol levels, he says. In his book, Smarter Not Harder, Asprey advises readers to “tap the power of laziness” to exercise in the most mindful, efficient way possible. “You want to have the biomarkers of working out without over-exercising,” he says. He exercises for 20 minutes a week; he claims his two, precisely targeted, 10-minute workouts allow him to build adequate muscle mass and strength while maintaining a solid “VO2 Max” (a cardiovascular biomarker that measures how efficiently your body consumes oxygen during exercise). Supporting his less-is-more approach: Recent research out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that walking just 7,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of premature death by 50-70% in people ages 38 to 50. Interestingly, walking more than 10,000 steps a day did not further reduce the risk.

De-stress and Connect 

“It’s important to learn the skill of chill,” says Asprey. In addition to meditation, breath work and other forms of stress reduction, he also recommends prioritizing relationships. Studies show that social connection improves cardiovascular functioning, reduces susceptibility to inflammation and viral disease, sharpens cognition, reduces depression, lowers stress, and yes, it can even slow biological aging.

“I schedule social time on my calendar just like I schedule work — it’s that important,” Asprey says. He recalls a conversation with Eric Kandel, a neuroscientist and Nobel Prize winner. When asked about the secret to living a long happy life, Kandel said emphatically, “Have a really good [partner].”

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On the heels of Dry January, more and more people are embracing the sober-curious lifestyle in a more permanent way. Whether inspired by the Surgeon General’s recent advisory on alcohol’s harmful impacts or an extension of a New Year’s resolution, everyone adopting the wellness trend agrees on one thing: They feel better without alcohol. The good news? Brands are creating a myriad of delicious options that make it easier and a whole lot more fun to skip the spirits, exploring everything from adaptogens to botanicals and nootropics to enhance your sober-sipping experience. Here are our top picks to swap in for your favorite adult beverages.

Photography provided by Spiritless

Espresso Martini

Spiritless

Known for its fan-favorite Kentucky 74 whiskey alternative, Spiritless’s first-ever pour-and-share mocktail packs a real punch. Made with real brewed coffee, this smooth sip balances bitter and sweet perfectly to deliver the rich, bold flavor you crave in an espresso martini. Plus, it makes happy hour hosting a breeze — simply pair with your favorite vodka for those who aren’t on a sober-curious journey.

Photography provided by Little Saints

Spiced Old Fashioned

Little Saints

Megan Klein founded Miami-based Little Saints for people who — like her — love cocktails, but hate hangovers. To eliminate the need to choose between having fun and feeling good, she worked with an expert food scientist to create nonalcoholic cocktails fueled by mushrooms. The Spiced Old Fashioned is a must-try, mixing notes of fall spice, cloves and orange peel with a flavor reminiscent of a sweet bourbon.

Photography provided by Pari

Modern Mule

Pari

Who doesn’t love a good mule? Pari’s take on the classic drink captures the essence of the sunny-weather sip in a chic can, making it perfect for a casual happy hour or a lakeside picnic. Naturally sweetened with premium agave syrup, the zesty beverage combines ginseng, ginger and citrus to deliver authentic flavor without having to worry about the bad stuff.

Photography provided by Dry Wit

Pippi

Dry Wit

Megan Dayton and Peder Schweigart created Minneapolis-based Dry Wit with wellness — and food pairings — in mind. For wine lovers in need of an alternative to their favorite white, consider the brand’s spunky and effervescent Pippi your delicious new go-to. This drink delivers light, bright flavor with strong acidity, making it the perfect companion for everything from caviar to oysters to tuna salad.

Photography provided by Parch

Desert Margarita

Parch

Inspired by ancient beverages found across Mexico and the American Southwest, Parch’s line of plant-based agave mocktails delivers on feel-good flavor. One standout, the Desert Margarita, is a triple-citrus concoction with notes of tamarind, tangerine and chamomile. The company’s bespoke blend of adaptogens help optimize well-being as you drink, making it simple to take a healthier approach to stress relief and indulgence.

Photography provided by St. Agrestis

Phony Negroni

St. Agrestis

Negroni obsessed? So is the team at St. Agrestis, which is why they developed the Phony Negroni. The Brooklyn, New York, company sources the best herbs, spices, roots, seeds and citruses from around the world to ensure a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful experience with every sip.

Photography provided by De Soi

Spritz Italiano

De Soi

Transport yourself to the Italian seaside with De Soi’s citrus nonalcoholic aperitif. Co-founded by pop superstar Katy Perry, this chic brand swaps out alcohol for feel-good revitalizing adaptogens like L-theanine, lion’s mane and reishi mushroom. Simply pour, unwind and embrace the essence of il dolce far niente — the sweetness of doing nothing.

Photography provided by Athletic Brewing Co.

Emerald Cliffs

Athletic Brewing Co.

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and no celebration is complete without an ice-cold brew. Athletic Brewing’s Emerald Cliffs is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for the sober-curious beer lovers this year. This Irish-style beverage offers a medium-bodied dark profile with aromatic bursts of sweet chocolate and coffee. We’ll raise a glass to that!

Photography provided by Curious Elixirs

Curious No. 3

Curious Elixirs

For fans of classic drinks, look no further than Curious Elixir’s delectable take on a Cucumber Collins. Blending alpine flowers, cucumber, herbs, lemon and ashwagandha extract, Curious No. 3 was meticulously designed to help you unwind and de-stress. Serve over ice or neat — no garnish needed, but a lemon peel wouldn’t hurt.

Photography provided by Three Spirit

Livener

Three Spirit

For many, alcohol is an agent of fun that boosts energy and makes socializing easier. Three Spirit’s Livener is the perfect alternative. This invigorating elixir delivers euphoric feelings thanks to energizing ingredients like guayusa and schisandra berry. A flavorful blend of watermelon, guava and ginger flavors ensure this is one drink you won’t want to put down.

Photography provided by Tilden

Lacewing

Tilden

Founders Mariah Wood and Vanessa Royle created Tilden in 2021 to invigorate an uninspiring mocktail scene. And the duo did just that, nurturing a devoted following for their tasty cocktails that are created without added sugars, gluten or preservatives. Lacewing is a fan-favorite, offering a delicious blend of herbaceous flavors with a bite of Szechsuan pepper and cayenne.

Photography provided by ISH Spirits

G&T

ISH Spirits

Copenhagen-based ISH Spirits creates mindfully authentic classics so you can enjoy your favorite drinks without alcohol and regardless of the occasion — solo or social. This alcohol-free take on a gin and tonic is not only refreshing and delicious, but multi award-winning thanks to the symphony of juniper, quinine, rosemary, coriander and black pepper notes.

Photography provided by The Zero Proof

Cabernet Sauvignon

Saint Viviana

Finding a good substitute for a red wine can be difficult, but Saint Viviana is up to the challenge. The Zero Proof’s full-bodied Cabernet stands apart thanks to a careful process that gently de-alcoholizes wine to preserve the natural essence and complex flavors of the grapes, delivering an authentic sipping experience. Tannin fiends, this one is for you!

Photography provided by Aplós

Calme

Aplós

Designed with relaxation in mind, this botanical slow-sipper was created with functional ingredients to help you find your zen. Calme gently guides you into stress-free evenings thanks to broad-spectrum hemp, which helps to regulate mood and appetite without any psychoactive effects. And unlike alcohol, a top sleep disruptor, it can aid in both falling and staying asleep.

Photography provided by OPTIMIST

Cali Amaro

OPTIMIST

This Los Angeles–based brand’s Cali Amaro is reminiscent of the bitter old-school digestif, but with a contemporary twist. Blending flavors like mandarin orange, pink grapefruit, bay laurel, sage and dandelion root, this tasty indulgence — like all of OPTIMIST’s botanicals — was designed to be mixed just as you would a premium spirit. Pair with tonic over ice, or skip the tonic if you prefer a little zing!

Photography provided by Society De La Rassi

Neue Brut Sparkling

Society De La Rassi

Society De La Rassi offers an unmatched sparkling wine experience for the sophisticated social occasions on your calendar. Using carefully selected Chardonnay vintage grapes to retain the rich aroma and flavor of traditional Brut Champagne, the dealcoholized Neue Brut Sparkling elevates the sober-curious experience. After all, is any celebration complete without a cork pop?

Photography provided by Hiyo

Social Tonic

Hiyo

This California-based company is on a mission to rethink the way the world drinks. Mindfully crafted with adaptogens, nootropics and functional botanicals like L-Theanine and lion’s mane, Hiyo’s social tonics provide a stress-relieving, mood-boosting drink experience. Opt for sweet Peach Mango, bold Blackberry Lemon or go all in on a variety pack to try all four of the delicious flavors.

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In the 16th century, the legendary artist and architect Michelangelo traveled hours from Rome to the village of Fiuggi in search of relief from the pain of chronic kidney stones. For centuries, popes and nobles also made the trip for “the cure;” it’s said that the healing qualities in the water come from rain being enriched as it passes through the roots of the area’s thick chestnut forests. Today, thanks to the recent opening of the luxurious medicinal health retreat Palazzo Fiuggi, wellness pilgrimages to this rural town continue. However, now it’s much easier: The drive from Rome is only an hour. And the accommodations are decidedly more deluxe: The property, an art deco–style villa with 102 rooms and suites, is set on a hilltop within 8.5 acres of private grounds, gardens and woodlands. Although it’s a medical spa staffed with multiple trained doctors, the interiors are palatial. Guests dine in a grand space with a glass ceiling, crystal chandeliers and frescos; long, white marble hallways lead to indoor fountains. And a 4,000-square-foot gym is housed in what was once a majestic ballroom.

Photography by Tyson Sadlo

Before you arrive, consultants discuss your goals. There is no set schedule unless you want one; guests can stay three days or sign up for one of several programs, from detox to medical, where you can opt to get an ultrasound of your organs, try a vitamin infusion or test out the latest cryotherapy machine. Palazzo Fiuggi also offers a popular longevity program, a version of which Oprah Winfrey experienced and wrote about in 2023, calling it the “best wellness retreat of her life.”

As a working mother of three, life for me was consistently challenging. And the last few months of work travel and unhealthy eating — while battling perimenopause — had taken its toll, so I decided to sign up for a four-day detox.

Photography by Tyson Sadlo

Shortly after being escorted to my spacious suite — which featured an attached study, a lavish, king-sized bed covered in ivory Italian linens and a vast marble bathroom with a deep bathtub — I was brought to the ground floor spa reception area. There, the resident doctor administered several tests to assess the state of my health. Although my body mass index, or B.M.I., was standard, my body fat percentage was slightly above average for my age, putting me at risk.

To alleviate the stress caused by my less-than-perfect results, the doctor sent me to soak in three mineral-and-salt-enriched pools within a light-filled room composed of floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The spa recommends that guests spend 30 minutes here daily to calm their nerves and help boost their immune system.

Photography by Tyson Sadlo

My recommended daily calorie intake was about 1,800 calories but they told me I would temporarily be put on a 1,500-calorie diet to jumpstart weight loss. Fortunately, with the three Michelin–star chef Heinz Beck (based in Rome at the legendary La Pergola) curating the healthy menus at Palazzo Fiuggi, I didn’t suffer any sense of deprivation. With rare extra time on his hands during the COVID epidemic, Beck tells me he spent days working with the property’s lead doctor, Professor David Della Morte Canosci, to devise recipes that combined all the necessary nutrients with Michelin-star flavors — and little to no unhealthy fats. For breakfast, I ate porridge with honey and blueberry jam and yogurt topped with wild berries. At lunch, I nibbled on a beautifully spiced grilled cauliflower and pumpkin gnocchi with spinach cream or roasted artichokes and zucchini followed by a flavorful minestrone soup. Dinner was a wholesome but savory affair: a filet of sea bass served with carrots and parsnip or amberjack sashimi on a curried red quinoa. “Over several months, I created over 900 recipes for Palazzo Fiuggi,” Beck tells me, adding that he has long been interested in how certain foods can combat inflammation and disease. “My computer is not just filled with recipes but also the latest scientific research.”

Photography provided by Palazzo Fuigi

Every day, I took at least two movement classes. After just 20 minutes on the Icaros Virtual Reality machine — a high-tech device that worked muscles I didn’t even know I had — I felt like I had completed an Ironman marathon. During my stay at the Palazzo, I slept hard, averaging 10 hours a night. My days were filled with pampering treatments, including a lifting facial massage that I swear took years off my face. I spent several tranquil hours daily relaxing on a comfy lounge chair in the glass-enclosed pool house. But perhaps the most incredible luxury of my four days at Palazzo Fiuggi was that I spoke to virtually no one except the friendly technicians, trainers and servers and only allowed myself to be on my phone for an hour a day. By the time my detox retreat was over, I felt physically and mentally lighter (I had lost three pounds). I was ready — indeed inspired — to return to everyday life, committed to my new and improved wellness routine. The “cure” had worked miracles.

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It’s my mom’s first time in Mexico, and we’re staying at an all-inclusive resort. Admittedly, these types of stays are not typically a very authentic representation of a country’s culture, and my friends know I usually prefer a locally owned boutique hotel. But when the all-inclusive in question is Four Seasons’ first foray into the category, an adults-only resort with just 15 bamboo “tents,” I’m willing to make an exception.

Nothing about Naviva feels like a regular resort. For starters, you’ll chat with a personal concierge before arrival and discuss your interests and goals for your trip. My mom and I wanted to enjoy quality time together, eat well and leave feeling rejuvenated. From there, a custom itinerary is crafted for your stay, although it’s merely a framework and can be adjusted at any time. The Naviva team is always a text away, waiting to respond to any request.

Photography provided by Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort

Upon arrival, crossing an undulating bamboo bridge into jungle paradise, we are greeted with a refreshingly sweet coconut water, walnut and apple concoction served in a gourd. Then, we are whisked off on a buggy for a grounds tour. There’s no need to check in; everyone already knows who you are.

Most travelers come here to rest. Immersing yourself in nature gently invites you to slow down and breathe more deeply. The ocean-view tents come with private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, hammocks and soaking tubs, making it all too easy to melt into a languid stupor wrapped in a light cotton robe made in Oaxaca.

You can relax on the private beach, lounging on a lone curtained daybed while enjoying a steady flow of unlimited beverages — including freshly fermented tepache and my favorite new combo of fresh coconut water mixed with cold brew coffee. Your only companions might be cute little crabs scampering across the sand and chachalaca birds gracefully swooping overhead.

It feels like we have the whole place to ourselves for most of our stay. Summer is the rainy season and, therefore, less busy. It’s hotter and more humid this time of year, and you’ll contend with more mosquitos. But the sunsets are glorious, and Naviva is one of the rare resorts in the region with stunning sunsets year-round, especially from the Copal Cocina fire pit.

It was too sweltering for me to take a Mexican boxing class, but we enjoyed daily meditation, yoga and sound healing classes at Risco Terrace, along with spa treatments (one massage or facial is included with every stay) in elegant bamboo spa pods inspired by the indigenous ceiba tree with laminated arches and panels.

There’s only one restaurant, Copal Cocina, but the unwritten menu is an ever-changing affair, and the restaurant experience feels like stepping into a friend’s kitchen. Chefs prepare seasonal specials for each meal and can deftly accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences. When I seemed less than enthused about the Italian-themed meal on our final night, chef Mike immediately pivoted and suggested cooking something authentically Mexican for my mom and me. I readily agreed, and a few hours later, we were delightfully surprised with a veritable feast of duck carnitas tacos, huitlacoche and rajas poblanos tamales, and a whole snapper served a la talla with red adobo and salsa verde, accompanied by charred baby corn and squash.

The longer you stay, the more personalized each day feels as the Naviva staff gets to know you better. No matter your length of stay, a Temazcal sweat lodge ceremony should not be missed. These communal rituals are offered three times a week because General Manager Eduardo Sampere says he wants to be sure that every guest has a chance to experience the physical detox and spiritual healing.

I close my eyes and am enveloped in warm copal smoke as we begin with a blessing. Our curanderos, Marisela and Manik, lead us in seven rounds of prayer punctuated by baritone conch shell bellows. We pray not only to the four cardinal directions but also to the sky, the Earth and finally, our hearts, for we are part of nature, too. After confirming that nobody is claustrophobic, we stoop to enter the Temazcal dome together.

Whether your eyes are open or closed, pure obsidian darkness surrounds you once the entrance is closed. We have only Marisela’s melodic voice to guide us as she pours water over the hot stones while singing. There are four rounds for the four elements — wind, fire, Earth and water. The door opens to let in air and light between rounds, as hot stones are added to the pit along with different herbal medicines — palo santo, sage and oca roots – for each element. By the end, we are all lying down, struggling to survive the intense heat. When the door finally opens for the last time, and we are able to crawl out to the light, I do feel awakened, like my senses have sharpened. Temazcal is described as being back in Mother Nature’s womb, and I look over to my own mother and give her hand a squeeze, overwhelmed with gratitude for her love and wisdom.

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Unlike traditional hotels, luxury farm stays invite us to participate in nature rather than passively admiring it from a plush suite. Hands-on experiences like harvesting, foraging and animal care allow us to connect more deeply with the wild world and rediscover a more straightforward and fulfilling pace of life.

For wellness enthusiasts, the appeal is obvious. Living on a farm offers daily access to things like hyperlocal produce, fresh eggs, grass-fed meat and clean air — not to mention a deeper connection to nature, which has been proven to increase the production of serotonin, decrease levels of stress hormone cortisol and positively impact the autonomic nervous system.

Imagine meandering through fragrant gardens, riding horses at sunset and dining on meals prepared with ingredients harvested that morning. This elevated farm experience, complete with gourmet cuisine, holistic spa treatments and opulent accommodations, is calling to travelers worldwide. Here are a few of our favorites.

Photography by Gentl & Hyers

Dawn Ranch

Guerneville, California

Located beneath the towering canopy of California’s redwood forests, Dawn Ranch is a rustic-luxe retreat just an hour from the Sonoma Coast. This 86-acre property offers a mix of cabins, cottages, chalets and glamping tents, situated within a historic orchard, providing the perfect setting for outdoorsy activities like kayaking the Russian River or bird watching. Evenings are spent around the communal fire pit, where guests can roast s’mores, savor a glass of Sonoma wine or go full-country, strumming on guitars provided by the resort’s partnership with Fender. For a slower pace, a soak in the property’s redwood hot tubs or a forest bathing session in the Redwoods provide a rejuvenating experience made all the more magical by the rugged-yet-soothing beauty of Northern California’s stunning natural landscape.

Photography provided by Eumelia

Eumelia

Laconia, Greece

This organic farm stay in Greece is as ecologically sound as it is luxurious. For 15 years, it has adhered to permaculture and biodynamic farming principles, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is rooted in sustainability and a meaningful connection to the land. A stay at Eumelia always includes hands-on experiences, such as the Olive Harvest Retreat, where participants pick olives from centuries-old trees and learn about the health benefits of this ancient elixir. For wine lovers, the farm’s vineyards provide a backdrop for tastings and grape-harvesting workshops. Eumelia’s focus on wellness is emphasized through its organic and vegetarian meals, made with ingredients sourced within a kilometer of the dining table. Its eco-houses, designed with bioclimatic principles, offer an ideal resting place after a day of cooking classes, yoga or hiking the majestic Mount Taygetos.

Photography provided by La Donaira

Finca La Donaira

AndalucÍa, Spain

Perched high in the Serranía de Ronda, Finca La Donaira combines the beauty of rural Andalucía with luxury farm living. The estate’s renowned equestrian center features over 80 Lusitano horses, and guests are given riding lessons or guided trail rides through the countryside. Its biodynamic farm produces nearly everything guests consume, and many choose to join daily tours of the estate, learning traditional farming techniques while sampling organic produce. With only nine rooms, the retreat feels intimate. Yoga and pilates classes are held in the open air, and treatments in the wood sauna and hammam induce deep relaxation. Herbal therapies used in the spa are sourced from a medicinal garden boasting more than 350 species of healing plants. Visitors can also experience unique activities like bee-sound meditation or forest bathing with Andalusian donkeys. The farm’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its farming practices and ongoing efforts to preserve local wildlife and rare animal breeds, making La Donaira a standout for eco-conscious travelers.

Photography provided by The Farm at San Benito

The Farm at San Benito

Batangas, Philippines

Anyone who loves farm life but isn’t ready to give up their monthly mani-pedis, facials or acupuncture appointments will find the perfect balance at The Farm at San Benito. This retreat features a kitted-out medical center that caters to guests’ health journeys — whether it’s smoking cessation, sleep support, managing chronic health conditions or a more standard health detox. While high-tech treatments like IV drips, oxygen bars and infrared exposure abound, all guests are encouraged to take time to explore the 5,700-square-foot farm, from which almost all of the ingredients for its farm-to-table meals, herbal compresses and coconut oil–based spa products are sourced. Daily yoga classes, nature walks and mandala flower meditations round out the experience, making for a truly holistic wellness destination in a serene, farm-centric setting.

Photography by Bonnie Pop

Sterrekopje Farm

Franschhoek, South Africa

A masterclass in bucolic luxury nestled in the heart of South Africa’s Franschhoek wine country, this healing farm spans 123 acres of wildflower gardens and regeneratively-grown farmland. The owners created the retreat to help guests shed that persistent call toward productivity in favor of a slower pace of life. Days unfold here leisurely, filled with mindful activities like pottery, stand-up paddling and calming spa treatments. Guests are encouraged to embrace simple pleasures — sipping warm cacao at sunrise, reading in the garden, slipping into a midday nap, journaling by the pool or just watching clouds drift by. Resident animals like donkeys, ducks and pigs make sweet, spontaneous meetings as they wander the farm without agenda, soaking in the peacefulness of their surroundings. At Sterrekopje, each minute of the day seems to expand, making it a sought-after sanctuary for those craving an escape from the frenetic pace of modern life.

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Photography provided by Ayana Villas Bali

Exercise makes me feel better physically, but nothing I try calms my brain, which pinballs from morning to night, catastrophizing the littlest indignities and making lists of all the ways I’m failing as a mother, wife, daughter and career woman. Some days, the self-reproach is so paralyzing that I can barely crawl out of bed. This explains how I ended up taking a vow of silence for 24 hours at Ayana Estate in Bali, Indonesia, some 10,000 miles from home.

I wasn’t trying to “find” myself at an Eat, Pray, Love retreat, per se, but I did time my visit to Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence. The holiday commemorating Isakawarsa, or the Hindu-Balinese New Year, fell on March 11 and 12 last year. Its solemnity is guided by four principles: Amati Geni (no fire or light), Amati Karya (no working), Amati Lelunganan (no traveling), and Amati Lelanguan (no revelry).

Photography provided by Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach

Balinese Hindus take Nyepi seriously. The airport closes, bars and restaurants shutter and lights dim across the island. For 24 hours, locals reflect, meditate and reset — like a Ctrl-Alt-Del for the soul. It’s also a contrast in extremes. Nyepi is preceded by Pengerupukan Day, which sees locals parading through the streets with elaborate ogoh-ogoh, demonic effigies depicting mythological spirits, hoisted onto their shoulders. There are ritualistic cleansing ceremonies, hypnotic dance performances and a whole lot of drum banging. It culminates with celebrations in public squares across the island. Some Balinese walk for miles just to join the festivities, clanging pots and pans along the way. It’s the storm before the calm.

Getting from Minnesota to Bali takes two grueling days. Still, my landing at Ayana Estate is soft: My night butler, Fidi, has a dazzling smile, which he flashes like Vanna White as he shows off the bath he drew in anticipation of my late-night arrival. (The water is cold now, but I am nevertheless charmed by the frangipani petals floating on the surface.)

Photography provided by Saka Museum at Ayana Bali

I was drawn to Ayana for the unveiling of the Saka Museum, a new cultural center on site that offers an immersive introduction to Nyepi and other pillars of Balinese faith and heritage. The collection includes rare books, Tika calendars and 10 masterfully rendered ogoh-ogoh, including a 36-footer — the tallest in Bali.

The property has arranged an opening ceremony for the museum followed by an ogoh-ogoh parade on Pengerupukan Day. To prepare visitors for the experience, cultural archivist Marlowe Bandem reminds everyone what Nyepi forbids: fire, lights, entertainment, ogling ourselves in the mirror or leaving home (in this case, the resort grounds). Talking with friends and family is OK, but no gossip. Some priests and pilgrims also fast for the holiday, but that’s where I draw the line.

Photography provided by Saka Museum at Ayana Bali

“You must abandon your gadgets and Zoom and Google and resist the urge to work,” he says. “The best practice is to make time for yourself and listen to what the universe has to say. Silence is the mirror of the soul. Think about how the past year has been and how you want the coming year to be. Enjoy the serenity. For one day, one hour or 10 minutes — whatever you can do.”

The hotel’s Pengerupukan parade is not as chaotic as Denpasar’s packed streets but still exhilarating. By evening, however, I’m feeling anxious. Crushed with work and worried that tomorrow’s break from technology would put me even further behind, I dreaded being alone with my thoughts.

Nyepi starts promptly at 6 a.m. I set an alarm for 5:45 and check my email one last time before locking my laptop in the villa safe and putting my phone in airplane mode. Usually, I’d listen to music while getting ready, but Bandem’s words were still coursing through my head. I try to focus on the melodic chirping of the birds outside of my villa instead. They’re awfully loud; apparently, they didn’t get the memo about Nyepi.

Photography provided by Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach

My first pursuit on this tech-free day is a sunrise yoga class. The instructor tells us to imagine we’re rocks in a stream, with water flowing all around us. “Don’t push against it — let it wash over you,” he says. This feels like a metaphor I’m meant to hear: We can’t control what happens to us, only how we react to it. Play the hand you’re dealt as best as you can.

I’m feeling so grounded after yoga that I reconsider fasting for a hot second, but one glance at the resort’s array of international breakfast options scuttles that impulse. As I tuck into a South Indian dosa and snake fruit, I think about my body’s relationship with food — how I want to indulge in it but mindfully. I also listen closely to the conversations unfolding around me in Chinese, Korean and Australian-accented English; they’re things I might not have noticed when I was absorbed in my phone.

After breakfast, I wrestle a pool noodle in an Aqua Pilates class, join an hour-long thalassotherapy session, wade from one bone-pummeling jet to the next in a series of seawater pools heated to varying temperatures and eat lunch with new friends from Jakarta and Sydney, discussing everything from politics to motherhood. The hardest part of the tech-free experiment is Zenning out during a sound bath meditation. Holding space for my thoughts without the distraction of holding a tree pose feels torturous. I try to focus on my breathing, but a woman near me is panting like a dog. How is she so … intentional? I wonder and listen to her breathing instead. Baby steps.

Photography provided by Ayana Villas Bali

Stargazing on the lanai of my villa that night, hours after Bali had gone black, my head felt more clear, and my heart felt less heavy than it had in months.

The following day, I switch my phone on at 6:01 a.m. and it quickly blows up with 284 unread emails. I text my husband: “I survived!” He replies with a laughing-crying emoji: “Don’t waste a minute getting back online.”

Did Nyepi solve my problems? Of course not. But turning off my phone, even for a trifling 24 hours, helped me power down enough to recharge.

Read this article as it appears in the magazine.

The post Finding Zen at Ayana Estate During the Balinese Celebration of Nyepi appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Photography provided by We Care Spa

I stood, eyes closed, arms at my side, facing the bedroom wall of my spirit coach’s executive suite at the We Care Spa. I was part of a small group who had come for “The Promise” spirit retreat to explore the best of ourselves; to meet the spirit guides we were “assigned at birth.” Or so Aja Daashuur, our spirit coach, said.

We were also going on a cleanse. A deep cleanse. For six nights, I would be fasting, embracing a completely liquid diet, daily colonics and a regimen of alkaline water, nutritional supplements, specially designed therapeutic teas and powdered plant concentrates made into juices. Ingredients such as organic psyllium husk and seed, enzyme powder, alfalfa leaf extract, barley grass juice, gingko leaf powder, chlorophyll, dulse, spinach and oat straw powder — to name just a few — aim to enhance detoxification.

Yes, I signed up for this.

There is no better place to take this inner journey as the landscape mirrored the austere inner dive we would take. We Care is an oasis in the hardscrabble landscape of Desert Hot Springs, a small town not far from Palm Springs, California, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. The last five miles to the spa wind past a sea of towering windmills with views of the distant mountains. Through the exclusive mechanized gates is a large Buddha, its towering, complacent visage a prelude of what was to come.

Here, wandering is encouraged. Paths zigzag through the grounds, leading guests to floating beds, an installation that mimics the gentle rocking of being in the womb and helps encourage relaxation and lymphatic drainage; secluded jacuzzis; or maybe a small adobe sauna with a perfect stack of towels just outside the door.

Solitude is made easy, and socializing is born through the shared experience. Just as any ascetic will tell you, fasting and spiritual deep dives go hand in hand. I’m pretty sure no one has ever had an epiphany after dining on filet mignon.

After a few days of getting used to my austere regimen, I went to Aja’s room for my private consultation. A petite African-American woman wearing a kerchief around her dreadlocks, she had been guiding us on vision quests for the last few days. But this time I would be cleansed of negative energies. After being led through a brief meditation to “connect to my higher self,” we started to get somewhere.

“I’m going to ask you some questions,” she said. “Your body will lean forward to indicate a ‘yes’ and lean backwards to indicate ‘no.’” She then said, “You are wearing a red raincoat.” Obviously, I wasn’t wearing a raincoat.

I stood, waiting. Then, as if gently pushed, I tipped backwards. My legs tensed. I caught myself from falling. That was the sign she was looking for. She could now begin to cleanse my spirit of any negative spiritual hangers-on.

“There’s negative energy connected to your body,” she said.

Tip forward

“There are psychic attacks connected to your body.”

Tip forward

Now, I’m not easily persuaded or impressed. But my body did move on its own. She continued until she had all the negative spirits called out. Then, she walked around me, letting out three loud exhales, as if she was blowing out a fire.

Whoosh. 

Once the cleansing was complete, I felt a bit light-headed; happily drained. I returned to my room and promptly took a nap. My fellow spirit retreaters and I spent the next four days with Aja. They were a mix of archetypes — a California divorcee; the wife of a Russian oligarch; a powerhouse female CEO and her millennial daughter sporting a purple cleopatra haircut; a Hollywood film producer and his younger, blond girlfriend; a Silicon Valley techie recovering from months of sleep deprivation and overwork. All were global travelers seasoned to the ways of shamans and ancient ceremonial rituals. Many had experienced ayahuasca; others had even tried the more potent and trendy psychedelic venom that comes from the Colorado River toad, also known as the Sonoran Desert toad.

They were comfortable with the advantages of being a part of the jet set elite, but they were also hyper-aware of their privilege and were yearning for more than a terry cloth robe and rub down.

They came in search of the authentic. They came to get a deeper look at themselves and to discard bad habits with others.

And they’re not alone. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness tourism industry is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion by 2025. Susana Blenan, the 86-year-old Argentinian matriarch of We Care, embodies the spa’s philosophy. When she started We Care 30 years ago in her home, she was a divorced mother of three trying to cope with stress and poor health. Today, she still teaches classes and is the go-to for many celebrities. In fact, the day I arrived, the two leading “cowboys” of Yellowstone, Rip and Kayce, had just left.

Beyond the plethora of body treatments and services, the spiritual offerings of We Care are what set it apart from any other spa I have ever visited. Working with Aja, we were learning, again, how to trust our intuition. Gut instincts that somehow get intellectualized aside. We’ve heard the stories about the mountain climber who turns from the summit on a cloudless day. Or stories of the lucky ones who decided, last minute, not to board the plane on that fateful day. We were aiming for this kind of clarity all the time.

After our sessions, which began with 30-minute meditations that induced visions and, at times, spiritual awakenings, we wandered through the grounds in a post-hypnotic stupor trying to decode what we experienced. Did I imagine that I saw myself at 11 years old? Who was that man I followed in the jungle? Retreating to someplace exclusive and special with strangers on a shared mission encourages us to confront the big questions together: What am I doing here? What really matters?

After our retreat was over, a few of us gathered to exchange emails and phone numbers. We had all experienced something that filled us with hope; joy. We felt like kids again having spent a few weeks away at summer camp. We remembered what we were like before we became adults. Before life became complicated. Just free spirits with dreams, laughs and stories to share. Catching fireflies in the summer night.

The post Go Inside a Transformative Spiritual Journey at We Care Spa appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Take the Plunge

We’re no strangers to the power of a cold plunge moment. And since we tried the Wim Hof Method back in 2021, the wide array of cold water therapy offerings now available have made it even easier to include the viral practice as a part of your daily life. Whether you’re embracing the frigid waters in nature, at a spa or in the comfort of your own shower, cold water therapy encourages critical breathing techniques to aid in the formation of a stronger mind-body connection. Turn on your “I can do this” mode of thinking and splash away.

Sweat it Out

The renaissance of the recreational sauna is here and we couldn’t be more excited. Traditional saunas, infrared sauna therapy as well as communal steam room experiences are no longer just a spa experience, but are popping up everywhere and in all pockets of the world. Watershed in Minneapolis is the perfect destination to get a feeling for each of these rituals and boasts plenty of room for friends. Sweat, relax, repeat.

Photography provided by Whoop

Understand Your Energy

Knowledge is power and having a clear understanding of what exactly is happening inside your body is the key to being your most unstoppable self. Whoop is a sleek wristband technology that tracks your body’s overall exertion and produces daily reports to point you into the right recovery direction. Used by athletes, doctors and performance experts, it’s a game changer in the market of feeling good. Let’s get physical!

Sleep Smarter

Never has early bedtime ever been sexier. Sleep apps like BetterSleep, Calm and the Harvard-backed Stellar Sleep each are ready to aid in making you glow with a suite of unique tools to promote more consistent snooze patterns. BetterSleep has an endless amount of resources including a guide to the color spectrum of sound which breaks down the best approaches to allowing certain sounds to improve your wellbeing. Life hacks are all around us and dreaming sweet is definitely one of them.

Photography provided by Co-Star

Look to the Stars

Feeling a certain way and can’t seem to figure out why? Look up, because there’s most definitely something happening in the stars. Even the most modern skeptic can’t deny how affirming it feels to hear their horoscope detail either something they need to hear or exactly what they’re hoping to hear. Brands like Co-Star make it easy to approach the vast astrological field and aid in deciphering the mystery of human relations through Nasa data, biting truth and a sense of humor.

The post Top Trending Ways to Up Your Wellness Game This Summer appeared first on Artful Living Magazine.

Photography provided by Jasna Burza/Emerald Rue

Let a vision be your guide

From entrepreneurs to politicians to other luminaries, my clients all have a particular vision they can see in their mind’s eye that pushes them forward. Those goals might have a financial component, but quite often, they involve helping others and take a while to build. Successful people see that vision and embody it.

Take risks and embrace the uncertainty

Most people have a deep desire for comfort and an aversion to risk. And yet, to achieve that high level of success, you need to embrace uncertainty. All the people I’ve worked with have taken risks that could have cost them everything, but they felt comfortable doing so because they believe in themselves.

In my book, Healer In Heels, I recount a conversation with Life Time CEO and Chairman Bahram Akradi. During the pandemic, his business suffered unprecedented hardship due to closures. People close to him suggested he walk away from it all, but he refused to because people’s livelihoods were at stake. Was it a risk to keep going? Yes, but it ultimately paid off for not only him but also his employees and his customers.

Be motivated by more than money 

Unsurprisingly, many of us are incentivized by financial rewards, because money and power can be great motivators. But these aren’t going to be the driver that sets you apart. All of the people I’ve observed achieving great milestones have something bigger guiding them, whether that’s legacy or a deep desire to make an impact.

Fail often

That first big failure we experience can be so painful that it deters us from letting anything like that happen ever again. And yet, the most successful people I know fail often and with a great cost to ego, reputation and bottom line. These “failures” build personal tenacity, resilience and a penchant for success. Failures don’t define who we are; they’re simply data along the way and stepping stones to success.

Don’t expect overnight success 

When we observe someone at the top of their game who has put in the work, it’s easy to want to get there right now. But to achieve something great, you have to play the long game. It’s easy to get distracted by shiny objects and instant gratification, but in reality, you need to stay focused and determined for years, if not decades. Many people give up after a while, not knowing that the “overnight” success is just around the corner.

Surround yourself with the right people

High-echelon individuals understand that their network is key, so they invest in their relationships in business and life, surrounding themselves with the right people and creating bonds that are not merely transactional. Our support system can make all the difference in moments of failure and success. We need to find people who draw the best out of us; our quality of life depends on it.

Connect with something bigger

Though they may not always show it, many brilliant people tend to be highly spiritual and embody a sense of awe. Of course, ego plays a role in drive and ambition, but these individuals also feel a profound sense of connectedness with the universe, a higher power or the unexplainable. The whisper of this world reminds them that this game of life is so much bigger than we are. That feeling guides them through hard times, gives them perspective and keeps them grounded.

Stay true to yourself and your values

This is one of the most profound life lessons for me personally, but it’s easier said than done because we’re social creatures who want to fit in. Former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton faced fierce opposition while he was in office, but he believed in the work he was doing and was willing to endure criticism for the good of the people. He told me that a Harry Truman quote solidified that for him: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” Trusting your inner compass might mean that you sometimes have to let others down, which can be very uncomfortable. But staying true to your own values without compromise will make all the difference in making your vision a reality.

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