Let’s Explore Their Ambitious Promises
When Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina completes construction in 2028, its stunning 122-story tower will be the world’s tallest residential building, featuring luxurious wellness amenities. Residents will have access to exclusive fitness options, from outdoor yoga to swimming in a sky-high pool. But there’s more: this residence promises to enhance longevity with a special “Longevity Floor” that includes crystal sound healing, aimed at reducing stress and improving sleep, and hyperbaric oxygen treatments, which some believe can counteract aging.
A Lifestyle Investment: Luxury Meets Longevity
“You’re not just buying a residence; you’re investing in a lifestyle and longevity,” says Kevin Cavaco, chief marketing officer at Select Group, the building’s developer. The promise of longer life may be a bold pitch, but it’s a recurring theme in high-end wellness retreats and luxurious high-rise communities. These exclusive offerings often combine science-backed wellness with high-tech health options. Yet, despite the allure, science remains uncertain about how much these measures can actually extend life.
The Biohacking Craze: A Growing Trend Among the Wealthy
Fitness expert Harley Pasternak, who coaches A-list celebrities, has noticed a shift toward biohacking among wealthy tech clients. These individuals are not only interested in fitness but also in specialized treatments—like cold exposure and specific supplements—that claim to impact aging. Pasternak explains, “The fascination with longevity is more intense than I’ve ever seen, especially among tech founders.”
While many experts agree on the basics for a longer life—healthy eating, stress reduction, exercise, and social connections—the wealthy often access more advanced, costly methods. From personalised programs to biomarker testing at retreats like Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, high-end wellness centres offer the wealthy tailored, science-based approaches. But some, like tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, have gone to extremes, investing millions into personal health routines that he claims reduce his “biological age.”
The Allure of High-Tech Longevity Clubs
Luxury clubs and retreats are now integrating advanced technology into their wellness offerings. New York City’s Continuum Club, for instance, combines bio-metric screenings and body composition analysis with AI to track and recommend personalised routines for its members. Yet, as Continuum’s chief revenue officer Tom Wingert points out, whether such high-tech methods can genuinely slow aging is still unknown. “Real longevity data takes decades to gather,” Wingert cautions, adding, “our approach focuses on maximising quality of life now.”
Nature and Connection: The Non-Tech Longevity Retreats
Not every longevity retreat relies on cutting-edge technology. At Mii amo in Sedona, Arizona, guests are encouraged to reconnect with nature and themselves through experiences like hiking, stargazing, and yoga. These programs emphasize mindfulness, movement, and community, with an understanding that connection and nature play a role in well-being. Mii amo’s CEO, Christian Davies, says the pandemic has made people more conscious of what truly matters.
Redefining Luxury: Wellness as the Ultimate Wealth
Luxury has evolved, moving away from opulence toward experiences that blend culture, health, and time. For instance, Utah’s Powder Mountain, now owned by former Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, will soon offer residents a lifestyle centred around outdoor art and personal health, far from the glamour of traditional resorts. “Today’s luxury isn’t about material wealth,” says Powder’s chief creative officer, Alex Zhang, “It’s about time—time well spent on health and family.”
The Fundamentals of Longevity Remain the Same
While these elite options for extending life are intriguing, trainer Pasternak reminds us that the basics remain essential—and accessible to all. Simple practices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep form the foundation for a healthy life. These fundamental habits are often more effective than costly treatments and are available to everyone, regardless of income.
In a world where exclusive wellness clubs and high-tech treatments promise longer life, the science behind longevity remains simple: prioritising well-being, building connections, and embracing what truly matters. For the ultra-wealthy, these luxurious offerings add allure, yet they remind us that the quest for a longer life may not need to be exclusive after all.