Ageless escapes for seniors: stay healthy on luxe longevity retreat at Portugal’s Bluceira resort

The fun of travelling the globe can be diminished as a senior when bones ache, eyesight is poor and an afternoon nanna nap is obligatory. But here’s how to ditch the backpack for a luxe longevity retreat.

An aerial view of Bluceira Longevity Retreat designed specifically for senior travellers. Picture: Contributed

First there was backpacking, then cruising, then AirBNBs and now a new wave of international travel is targeting the ageing.

“Innovative longevity retreats” for older adults is the latest holiday craze gripping Europe.

Type that into Google and you will find one of the newest luxury “innovative longevity retreats” on the market.

Bluceira, which is targeting well-heeled, cashed up older Aussies, offers a unique approach to a holiday for older travellers who want the fun but need to also be pampered.

Tucked away in fields above the beach in Ericeira, Portugal, Bluceira opened this month, with its sole focus on improving the quality of holidays for seniors.

One of the pools at Bluceira which overlooks the Portuguese coastline. Picture: Contributed

Inspired by active adventures, exercise, at a slower pace with a focus on healthy fresh food with good quality wine, and the picturesque beauty of Ericeira, Bluceira is for those who are interested in longevity and eager to age better.

Professional coaches lead daily physical activity sessions to enhance mobility, flexibility, balance, and muscle strengthening, while private chefs prepare all the meals, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For those who still yearn for the adventure and fun of exploring new parts of the globe but struggle with health issues and want to adhere to diets for medical reasons, this is for you.

Longevity retreats are designed to ensure your health needs are met but not at the expense of a luxe overseas holiday.

The coastal village of Ericeira in Portugal is known for its fresh seafood and fish. Picture: Contributed

Along with the Portugal retreat, luxe longevity holidays are available in the Algarve; on the Lofoten Islands north of the Arctic Circle in Norway; in Tokyo and also in the US.

There are five hotspots around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives – Loma Linda on the US west coast; Nicoya in Costa Rica; Sardinia in Italy; Icaria in Greece and Okinawa in Japan.

Ericeira, a charming coastal town in Portugal, is known for its surfing and yoga communities but also for its picturesque fishing harbour, historic town centre, stunning cliffs, and vibrant blend of local and international cultures.

Owners Antonie Debuse and long-time school friend Amelie Roujou De Boubee joined the global trend and set up their venture in Portugal after watching loved ones navigate the challenges of ageing, and being disappointed that travelling overseas posed a range of complexities and was prohibitive.

Ms Debuse, whose husband Tom, is from Brisbane, speaks a number of languages and is prepared for Australian travellers and their many requests.

School friends and hosts of the Bluceira Longevity retreat in Portugal which is designed especially for seniors. Pictures: Contributed

“We’ve committed ourselves to creating a community and offering longevity getaways for senior people as part of this global lifestyle trend,” Ms Debuse said.

“We host our guests at Bluceira for a three-week holistic retreat which is for those who want to feel good in both body and soul but not miss out on travel to exotic places such as Ericeira.

“Ericeira is safe but also rich in Portuguese heritage and our programs are tailored to boost vitality and wellbeing as part of your holiday.

“We concentrate on providing healthy nutrition because we know it preserves our long-term health and wellbeing as well as maintaining vitality, slowing cognitive decline, and preventing muscle and bone mass loss

“You won’t find a specific diet at Bluceira, but we listen to everyone’s special requirements. All our meals are fresh, mainly locally sourced and it is very easy to get fresh fish, seafood and vegetables in Ericeira.

“There is also an amazing sourdough bread tradition in Portugal – which our guests love.”

Rooms with views across the Portuguese coastline.

The Portuguese retreat has 12 premium double rooms with fantastic views over the ocean. Six are in the villa Quinta Raposeiros and a further six are in the Long Barn which overlooks the pool on the ground floor where there is a unique large outdoor bathroom with shower and bathtub for two rooms.

However, four rooms have indoor private ensuite bathrooms.

Along with two swimming pools, the complex has common spaces, a huge park for walks, and a nice path to get to Sao Lorenço beach.

Morning yoga is conducted in an indoor and outdoor studio overlooking the breathtaking Sao Lorenço beach.

Each studio can accommodate a single person, a couple, or two friends.

They all have central heating and underfloor heating.

Two chefs are onsite to prepare all meals which are made using fresh local produce.

Guests can partake in activities to enhance mobility, flexibility, balance, and strength along with extended outdoor activities to the beach and beautiful surroundings for stand-up paddleboarding, nature walks and exploring the local villages.

All packages include most meals which include a healthy breakfast of fruits, avocados, nuts, eggs, breads, yoghurts, juices, and hot beverages.

Additionally, two private chefs prepare lunch and dinner – a simple, yet convivial dinner for about 20 people.

Once a week, guests are taken on excursions around Ericeira to explore Portugal’s heritage sites, such as Óbidos, Santarém, Évora, the Batalha Monastery, or the Alcobaça Monastery.

Each trip includes a guided tour and some free time to explore and enjoy the surroundings.

For those who want to indulge, in the evenings, guests can unwind with relaxed gatherings, including board games, drinks and once a week a professional speaks about how to enhance the quality of ageing.

Guests can partake in yoga and other activities to enhance wellbeing.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Prices vary but along with 20 nights of accommodation the cost includes most meals, all non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of fine Portuguese wines and beers on some occasions depending on availability.

• To convert from Euro to Australian dollars: 1 Euro = $1.70.

• Double Room: €290/day or approximately $493 a day

• Single Room: €350/day or approximately $595 a day

Activities: Access to all planned activities and events led by artists and professionals.

Guided Visits: Three guided visits included (Alentejo, Ribatejo, Leiria district), with full lunch on site.

Physical Activities: Five morning sessions a week, with dedicated practitioners.

Transport: Transfers to Ericeira village and for the guided visits.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Travel: Plane or rail tickets, airport transfers.

Insurance: Travel insurance.

Day off Meals: once a week

Extras: Massages, personal training, any health-related expenses on-site, alcoholic drinks with meals

DETAILS: [e-mail]

Originally published as Ageless escapes for seniors: stay healthy on luxe longevity retreat at Portugal’s Bluceira resort