Life in the Blue Zone

We know that the grass isn't always greener on the other side, but that doesn't mean we can't learn and adapt it to our way of life. A study by National Geographic has identified the five global hot spots where life expectancy, and indeed quality of life, are at their highest. In these distinctive corners of the globe, longevity and health are consistently better than the global average.

Ever curious by nature, we couldn't help but wonder what makes these locations so special. Now we'd like to share the secrets with you. By travelling to these global hot spots and meeting the individuals who have defied the ageing process, we can learn invaluable lessons to take home and adapt to our everyday lives. Naturally we'll show you the best of each destination along the way, and it is no coincidence that these hot spots are located in some of the most beautiful natural settings imaginable.

We've carefully crafted experiences in each of the 'Blue Zones' that will drill down into the key elements of each place, including the history, cultural and physical landscape, climate, diet, and other factors that contribute to the physical and mental health of their inhabitants. Before heading off we'll introduce you to the brains behind this research, to put what you are about to experience into context. You'll spend time with local people, immersing yourself in their way of life, encompassing everything from the food they consume to the work and leisure activities they undertake, and even the social interactions they engage in. Then if you'd like to take things to the next step, we'll enlist the help of an expert to craft a plan for integrating these factors into your way of life at home. The Blue Zone experience can take place in any of the following five locations:

• Ikaria, an island in the Aegean Sea, Greece
• Okinawa, a sub-tropical island off Japan
• Ogliastra, in the mountainous highlands of Sardinia, Italy
• Loma Linda, in the semi-desert interior of Southern California
• Nicoya Peninsula, on Costa Rica's wild Pacific Coast