Villa Eden Is Proof That A Luxury Longevity Retreat Needn’t Sacrifice Comfort

As the electric bed lowers and ice water engulfs my body, I catch my breath. Eight minutes submerged in freezing temperatures sounds fine until you are lying in it, limbs bitter, heart pounding, icy veined, wondering if begging the beauty therapist to pull you out early is embarrassing. ZeroBody Cryotherapy treatment supposedly reduces muscle pain, stress and stimulates the metabolism and immune system. I focus on that, shivering, until I emerge red-limbed, hoping if I am not thinner I might live longer as a result.

Longevity is a buzz word in health as celebrities and crypto-billionaires clamour to try ever more outrageous treatments in pursuit of everlasting youth. Established in 1982 by current owner Angelika Schmid’s father, Villa Eden is one of the world’s oldest and most exclusive longevity centres. But it takes a less aggressive or dogmatic approach than you might expect, combining sumptuous comfort, delicious nutrition, targeted treatments and tailored programmes to rejuvenate the body at your own pace.

Located in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, served by the tiny Bolzano airport where only specialist SkyAlps flights land, Villa Eden is set amongst the verdant Merino valley mountains that are dotted with vineyards. Skinny cypress trees flourish across the lush gardens along with huge ancient cedars and flowering pink oleander, circled by the towering navy mountains. Overlooking Merino town below us is a crystal blue pool, Finnish sauna and frog pond, from which arises a concerto of ribbits at night.

The property exudes a sense of serenity and health with fresh cut flowers blooming in vases and cut-glass decanters of lemon water all around. The decor is luxurious but comfortable, more private villa than hotel, with only 25 suites. The staff are so like family they know our names from the moment we walk in. Mirrored lounges, plush red-velvet dining rooms and the sweeping veranda where meals are served are filled with tanned vital-looking Italians. (Guests are mostly Italian, Swiss, German, American or British.)

On our first day, my vitals are checked: blood work, gut microbiome and nervous system analysis. My body composition is calculated and an Epigenetic test conducted (by plucking hair roots) before I see medical director Dr Emanuele De Nobili, an expert in preventative, anti-aging and thermal medicine.

Dr Nobili talks me through the results, advising me on minerals lacking in my diet (Copper and Calcium) and vitamin deficiencies (B6, B3 and C). Noting my exposure to toxic metals, he creates a bespoke treatment plan. Over two days, alongside ZeroBody Cryotherapy, I take a customised IV drip, try Cellgym (an intermittent hypoxia-hyperoxia system training cells to improve fat burning and stress resistance), and have my body energetically realigned in a treatment similar to reiki.

I also undergo a unique Body Cast treatment to treat localised fat and cellulite. Electric devices are swirled over my back and stomach, elevating my body’s internal temperature and boosting my metabolism before I am wrapped in a slimming occlusive wrap, which then hardens. When I am cut out, I emerge feeling slender, though I ruin this at dinner where it’s hard to resist the delicious home-made pasta. Unlike stricter weight-loss clinics, Villa Eden offers nutritious and indulgent options alike (including wine).

The clinic’s holistic approach extends to cosmetic treatments. A VisioFace 1000D analysis allows the clinic to tailor specific products to my skin for a rejuvenating facial focusing on hydration and cellular repair. It leaves me glowing. Every therapist I see is a deeply knowledgeable practitioner in their specialism. Feeling in such safe hands, I opt for my first Botox treatment, too, grateful for an extremely experienced doctor who thoughtfully leads me through the treatment and promotes a natural look.

The sky’s the limit at Villa Eden. The clinic offers high-tech options including Ultherapy, IPL, Morpheus 8 and thread lifting, as well as consultation and aftercare for full surgical cosmetic treatments in a nearby private clinic.

I leave happier, glowing and rejuvenated – inside and out.  

C&TH Key Notes

 – Drink to order: Pinot Grigio Castel Rametz from the local estate.

 – Treatment to book: Body cast, a remodelling, slimming treatment for localised cellulite and adiposity.

– The dish to ask for: Saddle of lamb with white asparagus.

 – Room to request: Carla Fendi’s favourite room, number 228, features a vast semi-circular balcony with 180-degree views of vineyard-covered mountains and the hotel’s lush grounds.

 – Must-do: Visit the estate’s winery at 13th century Rametz Castle on the hill above Merano for tastings, museum and wine cellar tours.

 – When to go: Early summer before the August heat.

The Last Word

Villa Eden offers the ultimate luxury longevity retreat with sumptuous comfort, delicious and nutritious gastronomy, breathtaking scenery and a soft holistic approach to wellness with wide-ranging appeal.

Book It

Suites at Villa Eden start from €750 per night, including breakfast, a consultation with Dr. Emanuele De Nobili and the VisioFace 1000D scan. Three-day Health Programmes start from €1,750 and seven-day Health Programmes from €2,950, both on a half board basis. Book at villa-eden.com 

SkyAlps flies from London Gatwick to Bolzano year-round. skyalps.com