Mediterranean longevity principles inspire Spanish health retreat debuting in January, ZEM Wellness Clinic

ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea is the name of a brand new health and longevity retreat coming to Alicante, Spain, on 7 January 2025.

The concept is backed by a philosophy rooted in the principles of Mediterranean longevity and will consist of a 95-key luxury hotel, a medical-wellness clinic, a 4,000sq m spa, a fitness space and farm-to-table culinary concepts.

Nestled in a sea view location surrounded by centuries-old vegetation, the retreat is claimed to be poised to become a premium health destination dedicated to longevity, holistic wellbeing and high-end medical wellness.

The destination will be a competitor to the world-established SHA Wellness health destination, located a 25-minute drive away.

The new operation is being spearheaded by CEO Franck De Weerdt, hospitality industry veteran and former corporate hotel director at SHA Wellness' Alicante flagship.

Spa and fitness

A marble-clad spa with 40 treatment rooms, named ZEMness, will sit at the heart of the retreat and offer an extensive range of wellness amenities.

Designed as a Mediterranean wellness oasis, the spa will be crafted with natural materials and enhanced by subtle lighting and soothing ambient music for an immersive yet tranquil experience.

Guests will be able to unwind in three different saunas (biosauna, infrared and Finnish), a hammam, steamroom, ice room, snow room and a Rasul mud chamber. Other highlights will include a Himalayan salt cabin, sensory and seasonal showers, a hydrojet pool and various warm, plunge and Watsu pools.

The spa will offer an array of traditional treatments – massages, facials, mud therapies and body treatments – alongside modern wellness technology, including mind-body solutions from Gharieni Group-owned Metawell and hyperbaric oxygen therapy facilities. Meanwhile, a beauty salon and barbershop will provide hair and nail services.

ZEMness has opted to work with two Italy-based spa and wellness equipment suppliers, Lemi Group and Nilo, to kit out treatment rooms both in its spa area and medical-wellness clinic.

The spa will be complemented by ZEM’s fitness centre offering comprehensive facilities including TRX, functional and cardio training, a Pilates studio, sports rehabilitation, personal training and post-surgical recovery. Yoga and mindfulness classes will round out the holistic fitness offerings.

Medical wellnessZEM’s medical-wellness clinic will offer more than 400 treatments, powered by advanced medical technology and led by specialists from diverse fields, including cardiology, dermoesthetics, nutrition, dentistry, regenerative medicine, pain management and more.

The clinic will operate with an integrative health approach combining personalised medical programmes and preventative medicine with tailored treatments.

Guests will be able to choose between six wellness retreats, divided into two categories: Longevity – promoting a longer, healthier life, and Balance & Vitality – focused on weight control, detoxification and stress management.

Retreats on offer will include Pro-ageing, Immune Revitalisation, Rejuvenating/Aesthetics, Weight Management, Detox and Weight Management and Detox.

Each programme will be able to be complemented by ‘Boosts’ – six mini protocols targeting a range of health concerns, such as sexual wellbeing, sleep and hair loss.

Healthful nutrition

In line with the Mediterranean longevity philosophy, nutrition will be a cornerstone of ZEM’s wellness approach.

Guests will enjoy customised meal plans rooted in the Mediterranean Diet, using fresh ingredients from the destination’s organic farm, Finca Althaya. The farm, which produces over 60 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs, will supply ZEM’s restaurant, offering a menu centred around locally sourced organic food.

Beyond wellness, ZEM will also offer private lounge areas, a cinema, a cookery school and three heated swimming pools. Guests will also be able to engage in workshops, activities and group classes to enhance their personal growth and expand their wellness knowledge.