In today's Hollywood, the ultimate status symbol isn't a new sports car or a diamond necklace – it's longevity. The quest for a longer, healthier life has become a dominant obsession among A-listers, tech billionaires, and CEOs, sparking a multi-million pound wellness industry built on the promise of slowing down the ageing process.
The Celebrity Biohacking Boom
This cultural shift has gained immense traction, partly fuelled by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, which champions improved life expectancy. Leading the charge in the tech world is Bryan Johnson, the founder of Braintree, the company that acquired Venmo in 2012 and sold to PayPal for $800 million in 2013. Johnson has dedicated his life and fortune to 'biohacking' – his term for systematically slowing his body's ageing.
His influence is so pervasive that the Kardashian-Jenner clan visited his California home during season six of their Hulu series, The Kardashians, to trial his arsenal of wellness gadgets. Kim Kardashian confessed during the encounter that she is 'obsessed with age,' a sentiment echoing throughout Tinseltown.
The Allure and Risks of Luxury Detox Retreats
For those without a personal biohacker, a booming market of luxury wellness retreats offers a taste of the longevity elixir. Establishments worldwide are attracting a celebrity clientele with the potent lure of 'detoxification,' promising to purge the body of alleged toxins for thousands of dollars.
Jessica Alba documented her 2020 stay at The Ranch in Malibu, known for its strict plant-forward diet. Rebel Wilson is a devoted fan of the Mayrlife Medical Retreat in Austria, while others flock to Buchinger Wilhelmi, which promotes therapeutic fasting to combat illness.
However, this pursuit of wellness is not without its perils. In a stark warning, personal trainer Melissa Revell, 35, is suing The Yoga People International Ltd for over $260,000. She claims a 'self-exploration' drill at a 2019 yoga retreat in India triggered a life-altering emotional breakdown.
In another alarming incident, Kristin Chu Smart sued the Canyon Ranch spa for $1 million in 2019 after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction to a burger containing cashews, despite informing staff of a serious nut allergy.
Doctors Weigh In: The Verdict on 'Detox'
With such high stakes, medical experts have provided exclusive insights to the Daily Mail on whether these retreats deliver genuine health benefits. One popular destination is California's We Care Spa, set on a 20-acre property, where guests pay between $1,525 and $4,699 for a programme centred on a liquid diet, colonics, and infrared sauna sessions. Past clients include Lisa Rinna, Liv Tyler, and Sonja Morgan.
Yet, according to New York City-based board-certified internist Dr. Michael Aziz, the core premise is scientifically flawed. 'There is no scientific evidence than any measures at a spa can detox the body,' he stated. 'The body can detoxify by the liver, kidneys, and sweating. The term detox is often a marketing term with limited scientific evidence.'
Dr. Aziz recommends a more straightforward approach: 'Eating clean, exercise [and] sleep helps the body to the process. A sauna can speed process to get rid of toxins versus sweating... No stay in programme that cost thousand of dollars is needed for that.'
Dr. Lamees Hamdan, an integrative medical doctor who has visited retreats like The Ranch, Mayrlife, and Buchinger Wilhelmi, offers a different perspective. She highlights the value of the medical supervision provided at some establishments, which helps ensure safety during intensive practices like fasting.
Ultimately, Dr. Hamdan views these retreats as more beneficial for mental, rather than physical, rejuvenation. 'Generally, with these spas, I would say that I see them more as good for your mood and your mental health,' she explained. The key benefit is the forced 'disconnect' from digital devices, allowing guests to focus inward.
For those unable to afford a luxury retreat, Dr. Hamdan suggests creating a similar experience at home by visiting a local sauna, taking Epsom salt baths, or trying hot yoga. The crucial element is dedicating uninterrupted time to unwind and unplug. As she notes, 'Part of the reason these spas are so regenerating for you, both mentally and physically, is because you've given it five to seven days.'
