In the Zone
Glowing from the inside out with an Immunocologie Blue Zones retreat facial
Hello, Gorgeous!
First off, I’m so excited at how many of you popped in yesterday to discuss Sassoon creative director Bomi’s brilliant hair advice! We’re already working on her next Q&A and plan on discussing wiry grey hair and what curly girls should do with their hair.
Meanwhile, let’s discuss transformative spa treatments.
Last week I walked out of the Lotte Palace Hotel (formerly the Helmsley Palace Hotel) glowing. Not the kind of glow you get from artfully applied highlighter, mind you. It was the deep, lit-from-within radiance that comes from an experience that nourishes both your skin and your sense of wellbeing.
The occasion? A Blue Zones Longevity Retreat at ila Only Spa — the UK luxury spa (Cotswolds, baby!) brand’s first and only U.S. outpost, tucked inside the elegant Lotte Palace on Madison Avenue.
If you’re not familiar with it, Blue Zones are the five regions around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. Some years ago National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner identified nine lifestyle principles that these communities share, from moving naturally to managing stress to maintaining strong social connections. And prioritizing self-care in a big way.
The irony is not lost on me. While I’m always telling you to prioritize self-care, to make time for the rituals that replenish you, I’ve been neglecting myself in some ways. So when facialist extraordinaire Aniko asked me during my treatment, “So Rachel, when was your last facial?” I actually had to pause. I couldn’t remember. I still can’t. Thankfully, this was a facial I won’t easily forget.
My customized Immunocologie facial was transformative. Aniko used their signature products including the Vital Ionic Mist (a mineral-rich French Green Clay spray that felt like drinking water for my skin), the warming Lava Mask (it stays heated for up to 40 minutes!), and the Vital Clay Mask with its clever Face Mapping Technology that literally shows you where your skin needs attention. The result? My skin felt deeply nourished and balanced. Is it immodest to say I was radiant?
I also had a chance to chat with Immunocologie founder Karen Ballou about why she created the line. Karen’s approach is refreshingly holistic: instead of aggressive anti-aging interventions, Immunocologie’s earth-based formulations support your skin’s natural immune system and microbiome. It’s skincare that works with your body’s intuitive healing and structure, which is pretty much the beauty equivalent of Blue Zones philosophy.
But the retreat offered so much more to help get you started on your own Blue Zones journey. There was face yoga, breath work, and some relationship building chat. The idea was to find practical ways to incorporate Blue Zones principles into our daily lives. Sadly, while the spa itself is stunning, I didn’t get to indulge in the hyperbaric oxygen chambers or infrared beds. And I really wanted to try out the Aescape massage robot so I could tell you about it.
If this sounds like something you need before the holiday madness hits, here’s the good news: ila Only Spa is offering 20% off the Immunocologie Blue Zones Inspired Facial for retreat guests (email Josh@ilaonlyspa.com to book). Immunocologie is also extending 20% off your purchase with code RETREAT20 through November 30. And mark your calendar: the next Self-Love & Self-Care Retreat happens February 1, 2026 — perfect timing to recover from the holidays and feel radiant heading into Valentine’s Day.
I’ve yet to experience one of the Blue Zones in person, but this was a delightful sneak peek of what the philosophy is all about.
Sometimes the most transformative experiences aren’t about doing more, they’re about slowing down and letting someone else take care of you for a change.
You can check out the full Immunocologie Skincare line here.
When’s the last time you had a facial? Let’s meet in the comments to discuss!
Rachel, Your beauty concierge 💋
Quick note: I included some affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission, but I also throw in stuff I love just because. Prices are current at publish time.
Rachel You are most cordially invited back to the ila only spa to try all the longevity treatments you missed the first time around. So glad you were able to join us on the Blue Zones retreat. See you again soon! The Salmon Sperm facial awaits. Be well!