Whether on the cover of National Geographic, Dan Buettner’s famous book, or Netflix’s docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, the world is fascinated with Blue Zones. But what exactly are Blue Zones and why are they so acclaimed for health, happiness, and longevity? Let’s dive into the Blue Zones and discover what makes them so special.

What is a Blue Zone?

The term “Blue Zone” was coined by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer and journalist, while studying some of the world’s healthiest populations. He identified five “zones” around the world that had the most centenarians — those that live past 100 years of age. These areas, which also shared several other characteristics that contributed to a healthy, happy population, became known as Blue Zones.

The five Blue Zones are: Loma Linda, California, Icaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica — that’s right, Florblanca resides in one of the most beautiful Blue Zones in the world!

What Makes the Nicoya Peninsula a Blue Zone?

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is known for its pristine beaches, fresh fruit, and a population of happy, healthy citizens. But like all the other Blue Zones, people who live in the Nicoya Peninsula share a set of specific habits believed to contribute to their health and longevity, they include:

Daily physical activity
Spending time outdoors
Following a healthy, plant-centric diet
Healthy sleep habits
Moderate amounts of wine
Spending time with family, friends, and faith-based communities
Prioritizing leisure time
Having a “plan de vida” or reason to live

In addition to healthy lifestyle habits, citizens of the Nicoya Peninsula enjoy access to excellent healthcare, low pollution, clean, high-mineral-content water, and fresh, farm-to-table foods.

Ready to experience the Blue Zone life?

Want to increase health, happiness, and longevity without moving overseas? Anyone can start incorporating these lifestyle habits to bring a bit of the Blue Zones home. And when you’re ready for a vacation, head to the Nicoya Peninsula to fully immerse yourself in the Blue Zones way of life.

Book your stay with Florblanca — where Blue Zone principles go into nearly everything we offer. From daily yoga classes, fresh local foods, and healing spa treatments to nourish the mind, body, and soul, to an abundance of adventures like hiking, surfing, and ziplining, to encourage physical activity and forging new friendships.

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