ZEM Wellness Clinic, Altea


A personal visit to one of Europe's newest and impressive medical wellness retreats. Living better for longer starts here.


I have just returned from my first personal visit to ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea and it has set a very high benchmark for medical wellness in Europe. Set in the hills above Altea with mountains behind and the Mediterranean stretching out ahead, ZEM combines advanced medical diagnostics with a holistic philosophy of health and longevity. But what struck me most is how seamlessly everything works together. This is not simply a spa retreat or a medical clinic. It is a place where you can understand your body properly and begin making meaningful changes.

One of the things I loved most about ZEM is the sense of space. The hotel is light and airy with large open areas and beautiful design throughout. Despite the scale of the facilities it still feels boutique, with just 84 suites. Rooms are large and thoughtfully designed, with stunning sea views, generous bathrooms, dressing areas and extremely comfortable beds with a pillow menu. Everything feels five star but also relaxed and easy to settle into. Outside there are three pools, a lovely outdoor dining area and a peaceful courtyard filled with orange and cypress trees. With the mountain backdrop and Mediterranean sunshine it is an incredibly calming place to spend time.


The nearby town of Altea is charming and well worth visiting during a stay. The old town sits on a hilltop with cobbled streets and a pretty church with its distinctive blue roof at the centre. There are wonderful restaurants and boutique shops, while the coastline offers several pebble beaches with beachfront dining and water sports. Sandy beaches can also be found nearby in Calpe.

The spa at ZEM is one of the most impressive I have seen. There is a large indoor pool along with warm and cold plunges and an extensive thermal circuit that includes a hammam, snow room, salt room, infrared sauna and traditional steam rooms.

The fitness facilities are equally strong with state of the art equipment, personal training, reformer Pilates and yoga studios.

This balance between movement, relaxation and recovery is very much part of the philosophy here.


At the heart of ZEM is the medical clinic. Advanced diagnostics include comprehensive blood testing, body composition scans, metabolic assessments and high resolution imaging. Consultations cover a wide range of specialisms including cardiology, integrative medicine, gynaecology, urology, dentistry, aesthetics and psychology. What impressed me most is that everything is explained clearly and used to create a personal plan. The focus is not just on identifying issues but understanding the root cause and beginning to address them. The doctors are highly knowledgeable and take a progressive, holistic view of health alongside the impressive technology.

Having everything under one roof is incredibly efficient.


One of the highlights of my visit was a tour of ZEM’s organic finca. Around 60% of the ingredients used at the hotel come from this farm, which produces more than 60 varieties of fruit, vegetables and medicinal plants along with olive oil. It is a peaceful and beautiful place with wonderful views and big plans for the future, including expanding production and creating forest based activities such as yoga and meditation in the hills.


The food across the resort reflects this philosophy. Seasonal, Mediterranean and anti inflammatory, with menus tailored to each guest’s programme and dietary needs. Every meal felt nourishing but also genuinely delicious and filling.

ZEM offers a range of wellness programmes depending on your goals. Even the three night Essential programme includes consultations with a nutritionist, metabolic testing, longevity medicine assessments, ECG testing and a combination of spa therapies and wellness treatments. Longer stays allow for deeper analysis and more comprehensive programmes covering detox, weight management, immunity, neuro balance and longevity. Plans can be created before arrival with the doctors, or adjusted once you are there based on your results.


ZEM works surprisingly well for many different travellers. It is ideal for solo guests. The environment is welcoming and supportive and I never once felt uncomfortable travelling alone. Couples also work well here, particularly if one partner wants to follow a wellness programme while the other prefers a more relaxed stay. There are pools, spa facilities, nearby restaurants and the beautiful town of Altea to explore. It is also an excellent option for busy executives, parents needing time to recover and anyone wanting to address specific health concerns.


In reality, most of us could benefit from taking time to properly understand our health and make positive changes.


Wellness by The Travel Concept has secured an exclusive 25% saving on accommodation when booked with a programme at ZEM.

This offer is not available online and must be booked by 31 March for travel during 2026. (if you are reading after this date I am sure we can secure you a good deal).


If you would like to explore whether ZEM could be the right wellness experience for you, I would be delighted to discuss it with you personally.


Tracy x

Easter Skiing? Go High in Tignes & Val d’Isère

By Tracy Felstead • December 4, 2025
Why choose High Altitude at Easter By April, many lower resorts in the Alps are battling slushy afternoons, patchy pistes, and closed valley runs. But Tignes and Val d’Isère form the legendary Espace Killy ski area , where top lifts reach around 3,400–3,450 metres . Thanks to glaciers like the Grande Motte in Tignes and the Pissaillas in Val d’Isère, skiers can still carve crisp turns long after other resorts have packed away their season. More altitude means: Reliable snow cover on upper pistes Longer season , often until early May Cooler temperatures up top , preserving conditions Tignes Altitude advantage : The main villages of Tignes Le Lac and Val Claret sit at about 2,100 metres , higher than most Alpine resorts. Add in the Grande Motte glacier (3,456 m), and you’ve got some of the most dependable snow in Europe. What to expect : Great snow quality in the mornings, even on lower runs. Softening/slush on sunny afternoons down at village level. Superb high-altitude cruising on reds and blues above Val Claret. Family-friendly base with ski-in/ski-out convenience.  If your main priority is snow security , Tignes often edges out Val d’Isère thanks to its higher base.

From Chill Beaches to Bangkok Buzz: Bianca's Thai Adventure

By Tracy Felstead • December 4, 2025
Thailand – The “Land of Smiles” Thailand has come a long way from its days as a well-kept secret among backpackers. Today, it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and welcoming destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Often called the Land of Smiles, Thailand is celebrated not only for its breath taking beauty but also for the warmth and friendliness that greets you everywhere you go. From energetic city streets and unforgettable cuisine to white-sand beaches and jungles thick with tropical greenery, Thailand offers a little bit of everything. And last month, I was lucky enough to return. It had been 16 years since my first visit, but the moment I arrived, I was reminded exactly why this place captured my heart the first time around. Thailand still manages to surprise, delight, and completely draw you in! 

Tracy Explores the Seychelles Island You’ve Probably Never Heard Of…

By Tracy Felstead • August 21, 2025
It might surprise you to know that the Seychelles were completely uninhabited until the late 18th century. With no indigenous population, everyone here has roots from somewhere else Africa, Europe, Asia, and that blend of cultures has created something truly special. Seychellois Creole (Seselwa), a soft, French-based language, is spoken alongside English and French, and this diversity shines through in the islands’ music, dance, food, and everyday warmth. But what really sets Seychelles apart isn’t just the vibrant culture or the picture postcard-perfect beaches, it’s how fiercely this place protects its wild beauty. Nearly half of the entire land area is preserved as national parks or nature reserves, and unlike in other destinations where nature is often curated for aesthetics, here it's left untouched, sea grass is left to grow, coral is allowed to thrive, and wildlife leads the way. You’ll find giant tortoises, rare birds, pristine reefs, and forests you can hike through without fear, no snakes, no poisonous insects, just pure, unspoiled nature. It’s one of the few places where wild still feels safe. Peaceful, stable, and deeply respectful of its land, Seychelles is more than just beautiful, it’s grounded, and it’s real.

Stunning St. Lucia: Tracy’s Travel Notes & Top Tips

By Tracy Felstead • July 5, 2025
It has been over 20 years since my last visit to St. Lucia, a family holiday with my two young sons. Coming back, I was reminded why I loved it so much. The island is stunning, with a real variety of landscapes, friendly locals, and a vibrant culture that blends British, French, and Caribbean influences. It’s not just about the beaches (though they are beautiful). St. Lucia offers everything from volcano visits and rainforest hikes to chocolate-making, rum tastings, and relaxing by the sea. The range of hotels is impressive too, stylish stays in some of the most scenic spots I’ve seen. Whether you're here for a few nights or a full adventure, St. Lucia truly has something for everyone, and it’s even better the second time around.

Fan of "The Durrells"? This is the perfect trip for you!

By Tracy Felstead • June 5, 2025
"Durrells in Corfu" is a captivating British TV series based on Gerald Durrell's trilogy. Set in the Greek island of Corfu, it follows the adventures of the eccentric Durrell family. With stunning scenery and heart warming storylines, this show has captured viewers worldwide. If you haven't watched then I highly recommend the series, but even better why not take a trip there! This month I have been lucky enough to visit Corfu with CV Villas, my trip kicked off with a visit to the Grecotel Corfu Imperial Hotel. A truly stunning hotel nestled on its own private peninsula in Kommeno Bay. It's super chill and secluded but just a quick 20-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of Corfu Town, and even closer to Gouvia and Dassia. The hotel has four Blue Flag beaches - sandy ones mixed with shingle - so you've got options galore for soaking up the sun or trying out some water sports. A pool area that was huge, so ideal for families! Plus, there are five top-notch restaurants on-site. All in all, this 5-star gem offers a classic and elegant style hotel with warm service despite it's size. They also offer everything from rooms for 2 up to huge private villas (with pools) overlooking the bay!

Sailing with Soul: Tracy Explores the Magic of Sea Cloud

By Tracy Felstead • May 15, 2025
There are luxury cruises—and then there's Sea Cloud. I recently had the chance to experience this extraordinary ship, and it was far more than a voyage, it was an adventure. If you're curious about what sets Sea Cloud Cruises apart, I will share the highlights of a journey that exceeded every expectation. The story begins in 1931, when cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post commissioned what was then the largest private sailing yacht in the world. With golden swan-shaped taps, marble fireplaces, and French antiques, Sea Cloud was a floating expression of elegance and ambition. Nearly a century later, that same spirit lives on—both in the original ship and in her graceful sister, Sea Cloud II.

A Guide to Chasing New Horizons in 2025 & beyond

By Tracy Felstead • April 2, 2025
For devoted travellers, there’s nothing more exciting than planning the next adventure. As proud Virtuoso travel advisors, The Travel Concept has access to insider knowledge from Virtuoso’s global network of travel experts and industry contacts. We’ve gathered their top recommendations for on-the-rise, get-there-first destinations that deserve a place on your 2025 or 2026 itinerary. Whether it’s heli-skiing South America’s wild slopes, diving the Technicolor reefs of West Papua, or exploring southern Italy by train, now is the time to start planning. (That 12-casita private island in Zanzibar and 22-passenger Peruvian riverboat won’t stay available for long.) Let this guide inspire your next unforgettable journey.

Fall in Love with France: Find Out Why It Could Be Your Next Escape

By Tracy Felstead • January 24, 2025
France is a country which continues to draw millions of visitor s with its palpable charm, beautiful countryside, coastline, world-renowned cuisine and architecture. There is a treasure trove of destinations worth visiting across France with each region possessing its own unique landscapes and ambience. Whether you want to see the stunning 16th century chateau de Monbazillac in the Dordogne, storing 6000 bottles of wine in its cellars; the vibrant, Provencal lavender fields at the Abbaye de Sénanque; the white wine route running through the Loire Valley; or the rising medieval walls of Carcassonne – the list is endless! Take a look at our recommendations, which include a beach hotel, a touring holiday, and a special interest holiday, all curated by Expressions Holidays, our trusted partner with first-hand expertise of this destination.
A lioness is laying down in the grass and looking at the camera.

Discovering Malaria-Free Lodges with Bianca

By Tracy Felstead • December 17, 2024
Africa – they say it captures your heart, and its so true. I was fortunate enough to visit South Africa on my honeymoon in 2010, which led us to the Kruger National Park and then to Mauritius. Fast forward 14 years, and I had the privilege of returning (while celebrating my wedding anniversary) with my almost-teenager this time! My journey led us to two renowned game reserves: Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa's Northwest province and Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg district. Both offer sightings of the Big Five and a wealth of captivating wildlife experiences. Madikwe Safari Lodge - Lelapa "Lelapa" the Setswana word for "family," warmly invites you and your loved ones to enjoy the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and promises an experience designed for the whole family. The accommodation is ideal with a spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom, along with a separate cosy sleeping area for children. Our ranger, Byron, was exceptional with our daughter, sharing fascinating bush facts that greatly enriched her experience. The camp's relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere and exceptional service make you feel at ease while being surrounded by the thrilling adventures of the game reserve. The watering hole located near the swimming pool is a captivating spot where time seems to slip away. One afternoon, as we lounged by the pool, a herd of elephants made an appearance. We were spellbound for about 45 minutes watching these majestic creatures, and were even luckier to witness their playful babies joining in the water. It was a mesmerizing experience for my daughter, who was completely captivated (and happily off her phone!). The food was so good catering really well for families with plenty of options to suit everyone. Of course being in South Africa the choice of wines were very appealing too! They have a fantastic kids eco-house the perfect place for children to learn about conservation at Madikwe and enjoy arts & crafts, jewellery making and much more. Whilst the kids enjoy themselves here parents can relax in the outdoor lounge area or take a nose in the lodges gift shop. There is also a gym & spa if you are feeling energetic or want to relax even more!
A black and white monkey is hanging from a tree branch.

Costa Rica

By Tracy Felstead • December 16, 2024
Welcome to Costa Rica, the happiest place on Earth! From the moment I arrived, I could feel the warmth—not just from the sunshine, but from the people, who seem to radiate a natural joy that’s contagious. This small, beautiful country is brimming with lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and an astonishing variety of wildlife, making every day an adventure and a feast for the senses. Costa Rica is famous for its commitment to preserving its natural treasures, leading the way in eco-tourism and sustainability. It’s one of the few places where you can explore untouched rainforests in the morning, lounge on a deserted beach by afternoon, and still have time for an adrenaline-filled adventure, zip-lining through the jungle canopy, white-water rafting, or surfing on world-class waves. But what really captures the essence of Costa Rica is the spirit of 'Pura Vida' meaning Pure Life, you will see it everywhere! It’s more than just a phrase; it’s a way of life that reflects the Costa Rican outlook, one that’s about embracing life’s simple pleasures, connecting with nature, and savouring the moment. Whether it’s chatting with locals, marvelling at a sunset, or getting lost in the beauty, Costa Rica has a way of grounding you, of making you feel more alive. For me, this country is pure magic - here's a snapshot of what we got up to....