Designing Elsa: Fact-Based Wellbeing Services for a Transformative Stay

At Elsa—our new apartment house in the heart of Tirol, set to open at the beginning of 2025—we will provide more than just a place to rest. We will craft an environment where you can embrace a healthier lifestyle, guided by fact-based insights.

Our offerings will draw from three influential frameworks: the six dimensions of wellness outlined by Hettler (1984, the six core interventions of lifestyle medicine as described by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM), and the hallmarks of aging as defined by López-Otín et al. (2013). By weaving these evidence-based principles into every service, we aim to create a space that helps our guests recharge, learn, and prepare for a more vibrant future.

Foundations of Our Approach

• Hettler’s Six-Dimensional Wellness Model
  Hettler’s (1984) model recognizes wellness as a balance across six interrelated dimensions: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, and occupational. At Elsa, we will take a holistic approach, ensuring that services promote not only physical health but also emotional resilience, meaningful connections, and intellectual stimulation. We believe that a well-rounded experience nurtures long-term well-being, rather than offering only quick fixes.

• Lifestyle Medicine’s Six Interventions
  The ACLM identifies six key interventions for improving health and preventing disease—nutrition, physical activity, stress management, healthy relationships, sleep health, and avoidance of risky substances (ACLM, 2023). We will incorporate these principles into Elsa’s daily rhythms. Every dining option, recommended activity, and social setting will be designed to support one or more of these pillars, ensuring that guests leave with both new memories and healthier habits.

• The Hallmarks of Aging
  Aging is a complex biological process influenced by factors such as genomic instability, telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence (López-Otín et al., 2013). These “hallmarks of aging” underscore the importance of interventions that support cellular health. By focusing on nutritious foods, restorative sleep, balanced activity, and mild stressors that encourage cellular resilience, we plan to create conditions conducive to healthier aging.

Selected Examples of How These Principles Will Shape Our Services

• Evidence-Based Nutrition
  We will offer meals and snacks that reflect current research in nutrition science—rich in phytonutrients, healthy fats, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates. Guests will be able to consult with us their dietary patterns and supplements to best support their individual goals. The emphasis on evidence-based guidance is designed to empower guests to make sustainable, informed choices long after their stay.
• Movement in Nature and Beyond
  Situated in the stunning Tirol mountains, Elsa will be perfectly placed to encourage daily outdoor activities—skiing, hiking, trail running, Nordic walking, or simply enjoying the crisp alpine air. Physical activity in natural settings has been associated with improved mental well-being and overall health (Pretty et al., 2005).
• Spa Interventions for Recovery and Cellular Health
  Our spa will incorporate interventions that draw from emerging scientific insights:
  • Red Light Therapy: Research suggests that red and near-infrared light may support mitochondrial function and skin health (Barolet, 2008).
  • Sauna and Cold Water Therapy: Evidence indicates that alternating heat and cold can enhance circulation, support metabolic health, and promote stress resilience (Laukkanen & Laukkanen, 2018).
  • Massage and Bodywork: Massage therapy can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate stress, complementing the other interventions to enhance recovery and relaxation (Delaney et al., 2002).

These spa offerings will help guests manage stress, improve circulation, and potentially mitigate cellular damage—aligning with the idea that small, controlled stressors (hormesis) can encourage the body’s natural resilience.

• Optimizing Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
  Sleep is central to every dimension of wellness. At Elsa, we will design bedrooms and shared spaces that support healthy circadian rhythms. Adjustable in-room lighting, guided evening relaxation routines, and recommendations for minimizing blue-light exposure will help guests improve sleep quality. These interventions are supported by evidence linking good sleep to improved immune function and cognitive well-being (Walker, 2017).
• Lifestyle Coaching for Sustainable Change
  Our lifestyle coaching will help guests develop strategies to incorporate healthier habits into their daily lives. Building on principles of behavior change and positive psychology, we will work with guests to craft personalized plans. This includes guidance on stress management techniques, balancing responsibilities, and nurturing supportive relationships.
• Fostering Social and Emotional Well-Being
  A sense of belonging and meaningful connection are integral to well-being. On selected days, we will host optional workshops, group activities, and communal dining experiences that foster social interaction and emotional support. These gatherings are designed to help guests build new connections, share experiences, and cultivate an environment of mutual growth.

Why Evidence Matters

Our commitment to an evidence-based approach ensures that every aspect of Elsa’s offerings will be grounded in the latest research. By combining Hettler’s wellness model with the ACLM’s lifestyle medicine interventions and insights from the hallmarks of aging, we are constructing a holistic framework that addresses health from multiple angles—cellular to social, cognitive to physical.

Stay Informed About Our Opening

When we welcome our first guests in 2025, we will do so with the confidence that every element of Elsa has been thoughtfully designed to foster well-being, grounded in the fact-based evidence.

We will open our doors in early 2025, and we look forward to welcoming you to Elsa. If you would like to be among the first to know when our booking system goes live, please sign up for our notification list here. By signing up, you will ensure you’re one step closer to experiencing the science-based well-being services and rejuvenating atmosphere we have thoughtfully designed at Elsa.

References

• American College of Lifestyle Medicine. (2023). Six pillars of lifestyle medicine. Retrieved from ACLM PillarBooklet
• Hettler, B. (1984). Wellness dimensions: A holistic framework. National Wellness Institute.
• López-Otín, C., Blasco, M.A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2013). The hallmarks of aging. Cell, 153(6), 1194–1217.
• Barolet, D. (2008). Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in dermatology. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 27(4), 227–238.
• Delaney, J.P., Leong, K.S., Watkins, M.P., & Brodie, D. (2002). The short-term effects of myofascial trigger point massage therapy on cardiac autonomic tone in healthy subjects. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37(4), 364–371.
• Laukkanen, T., & Laukkanen, J.A. (2018). Sauna bathing and systemic inflammation. European Journal of Epidemiology, 33(12), 1177–1179.
• Pretty, J., Peacock, J., Sellens, M., & Griffin, M. (2005). The mental and physical health outcomes of green exercise. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15(5), 319–337.
• Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.

Please remember: Before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, always consult with your qualified medical doctor.