HONG KONG’S FAVORITE BOUTIQUE HOTEL, The Upper House, has long spoiled its visitors with opulent suites and decadent gastronomy. But it’s also been a proponent of wellness, regularly hosting expert practitioners and retreats within its sumptuous surroundings. Now, The Upper House is introducing a new partnership with 10x Longevity that’s designed to help guests live healthier for longer.
Founded by Jill van Vugt, a former injuries, accidents, and medical malpractice lawyer, 10x Longevity, she says, is about democratizing healthcare. “I’m inspired [to give] more options to people looking to improve their health without having to rely exclusively on the medical system… 10x Longevity provides alternatives for supporting cellular health, immunity, and physical recovery,” says Jill.
For The Upper House, longevity is the next frontier combining health and luxury hospitality for discerning clients. Guests can now access 10x Longevity’s curation of cutting-edge technology, advanced therapies and regenerative skin treatments in the 10x Longevity suite, housed within Pacific Place Apartments, located opposite The Upper House.
My session begins in the suite’s plush lounge, where Jill tells me about the 10x Longevity concept and the experience that lies in store. I’m here for The Circuit, a two-hour ritual combining 10x Longevity’s most advanced treatments. I’m fresh from the gym—a bonus, Jill notes, since The Circuit will boost my post-workout recovery. We spend 20 minutes talking through the process, which is science-based and carefully calibrated for maximum effectiveness. Soon enough, we’re ready to get started.
I’ll admit I’m wary of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. The first part of The Circuit involves 45 minutes in an oversized capsule with an oxygen mask strapped to my face–luckily, there’s a clear panel so I can see outside. The goal here is to reach 1.5 atmospheric pressure to trigger a host of benefits, like reduced inflammation, boosted immunity, increased oxygen concentration, and improved stem-cell mobilization—which in turn helps repair injuries and stimulate cellular regeneration. All perfect for my post-gym recovery phase.
Despite my apprehension, the experience itself is relaxing. I settle into a cozy mattress, draw up the duvet, and breathe deeply to get the oxygen flowing. Within 10 minutes, I’m in a state of Zen; by 20 minutes, I’m napping.
After 45 minutes, Jill de-pressurizes the chamber and I float into the next room, where I do three cycles between an infrared sauna and a cold-plunge pool. The first heats up to 70°C and, apparently, is great for clearing the pores and getting glowing skin; with regular use, it can also benefit cardiovascular health. Combining it with the cold plunge is said to decrease muscle soreness and musculoskeletal pain while also boosting endorphins and dopamine.
The sauna is easy—I play the latest episode of my favorite Formula 1 podcast over the speakers and bask in the warmth for 10 minutes at a stretch. The cold plunge, though, is a test of willpower. The first touch of its freezing water sends a lightning bolt through my body and as the cold penetrates through muscle to what feels like bone; I’m almost hyperventilating. Controlled breathing is the only way to get through a plunge—I only manage 30 seconds each time.
The Circuit finishes with 15 minutes in a red-light therapy bed, which looks like a tanning bed from the 80s, but importantly comes without the associated skin damage. Instead, this bed uses three different light wavelengths to stimulate cellular renewal and collagen production, reduce hyperpigmentation, and boost pain relief. Even with blackout goggles, the bed feels very bright, but—and maybe this is all mental—I feels like it’s working.
Leaving the 10x Longevity suite, I can already feel my mood improving, my mind clearing, and a spring in my step. The next morning, after an unusually deep sleep, my skin looks healthier, and there’s none of the usual post-gym muscle soreness. I’m officially a convert and debating when I can return for a rematch—and maybe record a new personal best in the cold plunge.
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Images courtesy of 10x Longevity.
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Written By
Gayatri Bhaumik
Gayatri Bhaumik is a professional writer and communicator, and an avid traveller. Always ready ..Read More
