The Blue Zones Project is an initiative aimed at promoting longevity and well-being by implementing the principles observed in regions known as “Blue Zones,” where people live significantly longer, healthier lives. These areas, such as Sardinia, Ikaria, and Okinawa, share common lifestyle habits, including plant-based diets, regular physical activity, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose.
The project encourages communities to adopt these practices through local policies, community engagement, and health-focused initiatives, ultimately fostering a healthier, more vibrant population. Congratulations are in order to Hotel Valley Ho and ZuZu, the hotel’s signature restaurant, both of which were recently approved by the Blue Zones Project – the first hotel in Arizona to do so.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Blue Zones Community and to be the first hotel in Arizona that is Blue Zones Project Approved,” VP Ronen Aviram said. “We’re always eager to work with our local community and look forward to this partnership with Blue Zones Project as we strive to provide our guests and employees healthier options for dining and activities.”
To empower guests and employees to lead more robust lives, ZuZu has committed to offering health-conscious dining options on its brunch and dinner menus. The menus will include the Blue Zones Project® logo to signify selections that support the project, like the power-loaded sweet potato, roasted honey nut squash, and mushroom Bolognese.
The resort has taken the mission to encourage people to make healthy life choices, offering both guest and employee opportunities for better environmental and behavioral changes.
Hotel Valley Ho, which opened in 1956, has integrated numerous ways to create a healthier work environment, including spaces for employee breaks, bike storage to encourage riding to work, mental health and wellness support, self-monitoring blood pressure equipment, social events and gatherings, a CARE committee, chances for charity and community engagement, development workshops, professional training, and more.
“Hotel Valley Ho and ZuZu have always been champions in promoting the wellbeing of the local community. We wanted to partner with the City of Scottsdale and do whatever we could to escalate the citywide certification to achieve Blue Zones Project® status as a community,” Aviram said. “Aside from this goal, becoming Blue Zones Project Approved aligns with our internal goals of ensuring our guests and colleagues possess a balance of life that is both wellness-forward and fun.”
The establishments will celebrate their pledge to the Blue Zones Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on October 29, held at the Sky Line Rooftop with light hors d’oeuvres and libations. For more information, visit hotelvalleyho.com or bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com.
