If you've ever wondered how the world's top celebrities and high-flying entrepreneurs keep their health in check despite their gruelling schedules and action-packed social lives, the secret lies in an elusive health clinic.
Tucked away between the rolling mountains of Tyrol, Austria, lies Lanserhof Lans - a James Bond-esque private health clinic that has achieved an almost cult-like status among its loyal devotees, including celebrities, CEOs and the world's top entrepreneurs.
The Lanserhof Resorts are the leading health resorts worldwide thanks to over 35 years experience of treating their guests with innovative medicine and groundbreaking wellness cures. The Lanserhof motto is ‘live better for longer’ so it’s little surprise that it’s where the rich and successful decamp to help enhance their quality (and longevity) of life.
So what goes on behind the doors at one of the world's top wellness clinics that has built an incredible reputation for diagnosing and curing a variety of chronic illnesses? We decamped to Tyrol to find out…
Enter cold szn armed and ready.
The Lanserhof concept was founded at Lanserhof Lans over 35 years ago. Originally a small and virtually unheard of medical facility based on the alternative FX Mayr therapy, it has grown into a globally recognised brand.
‘The Cure’ is ultimately centered around fasting, combined with a targeted symbiosis of modern, cutting edge medicine and diagnostics.
The fasting process is expedited and enhanced through a low calorie diet, extensive chewing and a daily dose of Epsom salts (a natural laxative).
The focus is on preventive medicine and life extension - and with a profound track record in the field, it's easy to understand why Lanserhof has accumulated a cult-like following.
It's important to note that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach at Lanserhof and the treatment plan, tests and eating plan are individually tailored and targeted to each and every guest, providing a truly unique and highly effective approach.
My first day starts early, at 6am. The first order of the day (and every day at Lanserhof) is drinking Epsom Salts in warm water, a tradition prescribed to all guests and one that acts as a very effective natural laxative. Aside from the obvious purpose of clearing the stomach and preparing for a detox, the Epsom salts remove the stubborn toxins from the stomach and liver bile tract and flush them out of the body.
I make an early breakfast where I am taught the art of chewing (a minimum of 30 times for each small mouthful to be precise. Yes, really). Those guests lucky enough to be treated to meals should expect to spend up to 40 minutes chewing mindfully and slowly.
The first appointment with my Dr is extensive - and fascinating. It's an understatement to say these people really know their stuff. Dr Gatt explains to me that there is no such thing as a standard programme at Lanserhof and every guest’s personal medical ailments and needs are treated on a targeted basis with world leading treatments based on the outcome of the extensive test results conducted during your stay.
Within minutes of leaving my first doctor’s appointment I am having several vials of blood rapidly drawn and immediately couriered over the border to neighbouring Germany. It may seem simpler to send them to the local hospital lab but my Doctor assures me that the specialist lab in Germany is one of only a handful in the world that can analyse in the detail required for patients at Lanserhof. My initial angst is rapidly dissipating and I start to understand why the world’s wealthiest and most famed sacrifice their time and daily pleasures for an annual retreat to Lanserhof.
A combination of caffeine withdrawals, hunger, fatigue and the effects of undergoing an intense detox, made me feel generally unwell and low in energy that consistently seemed to climax with my evening slice of stale buckwheat toast. Fortunately, however, the live harpist combined with the unparalleled view of the Tyrolean Alps, covered in a blanket of thick snow does provide a welcome distraction for these moments of wondering ‘what on earth am I doing here’
Another welcome distraction at these recurring low points is my German neighbour on the adjoining table. It transpires she is a regular and has been visiting annually for 30 years and she recalls some brilliant tales of all the best celebrities she's witnessed during her time here.
The rest of my week consists of a regimented and busy programme of therapies and treatments. I have my blood thinned to reduce the higher levels of haemoglobin found in my test results. I have regular altitude training sessions, which works to improve the immune system, vitamin and mineral infusions, sports massage, shiatsu, energetic craniosacral therapy, intravascular laser therapy, algae liver wraps and much more.
My treatments and plan have been hand crafted by my Dr based on our initial consultation in a bid to rapidly re-build my immune system after a bout of long covid and other long-term viruses lingering in my system, including Glandular Fever.
I was able to pause, reflect and reframe my thinking.
For anyone who is thinking about visiting Lanserhof, here’s a play-by-play account of how a typical day looks (please note it’s different for everyone based on their medical diagnosis, needs and preferences).
06.30 am - Wake up, drink Epsom salts, drink Base Powder.
07.00 a.m. “Active awakening” in the forest – light morning gymnastics in the fresh air followed by a round of power walking through the beautiful Lans forest.
8am: Use the toilet (ahem) and head to breakfast where you’ll pop your daily pills and feast on your largest meal of the day (most often for me was gluten-free porridge)
9am: Head to the medical centre for oxygen altitude training.
10am: vitamin/mineral infusion.
11am: Kneipp therapy (a warm relaxing foot bath followed by walking around a freezing pool of water, a daily essential at Lanserhof).
11:30: pre- lunch rest and liver pack to prepare the liver and large digestive organs for lunch and to support the detoxification process.
12:30: lunch (for me it was often fish and vegetables or a vegan risotto or lasagne) No water is consumed during meals, because these fluids dilute stomach acids necessary for digestion and inhibit the digestive process.
14:00: optional participation in a variety of daily group classes, some of those I attended included Nordic Walking, Sound Bowl Meditation, Yoga, Cooking classes, forest bathing and Pilates.
15:00: head back to the medical centre for a Dr’s appointment and a stomach massage.
15:30: further medical treatments prescribed as per your personalised wellness programme.
17:00: My personal favourite time to use the renowned spa and pool facilities, including an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, overlooking the mountains and heated to a very comfortable 30 degrees.
18:00: evening meal – or lack thereof in most cases. The evenings are surprisingly formal with live music on certain evenings.
19:30 an early night or option attendance to medical lectures on topics including: Modern Mayr Medicine, Lans Med Concept, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sleep, Psychology etc.
I'd heard about the elusive post-Lanserhof euphoria and I can attest it absolutely exists - I can totally see why people pay this much money to feel this damn good. I felt totally energised every morning, rejected my morning coffee, and my family said I looked better than ever. Lanserhof helped me achieve optimum health and after several medical checks since landing back in the UK, doctors inform me my body has totally revitalised itself and is running super efficiently. I've been given a new lease of life and I'll never take my body for granted again.
For more information and to look your wellness plan, visit Lanserhof's website.
