Where wellness meets science

A feel-good concept at the highest level

Belle-epoque charm, high-tech diagnostics, modern wellness hotels and a romantic lake landscape: these are the components from which the Chenot Group has developed a wellness concept at the highest level. Directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne, a refuge has been created that could be a trendsetter for the entire spa business. CC author Claudia Bette-Wenngatz was on site immediately after the opening last June.

Imagine our body as a battery. Plump and charged when we are young, it becomes less and less full over the years and weak points become visible. What we want to do here is recharge the battery and remove the odd spot of rust so that our guests can return to life full of energy after their stay and retain this energy for as long as possible." Dr. George Gaitanos sits opposite me on the terrace of the Chenot Palace Weggis,
We are looking out over a deep blue lake, surrounded by an imposing mountain backdrop. The Greek-born COO and Scientific Director of the Chenot Group, as well as an expert in preventive health, exudes so much conviction that you can hardly wait to start a new life in this light-flooded environment characterized by natural materials and soft colors. The conditions are exceptionally tempting: the Belle Epoque villa of the former Park Hotel Weggis has been extended by a 5,000 m2 medical spa after around two years of renovation and new construction. Panoramic windows, balconies and terraces in the restaurant
and in the 97 rooms and suites offer a magnificent view of the lake and the Japanese-inspired gardens. The Swiss star architect Davide Macullo has designed a total of 20,000 m2 with lots of wood, glass, natural stone, effective lighting and elegant fabrics.
lighting, elegant fabrics and a collection of contemporary art to create an atmosphere that is both meditative and full of energy. An impressive stage for the Chenot method, which the charismatic Catalan wellness pioneer Henri Chenot has developed over the last 50 years. Guests from all over the world appreciate his treatment method, which is designed to protect the body from damage and premature ageing. To achieve this, he relies on an effective combination of body treatments, nutrition, Chinese medicine and the latest scientific findings.

The Chenot Palace Weggis is the new flagship of the Chenot Group with spas in Italy, Russia, Greece, Montenegro and Malaysia, some of which are operated in cooperation with the luxury hotel group One & Only. Health prevention is taken to the next level here - and always in line with the motto "Prevention is a lifelong challenge". An ambitious claim that lifts the Chenot Group from tradition into the future and which takes on new meaning in the timelessly beautiful Swiss setting. "Chenot Lifestyle Markers" is the first appointment in my program. What at first glance appears to be a relatively unspectacular 45-minute session turns out to be a highly technical prelude to a diagnostic and prevention program that
I am impressed by both the procedures and the results. With the help of computer measurements, the vascular age, soft tissue and bone composition, the energy status of my internal organs and bodily functions, oxidative stress or the collagen density of the skin are determined in a very short time. A unique diagnostic technique, backed up by sophisticated computer software, the results of which I can see after just a few minutes.

I bring my completed guest book with me to the medical consultation with Dr. Christine Pfeiffer and nutritionist Vasiliki Gourguli, in which I should provide detailed information about my medical and family history, physical condition, symptoms and dietary and lifestyle habits in advance. During my stay, all the results, including notes for home, are entered here so that the knowledge gained can later be implemented at home.
Because at the Chenot Palace Weggis, every weak point is uncovered and work begins on recharging the energy battery, but only those who constantly follow a healthy lifestyle will reach the "full charge" state. One of the most popular "battery charging stations" is located in the spa wing, where the hydrotherapy treatments take place. They are part of the basis of biontology, the "science of life" that Henri Chenot once helped to establish. The first step is hydro-aromatherapy, a bubble bath with plant extracts and a thermodynamic effect to regenerate, firm and tighten the skin. This is followed by phyto-fango therapy, a stimulating body wrap with white and green clay, minerals, microalgae and essential oils. Then comes the hydro-jet, a water jet that stimulates blood circulation and makes the skin look rosy and plump. The final massage using cupping glasses stimulates the flow of energy in the meridians and balances the circulation.

After so much energetic recharging, I enjoy an aromatic herbal blend in the tea room with a view of the lake - still in my cozy bathrobe, which puts me in a relaxed spa mood throughout the day. The dress code for dinner is "smart casual". The atmospheric ambience with wooden floors, modern designer carpets, delicate pastel colors, flower arrangements and cozy reading islands creates a vacation mood. This kind of unagitated luxury paired with first-class service is appreciated today by discerning guests in particular as a modern five-star standard. Butler service is also available on request.
Those with sleeping problems can book one of the special rooms, which are equipped with room acoustics and lighting technology based on the latest research findings.


A treat for all the senses

Green asparagus with red pesto, mint, tarragon and almond cream as an appetizer. Then a soup of wild mushrooms with truffle oil and, for the main course, the choice between rabbit with balsamic pears, radicchio and walnuts or grilled sea bass with lime and garlic sauce: the menus that Dominique Chenot and her team put together according to the latest nutritional knowledge are gourmet highlights, after which no guest need fear going on the scales. The appearance is just as impressive as the variety of flavors. Salt and sugar are replaced by herbs, the dishes are low in calories and acidity, fresh fruit and vegetables and regional ingredients play the main role. Detox menus are purely plant-based, while organic light meals may also include meat or fish. As I get a refill of water, I am amazed to discover that giving up alcohol and coffee, which is part of the Chenot cure, is easier than I feared and my palate is fully occupied with feelings of gustatory bliss.

However, the term "cure" seems to have somehow fallen out of time in this wellness palace. "Health Wellness Retreat" is much more appropriate, especially as English is the preferred language for the international clientele. My junior suite with its magnificent balcony overlooking the lake feels like a cocoon of peace and security; the view of the lake is pure meditation, as is the silence in the Japanese garden or dozing on a lounger on the private lake beach. Of course, I could also make active use of the time between my treatments: Swimming in the luxurious 20-meter indoor pool or working out in the gym - and even with a machine that puts the body in zero gravity. This is offered as well as energetic yoga, posture and movement diagnostics, cold therapy at -110 degrees or oxygen therapy, which is said to have a lasting effect on the immune status. The list could go on and on - such an extensive range of services with the latest technologies is probably unique in Europe at the moment. According to Dr. Gaitanos, the purchase alone cost tens of millions of euros.

Despite all the admiration for so much high tech, I find it very comforting that the energy balance is also taken into account. Consultations with one of the four "classical" physicians are just as much a part of the program as sessions with the four energetic doctors.
Vasileios Tsakalos, a master of millennia-old traditional Chinese medicine, works as an acupuncturist, takes a lot of time to detect mental and physical imbalances and gives me the Chinese saying that "the truth of every person is hidden in their body".

I leave this retreat on the shores of Lake Lucerne feeling both physically and mentally regenerated, my inner battery feels fully recharged, as does my cell phone, which I have hardly used...

www.chenotpalaceweggis.com