The chenot way of life
Wellness, Health, Well-being, Healing: Words that are extremely relevant in present times. And, when it comes to one’s own body, it is but natural to want the best.
So, after thorough research, I decided to visit the majestically-positioned Chenot Palace Weggis at Lake Lucerne in Switzerland—a place that epitomises holistic, science-based wellness. I learnt that thorough medical consultation, advanced diagnostic testing, and Chenot Diet, combined with individually-targeted treatments helps to achieve optimal detoxification and hence is an ideal place to reset health, to live healthier for longer.
After landing in Zurich, I was driven for 45 minutes to a beautifully aligned sanctuary—a sprawling mix of old and new. I would later find closet guests in five-star luxury, without the typical indulgence of rich, unhealthy food and bottomless booze.
The moment I entered the wide, spacious lobby, I was greeted by friendly staff and caught sight of guests dressed in fluffiest bathrobes gliding serenely from treatment to treatment. The potent mix of wellness and luxury was obvious; as was an unmistakable sensation of calm. The colours around me were neutral and I learnt that rooms and suites were available in both the old and new buildings. They thus varied in size and view, albeit not in detail or quality. I personally felt that for fantastic lakeside views, rooms in the old building were a better pick while the new building is a great choice for bigger rooms and epic balconies. The bathrooms are all luxurious and grand.
The Reservations Manager met me next and ushered me into a consultation room to give a detailed overview of what I could expect over the week. Guided by 50 years of scientific studies, the Chenot Method uses state-of-the-art diagnostics, powerful personalised treatments and detoxification techniques to help one reach optimum mental and physical health.
getting to know
The first day is always kept as the day to unwind and get the body to ground zero. So, once settled, my first port of call was the GP who discussed my goals. This was followed by a meeting with a Chinese alternative medicine expert and the nutritionist. All of them work together to establish a baseline for your health and better understand what you are looking for from the experience. After two years of pandemic-induced overindulgence, I opted for the Advanced Detox programme “designed to unleash the self-healing power of the body”.
The original Chenot Method is a fusion of protocols, healthcare treatments and diet tailored uniquely to each client who walks through the doors of any of its establishments around the world—spread far and wide from Azerbaijan to Athens, Montenegro to Morocco. A framework for wellness focused on preventing rather than curing ills, it combines diet and healthy living, science and diagnostics, detox and immunity through a dedication to ancient Chinese healing perfectly juxtaposed with the very latest in cutting-edge medical treatments.
the routine
I started each day with the Hydro Aroma Bath to open up the capillaries, followed by the Mud Bath and then to the energetic massages chambers where masseuses work on specific pain points and on the overall well-being of all organs. Hot treatments are another favourite here, where the fat reserves in particular are attacked, and the toxins ejected out through sweat and urine.
One of the tenets of the Chenot method is “autophagy”, which in Greek loosely means my body eats itself. That said, the vegan, rainbow-hued meals, designed by Chenot’s in-house chefs, are packed with nutrients and surprisingly nourishing. One automatically links wellness retreats to starving and depriving the body of good tasty food. Dead wrong here: In fact, one of the main attractions at the Chenot Palace Weggis at Lake Lucerne is the outstanding Michelin quality meal every single time.
The courses are slowly laid down in front of you one after the other, helping you to inculcate the crucial habit of slow eating. Some of my personal favourites were the sundried tomato gnocchi with basil pesto and almond cream, and chickpea falafel with cucumber dill sauce. Earthy mushroom or refreshing lemongrass broth were always on tap. For caffeine-addicts, the no-coffee policy might be the trickiest part of the detox, but (caffeine-free) chicory coffee, available at all meals, is a very satisfying alternative.
much more
As I explored the place further, it became clear that the facilities here are second to none. An enormous spa, pool and so much else they have for us—some never-heard-before treatments, relaxation spaces which are everywhere, quiet reading rooms, hidden nooks perfect for trying to forget that you haven’t had any coffee for five days! Something that was super special for me was how I could take a dip in the lake from my very own private garden and jetty. Nowhere else in the world could I indulge in a detox programme with such strong incentives!
I went through my week completely energised and looking forward to what would unfold every single day. And, as the week drew to a close (a time I was hoping would never end), I took my last treatment—a cryotherapy session spending three minutes in a room chilled to minus 110 degrees Celsius. This is in fact the only place that uses this technique; where the whole body is subjected to such temperatures. Very vital procedure to shrink and expand the capillaries. Post this, I emerged victorious, excited and post-thawing myself. I felt almost like Catwoman. What a fitting end to an extraordinary week. Henri Chenot would definitely be proud.
Prior to leaving, the trio who met me on Day One, met me again to exchange notes and also explain how my body had reacted to the treatment and what I must do once back home to continue the Chenot way of life.
Armed with what I would say is the most amazing packed lunch ever, I made my way back to Zurich airport. Home-bound, I promised myself to keep my date with Chenot each year. We owe it to ourselves and to our body.
At Chenot, we don't treat disease, we treat wellness—indeed, the perfect line that sums up the ethos and the soul of what Chenot stands for.
