Detox at Chenot Palace on Splendid Swiss Lake
Chenot Palace Weggis is the leading wellness outpost of the well-established health retreat founded by the late Henri Chenot. From a hospital setting in Côte d’Azur the Chenot Method® was luxuriously upgraded at the Swiss Palace, that became the headquarters of the expanding brand. The group also collaborates with fine hotels that adopted his eastern – through millennia tested experience – that meets western science approach to physical and mental health restoration.
Connect With Your Body And Let It Rest
Time for oneself is the most precious mental activity that can reset the body into equilibrium. We all know that nature nurtures and is our best company in restoring our health. From my wellbeing journeys east-to-west I affirm that Lake Luzern is a gorgeous tranquil location to detox and rejuvenate the aching, ageing body. The splendid Swiss lake has attracted international artists and the calm seekers who appreciated its snow-capped mountain views, pristine water and precise hospitality.
Weggis, a Swiss village under the foot of the wellness oriented Mount Rigi, nests on the shores of the Vierwaldstättersee, literally ‘Lake of the four forested settlements‘ near Luzern. Mark Twain, an avid traveler (I have encountered his traces already on the remote Bermudas), was particularly fond of this area known in English as Lake Lucerne. Conveniently, just under an hour car ride from Zurich, a train and bus or taxi hop from the city of Luzern, and about three hours from Geneva, you are transported into a calm zone in a stunning natural setting. While nesting in the German speaking part of Switzerland, all the staff speaks fluent English. Greek, Italian, Czech, Slovak, Polish, Portuguese, Russian or French are also spoken by the well-trained European doctors and therapists at the Chenot Palace in Weggis.
Follow Nature, For We Are Her
Here, a walk in solitude, a swim in an open water, an afternoon with a great book, a trip away from it all when imagination is freely strolling in its own magic realm. More profoundly, for decades tested rejuvenating spa cure will shine the gems of our being. When higher awareness of who we are and what we currently need to do unveil like the lustrous lake in a receding morning mist, one feels complete and the calmed body shows.
Nature has its seasons and renewal periods and we humans are nature. The golden sunshine hours, grass sprouting in verdant carpets of energy or covered by white snow flakes, birds in frolicking songs, budding or warmly-hued trees, all nature in a seasonal unison announces that for us indulgent humans it is time for a regular detox. The lent period in nature awakens from winter rest, the chair-bound body calls for a reset in a supportive environment. Still, listen to your body, whenever your health needs, like after a bad food poisoning or a surgery, to recover smoothly it is beneficial to take a break.
Western Science Meets Eastern Experience
The Chenot Method® of detoxification incorporates millennia old eastern methods such as TCM system of meridians, European hydro and mud therapy, with the newest nutritional and technology-based science to reset the overworked body and the mind. You need to dedicate time for rebalancing and the Chenot Palace Weggis requires a minimum stay of seven nights, six days of treatments.
While the paths of your meridians and lymphatic pathways are cleaned through daily energetic treatments, the with toxins-burdened body shrinks away with each aromatherapeutic bath, the blissful floating hot mud wrap finished with an invigorating jet shower. Three times per week a water exercise in the pool strengthens, as any water stuck in the accumulation areas in the body is cleared away. I recommend adding a lymphatic facial that will redefine your puffed up contours within an hour. So much water is retained in our chin, under the eyes and the sides of our face. The suction cups effectively channel out this undesired accumulation, like deflating a balloon.
The Chenot Palace in Weggis opened in 2020. In the pandemic years, not as strictly lockdown in Switzerland, most experienced staff from other previous Chenot locations like Greece and Italy moved here, meaning that they have plenty of expertise in practicing the method. Completely renovated, the two contemporary and two turret Swiss style buildings were accompanied by a state of the art spa and medical area. The stunning Japanese gardens are a treat for the eyes as the giant bonsais gracefully welcome you right at the entrance and through the glass window panes from the waiting lounge in the medical and technology wing.
On the bad Swiss weather days, the cosy library lounge pampers with a selection of Chenot low caffeine teas, herbal tisanes and non-alcoholic cocktails. The guests’ favourite is the Italian spritz (made with Lyre, low calorie tonic, sparkling water and a slice of dried orange), but I also like the refreshing, not sweet virgin mojito, and the Zero gin and tonic with a cucumber slice. The view over the lake lures you into the plush chairs even on sunny days. There are plenty of art and design books to leaf through and table games to entertain in groups.
The Rooms And Amenities At The Chenot Palace Weggis
Petit Palace is the oldest building close to the quiet lake rim road. The new wing above the reception can offer partial lake views, but these mostly face the town and the legendary Mount Rigi. The Swiss call the mountain sacred. My theory is that divine is the sunshine that more frequently blesses you upon arrival above the fog level of the lake area. The new wing above the spa has closer lake and town views with some interfering trees, not as pure as what the older buildings offer. The highest floors offer the most open vistas reaching towards the glacial Alps.
My room was on the fifth floor in the old larger building practically above the restaurant (I love it since it was further from the road offering vast open lake views). A comfortable sofa, a desk upon request, quality materials and bed quality, a tantalising pillow menu all increase comfort. There is enough room for your private yoga or stretching practice. A bluetooth speaker to use for preferred music on your phone (I decided to detox from my smartphone) can comfort the resting moments in the room.
Contemporary, comfortable and luxurious naturally-hued interior design was set for all rooms. The doubles have an extra chair by the table. In the minibar all you find is an assortment of European waters. The high altitude Swiss Valser spring water is replenished daily complimentary, it is also available in the waiting lounges. The new building rooms have larger bathrooms and the rooms in the same category, but the views are interrupted by other buildings as it’s at the back behind the old buildings. Tasteful, jolly art graces the walls all over the five starred Palace.
Detox plant-based, hypo-caloric menu at Chenot Palace
The diet at Chenot Palace in Weggis is strict, but mostly very tasty. The plant-based daily menu comes daily in seven plates. The fasting-mimicking, fibre-rich, whole foods Chenot diet is based on organic seasonal vegetables when possible grown locally. A tiny fruit-centric breakfast with Metabolic Chenot tea blend (includes Chinese tea) or caffeine-free coffee alternative like roasted chicory root (can be with a side of plant milk) starts you without physically breaking the fast yet. A simple fruit salad or an apple, kaki, pear, pineapple or strawberry purée topped with berries, lemongrass or other herbs, a coconut milk flan with berries, a stewed apple topped with fresh whole berries and physalis were all nice but not filling much.
You can have barley coffee alternative if gluten is no concern to you (less strong, less coffee taste than the chicory, but more foamy). Almond milk is recommended but the tastiest is oat (Oatly isn’t allowed because of some kidney aggravating additives, plus it spikes up blood sugar). Soy is also available. A cinnamon to dust over lowers you sugar cravings. No caffeine is best for detox as are minimum stimulation (the omnipresent smart phones in the hands of most guests are rather shameful) and rest plenty.
Building is the opposite of detox for the body
The low-density calorie, low sodium (if you need, salt can be added on side) and high on water diet is in synergy with the daily treatments. It is minimally processed, alkaline-leaning concoction of seasonal organic ingredients of the highest quality. Truffles and saffron pop up in some luxurious plates. The chef’s Italian origin sensitised the native Sicilian to a savvy flavour balancing. While most dishes are sublime, one can hardly rely on the Swiss terroir short on sunshine. The presentation and taste on the level a fine dining restaurant sparks up your detox days. His work experience at Joia, the first plant-based Michelin starred restaurant in the world shows. From my multi meal experience there, he cooks better than his Milanese alma matter.
Lunch includes a raw food salad, while dinner is always a gently cooked trio of a small vegetable starter, a wholesome plant-based warming soup and a tasty, usually vegetable-centric main course. The dairy-free alternatives are made in-house, except for the tofu, which is delightfully smoked though by the kitchen team. A gentle use of spices and herbs compensate taste for low sodium, sugar and protein diet. I didn’t miss the salt in most dishes. An additional trio of cumin, curry, red cayenne (mild spice) can be added to your three course lunch upon request. I had also salt because of my low blood pressure.
If you wake up hungry and cannot sleep, ask for a thermos with a fragrant hot broth. I love the more intense mushroom over the ginger and lemongrass option, but on some days it’s brewed weaker and then I prefer the later. The mushroom broth can be served with your lunch.
The young chef is admirably savvy in using lightening methods such as almond-based mousse with less calories than whole nuts. Delightful was the fresh almond tzatziki. The diet is low on protein because building is the opposite of detox for the body, so plant-based low glycemic whole-grain carbs and healthy fat (seeds, nuts) with the fibre and water make most of the menu. The chef published a beautiful, for home practical cookbook in five languages (available in English).
My favourite bowls/plates were:
Coconut cream with berries and chia pudding
Almond pudding, mandarin coulis, lemongrass
Chia and avocado mousse
Mushroom terine
Almond tzatziki, cucumbers and light chickpea crisps
Hazelnut plant ‘cheese’ stuffed zucchini flower with vanilla coulis
Topinambur cream pasta with dried black olive crumble
Pulled mushroom taco with demiglace sauce
Vegan egg beetroot tartare
Creamed beetroot barley
Venere risotto with carrot and ginger puree
Celery root cream soup
Black truffle topped green cabbage and shallot cream soup
Food is mostly delightful and after three stays I nod to chef’s improving the consistency. Considering that he concocts seven plates each day, his is a talent shining a star. He dares to combine raspberry powder over zucchini velouté, choices a true top chef creates on his own. I was told that the best season for ingredients here is spring in April-July.
Most advanced diagnostic, performance and wellness equipment for holistic health at Chenot Palace Weggis
You shall rest, not build muscle strength because the detox diet contains minimum proteins. In a week you will not loose muscles, so professional athletes frequent the Palace’s program. A full medical staff assists. Two doctor appointments are scheduled in each program and so is consultation with a certified nutritionist. Superb hydro therapy, seaweed mud wraps (cooling mint along the inner arms and tights) on hot floating bed finished with jet shower are included in all programs for the first six days.
The optional Cryo (-110°C!) trend is not for me. I noticed that particularly the male guests fancied dry-freezing in the enclosed well below zero cabins. Allegedly it burns calories. For someone with low blood pressure or other health conditions, the Wimhof method can be dangerous. I much preferred the inflammation and pain reducing photo-biomodulation under led lights emitting specific red light wavelengths.
My cardiovascular health was assessed and arteries were inspected for functionality. The report showed my arteries were in the shape of a decade younger person, hold on my almost 41 years old heart is of an 18 years old person. Can you see me dancing around the lake? I was elated, but the doctor cautioned me since this is just compared to an average person.
Bone density, the thickness of skin and the distribution of collagen in the tissue was measured. Also your fat versus muscle ratios can be seen form the scan editing mild radiation.
You get heavy metals (where have I collected that aluminium in my body? Cosmetics, food packaging and flights, most likely), minerals and vitamins checked. Some deficiencies can be acutely addressed by vitamin infusions administered by friendly, experienced nurses. Your energetic balance is inspected, which may cue to existing health issues not just physically but also emotionally. This energetic test inspired by TCM impressively reflected my current health imbalances. Acupuncture is administered twice. After the week most of my organs and glands tested back in equilibrium.
Nu Calm neuroscience applying technology relaxes as deep as a profound meditation or your best night’s sleep. It is beyond just noise-cancelling headphones with covered eyes in a reclined setting, the sound does more than any alpha, delta et al. wave stream.
The high-tech equipment as well as the attractive natural lakeside location with snow-capped Alpine views make the stay at the Chenot Palace Weggis extraordinary. Still count with frequent overcast sky as the Swiss norm unfortunately. Roger Federer drove over with his wife to test the methods of performance improvement available on site. Neurac® improves musculoskeletal imbalances and trains precisely small muscles that we neglect. An incorrect training can also shuffle negatively the imbalances. These can be corrected with the aid of the suspension slings manipulated with the therapist.
There is a cardio altitude room within the gym. The hypoxic conditions force your heart work harder and the oxygen is more efficiently distributed, so when you exercise back in normal altitude it feels easier. There you also find bird-like weightless antigravity training treadmill and Vacu-therm for fat-burning walks under infrared rays that also help to reduce cellulite. The antigravity lift felt sublime, as if my legs were feathers. There is nothing that I experienced to date that felt so elevating.
Find what you need: detox with recovery, rest or improved performance
At the Chenot Palace Weggis three signature programmes – basic Advanced Detox, Recover & Energise, Prevention & Ageing Well – offer targeted results. I recommend the basic detox program so you have some spare time to add anything reasonable that the doctor and the therapists recommend to get more targeted to your needs.
Gentle walks, complimentary morning group circuit, stretching or yoga class and aqua gym suitable accompany the intense detox. While incredible hikes surround you, do not force, since you do not want to faint after the daily hot bath and wrap. The lake facing lap pool is comfortably warm because during the intense detox the body temperature drops. You can feel bone-deep cold.
There are two 90 degrees Finnish saunas, one separate for ladies, and a steam room. I missed the more gentle bio sauna because during detox one should not expose oneself to extremes, so mind these facilities.
Overall I cannot more agree with Chenot’s retreat’s mission: “Wellbeing seeing as a positive vitality, not merely the absence of disease. They are for people who come with the intention and purpose to reset or looking to make a serious long term change to their lifestyles.”
If it is more convenient for you, there are also outposts in the mountains of Azerbaijan, a space within One & Only in Monte Negro and at the Selman hotel in Marrakech. In 2025 an outpost in Spain will open next.