Review: Chenot Palace Weggis, Switzerland spa review

Set the scene

Like something out of a fairy tale, Chenot Palace’s turreted building, first built in 1850, sits overlooking the crystal waters of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, the place which inspired Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’. But the sleepy, old-world charm belies what happens beyond the façade; a new extension designed by David Macullo, including a 5,000 square metre spa and one of Europe’s most scientifically advanced wellness retreats, where chic guests swaddled in Brunello Cucinelli cashmere work on health optimisation.

What's the backstory?

Against the 1970s backdrop of sex, drugs and rock and roll, visionary Frenchman Henri Chenot began pointing the finger at how poor lifestyle choices can accumulate a build-up of toxins that potentially lead to degenerative diseases. He opened his first ‘Espace Chenot’ in 1973 at The General Hospital in Cannes and, over the last 50 years, developed his Chenot method, aimed at preventing disease by rebalancing the body’s physiology using a combination of Chinese and Western medicine. There are now two Chenot Palaces in Switzerland and Azerbaijan, two Chenot Espaces in Italy and Montenegro and Chenot Spas in Greece, Malaysia, Morocco and Russia. The legendary Henri Chenot passed away in 2020, but his wife Dominique remains at the helm alongside Dr George Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer. Formerly chief doctor for a major American football team and Olympic medal-winning Greek sailing team, Gaitanos believes in applying the same protocols for athletes as his Chenot guests. “For me, health is about performance,” says Gaitanos. “And Chenot is about attaining the best performance for each individual.” 

What’s the wellness concept?

Ever since its inception, the Chenot method has been about prevention not cure. Chenot Palace in Weggis has some seriously impressive doctors, diagnostic equipment and medical technology, but Dr Gaitanos is keen to point out, “This is not a hospital”. He continues, “We don’t treat diseases here, we treat wellness.” There are three programmes to choose from; Advanced Detox, Recover and Energise, Prevention and Ageing Well. All guests meet with a nutritionist and undergo a series of biomarker tests to examine how the individual is ageing, with the potential to tailor the programme with appropriate treatments and therapies.

What are the signature treatments?

Whichever programme you choose, all guests enjoy a daily signature treatment of aromatherapy bath, mud wrap on a warm waterbed, hot and filthy-swear-word-inducing icy cold power jet hose down – all of which works to sweat out toxins, soften the capillaries and get the lymphatic fluid moving. The delicious cherry on the cake is the signature Chenot energetic massage which sometimes includes cupping. 

What makes Chenot Weggis different?

Totally unique is the Chenot Molecular Lab for Optimal Living, where ground-breaking epigenetic technology is used to analyse gene activity and determine guests’ biological ageing in order to prescribe a personalised treatment plan to optimise health and wellbeing. There are also acoustically engineered sleep suites, NASA-designed Anti-Gravity treadmills for a big old sweat without joint-pressure, and Neuro-Acoustic treatment using soundwaves that divert the nervous system out of ‘fight or flight’ mode and into a state of deep relaxation.

What else do they offer? 

Unlike some wellness clinics where the nutrition element can feel miserable at best, Chenot is a place for foodies. The idea is not to make food the enemy, but learn to eat well. Despite being low in calories and without butter, white flour, alcohol etc… if Michelin was to star wellbeing food, this would earn a twinkly constellation. Guests choose either a plant-based detox menu or slightly higher calorie bio-light menu which includes some fish and animal produce. All of the Mediterranean-inspired meals are three courses, deliver sensory fireworks and are presented with a flourish.

However, to counter the caffeine/salt/sugar/etc withdrawal-bastard-headache (usually on day two), take a swim in the crystal clear lake alongside swans and their fluffy cygnets. Or a self-guided hike gulping in the fresh air, or hop on a mountain bike and cycle around the lake (just be sure to avoid the tantalising Swiss chocolate shop in the local village). The daily fitness programme includes yoga, morning cardio and aquagym. But if you’d prefer, personal training is available.

Where do you stay? 

Chenot Palace is a game of two halves; there’s the old-school magic of the original 1850-built turreted building, where cosy bedrooms, a tea bar, wood-panelled library and elegant indoor-outdoor dining room have spectacular views of the lake which acts like a mesmeric cerulean salve. Then there’s the chic contemporary extension where bedrooms are lined with shimmery wallpaper, bathrooms are marble-lined and mini-bars are stuffed with a wide choice of… bottled water. The wellness areas on the ground floor are punctuated by pretty waiting areas, tea stations and Japanese courtyards.

Final word

If you want to feel spry, a fair few pounds lighter and like every single cell in your body has been given the chance to function at its best, then Chenot Weggis is for you. As Dr George Gaitanos says, “At Chenot we are strong believers that anyone can obtain the optimum health at any age with an active, complete and satisfying social life.” Amen to that. 

Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com) can arrange a 7 night Advanced Detox programme from £6,879.00 per person sharing, including transfers, full board and treatments.