The quest for eternal youth has captivated humankind since time immemorial. From Cleopatra and Elizabeth I to Hollywood glitterati and today’s well-heeled travellers, anyone with a lust for life will go to great lengths to ensure it continues for as long as possible. Set on the picture-perfect shores of Lake Lucerne and framed by the peaks of the Alps, Chenot Palace Weggis is Switzerland’s quintessential wellness retreat. Established to guide guests on the path to holistic wellness, the resort is home to a 5,000-square-metre medical spa where advanced diagnostics lead to fully personalised treatment and detoxification plans, combining state-of-the-art science and age-old wisdom with the finest Swiss hospitality.
In the 50 years since Henri Chenot founded the Chenot Method® in 1974, scientific understanding of ageing has advanced exponentially. Today, it is understood that 90 per cent of healthspan – the concept of remaining healthy for as long as possible as we age – is within the control of individuals, while the remaining 10 per cent is predetermined by our genes. According to Chenot, this is why people today are increasingly recognising the importance of investing in their mental and physical health and wellbeing from an early age.
Among the myriad of advanced offerings at Chenot Palace Weggis is the Chenot Molecular Lab for Optimal Living, where ground-breaking epigenetic technology is used to analyse gene activity, determine biological ageing status and create personalised treatment plans that enhance wellbeing and slow down premature ageing at the molecular level.
Through a simple blood test, Chenot’s mRNA-based molecular testing can uncover undesirable gene expressions linked to conditions such as silent inflammation, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance and the structural integrity of connective tissue, all of which can accelerate the biological ageing process. By analysing the molecular testing results, Chenot clinicians can determine whether undesirable genes have been activated, enabling them to predict the onset of disease 20 years before symptoms appear, and begin preventative measures from an early age.
By identifying abnormalities that need to be corrected, Chenot therapists can recommend targeted lifestyle changes or prescribe specific supplements to activate natural responses that slow down the effects of ageing, such as increasing energy metabolism, stress resilience, anti-inflammatory pathways and autophagy (cellular clean-up). If epigenetic testing is performed regularly, guests can see how these lifestyle changes and supplements are impacting their health over time.
The Chenot Molecular Lab for Optimal Living is just one facet of the resort’s immersive wellness and wellbeing offerings. The brand’s intensive seven-day detox programmes, based on Henri Chenot’s ground-breaking Chenot Method®, are designed to reset and rejuvenate the body at a cellular and molecular level, synchronising its biology with natural rhythms. Each programme triggers adaptive responses within the body through tailored diagnostics, detoxifying therapies and cutting-edge technologies. From a calorie-restricted, plant-based diet to daily energetic massages, every aspect of the programmes is geared towards holistic wellness. The result is a profound physiological recalibration that fosters physical health and mental resilience.
In addition to the restorative effects of the medical programmes at Chenot Palace Weggis, guests are treated to the finest Swiss hospitality in a spectacular setting on the edge of Lake Lucerne, where they can benefit from the restorative effects of nature. Lake swimming on the beach, guided hiking and lake tours all contribute to physical and mental wellness, while fitness classes, tennis and yoga sessions allow guests to continue their routine exercise activities. Dining follows the principles of the Chenot Diet, a reduced-calorie plant-based diet designed to support a range of health outcomes, served in a spectacular dining room with breathtaking views across Lake Lucerne towards the Alps.
Blending traditional Swiss architecture with contemporary style, Chenot Palace Weggis itself is a harmonious addition to the landscape. Zen gardens, an art gallery and dedicated rooms fitted out with the latest sleep technology take guests on a journey of the senses; a harmonious backdrop to ground-breaking programmes on offer.