By Pascal Languillon, CEO Luxe Wellness Club.
Lanserhof is a global leader for preventive healthcare. By opening a facility on the island of Sylt, Germany’s most popular seaside destination, the group has signed up to one of Europe’s most ambitious projects. With its futuristic architecture, state-of-the-art medical equipment and breathtaking natural surroundings, the center promises complete regeneration for body and mind. I wanted to see for myself: here’s the story of a stay in the heart of this temple of well-being. Impressive.
An exceptional natural setting
Some destinations have a special aura, a magnetism that attracts a discerning clientele year after year. Such is the case of Sylt, often dubbed the “Saint-Tropez of the Germans”. At the height of summer, the island displays its charms with a rare intensity. The blond dunes glisten in the sun, the North Sea is a deep blue, and the thatched-roof villages compete in coquetry. The atmosphere is both chic and relaxed: wealthy families from Hamburg and Düsseldorf rub shoulders with sports enthusiasts in search of sea air. Surprisingly, the island is little known to international travelers.
Arriving in Sylt at this time of year is an experience in itself. I arrived by plane (direct flight from Zurich), and the flight over the island allowed me to admire this ribbon of sand fringed by the waves. During that beautiful week in August, I was able to swim in the North Sea several times! The water temperature may be a little cool (19°C), but in the bright sunshine I couldn’t resist the temptation. The invigorating effect was immediate, like a prelude to the regenerating cure that awaited me.
For many wellness enthusiasts, the name Lanserhof evokes an institution that cannot be ignored. For over thirty years, this originally Austrian establishment has set the global standard thanks to a medical approach that combines state-of-the-art diagnostics, nutrition, holistic therapies and physical activity. At the heart of this philosophy is the Mayr Method, an intestinal detox cure designed to soothe the body, reduce inflammation and boost overall vitality.
In Sylt, this method takes on a new dimension. The center combines Lanserhof’s medical expertise with the island’s special energy. The marine climate, the iodine-laden air, the power of the elements and the raw beauty of the landscape all play their part in regeneration. It’s an entire atmosphere at work, not just the treatments provided within the walls.
Between two medical or sports sessions, I enjoyed the beauty of the island. The Lanserhof Sylt provides electric bikes, perfect for exploring the long cycle paths. I pedaled between picturesque villages, through heather-covered moorlands and along endless beaches.
A place designed for rest and regeneration
Designed by architect Christoph Ingenhoven, the Lanserhof Sylt buildings blend into the dunes with their clean lines, glass facades and thatched roofs. The overall impression is one of serenity and coherence.
My accommodation at Lanserhof was a pretty duplex suite. The space, bathed in natural light thanks to the large bay windows, gave me a view of the sea. On the first floor, I had a comfortable living room for reading and working, and upstairs a streamlined bedroom inviting me to rest. The furniture is minimalist yetelegant, in shades of beige, light wood and white.
What a nice surprise to find Birkenstock sandals waiting in the room, complimentary for all guests!
Every evening, before slipping into bed, I like to prolong my relaxation with an alkaline bath, a ritual emblematic of the Mayr Method. The aim is to help the body eliminate the acids accumulated during the day, a detoxification process that acts on both the physical and mental levels. In the subdued half-light of my bathroom, this bath became a moment of refocusing, an ideal transition between the day’s treatments and the night’s rest.
The bedding is exceptional, and I learned that the mattresses were specifically designed to optimize sleep. I also put on my very own Dagsmejan pyjamas (not provided at the hotel), designed to optimize sleep; a light, breathable second skin that perfectly matched the spirit of the place and contributed to my restful nights.
A state-of-the-art medical program
What impressed me most about Lanserhof right from the start was the precision and scope of the medical check-up. Here, we don’t just do a few routine tests. Everything is scrutinized. I had a complete body composition study, a liver examination to measure the degree of steatosis, a bone density test to monitor osteopenia, which is still mild but needs to be watched, and a molecular analysis designed to understand how I age at the cellular level. I was particularly fascinated by this last test: it provides a sort of “biological identity card” and helps us to understand how to slow down the aging process with targeted treatments. To date, only Lanserhof offers this test!
In-depth blood tests, breathing tests, heart rate variability studies – everything was designed to provide a precise assessment of my state of health. All this took place in bright, soothing surroundings that have nothing in common with a conventional hospital. And that’s where the difference lies: you feel like you’re under rigorous medical care, but in a five-star hotel environment.
This follow-up was accompanied by daily meetings with my referring physician, Dr Mari Arens, who adjusted my program on a daily basis according to the results and my feelings. It’s this constant, personalized follow-up that makes all the difference and gives you the feeling of being truly taken in hand. I’d like to point out that this doctor is particularly empathetic. It’s so nice to see this approach in a luxury clinic.
Perhaps the highlight of the medical tests was the 3D body mapping performed using the Vectra system. This impressive device scans the entire body and projects an ultra-precise 3D image. I was able to see a complete model of my silhouette. The precision was astonishing.
This was followed by a thorough analysis of my skin, revealing its true state: the presence of spots, sun damage and, above all, a mole check for possible signs of skin cancer. Dr Arens then carried out a very thorough check of the few potentially suspicious lesions. Fortunately, all was well.
Outstanding anti-aging treatments
Lanserhof Sylt doesn’t just offer classic treatments. I had the chance to try out some equipment at the cutting edge of scientific research. I took part in several sessions of Cellgym IHHT, a method of simulating altitude training by modulating the oxygen content of the air you breathe.
Lying back comfortably, I virtually “traveled” to 4000 meters altitude. The body reacts by producing more mitochondria, the cells’ famous energy powerhouses. After just a few sessions, I felt an increased vitality. These sessions are done in conjunction with IV drips, infusions of vitamins and minerals administered directly into the bloodstream for maximum absorption, notably for immunity and detoxification.
Between two consultations or after an intense sports session, I was delighted to return to the Lanserhof spa area. The heated indoor-outdoor pool offered a pure moment of serenity: swimming while admiring the landscape, feeling the warmth of the water mingle with the freshness of the sea air, it was a pleasant experience.
I also tried the therapeutic climbing wall. Far from being a fun activity, it’s actually a tool for rehabilitation and muscle strengthening. Accompanied by a physiotherapist, I worked on my coordination in a fun and effective way.
Another amazing discovery was the electrostimulation sports suit. Putting on this high-tech suit connected to a console, I performed a muscle-strengthening session in which every movement was amplified by small electrical impulses. Thirty minutes or so was the equivalent of several hours of conventional training. I left feeling euphoric, convinced by the potential of this technology.
Like other medical spas, Lanserhof offers cryotherapy sessions at minus 110 degrees. Three minutes that seem like an eternity, but trigger a wave of endorphins and an immediate energy boost. When I left, I felt like I’d reset my body.
I particularly appreciated the foot reflexology, which provided deep relaxation by rebalancing the body through the points on the feet. The massages, which ranged from gentle drainage to more vigorous strokes, were the perfect complement to the medical program, offering me real moments of letting go.
As I talked to the doctors, I realized that Lanserhof is not just about prevention and detox. The holistic approach practiced here also enables us to support patients facing much more serious problems. Lyme disease, for example, which remains difficult to diagnose and treat, can be managed through a combination of medical, nutritional and regenerative therapies. People suffering from autoimmune diseases also find in this holistic vision a way to relieve inflammation and strengthen their defenses.
Some programs are even designed to support patients in remission from cancer, to restore their energy and balance after trying treatments. And then, even more surprisingly, Lanserhof also helps couples with their fertility problems, by helping the body to regain a favorable environment. That’s the strength of this center: by observing the body as a whole, and linking each function, we open up new therapeutic perspectives that go far beyond a simple wellness stay.
Lanserhof does more than just care, it also makes a point of passing on knowledge.Each day is punctuated by conferences and workshops on nutrition, sleep, stress management and longevity. It’s a veritable school of preventive health.
Detox gastronomy revisited
I was a little apprehensive about the culinary part, fearing it would be too austere. In reality, I discovered a detox gastronomy of great finesse. Admittedly, the meals are light, sparingly salted and served in small portions, but each plate is prepared with care and creativity. The restaurant, bathed in light, offers dishes of great finesse, prepared using organic and local produce.
What also struck me was the flexibility of the diets on offer at Lanserhof. Here, nothing is set in stone, depending on individual goals and medical diagnosis. Some follow a strict therapeutic fast, limited to around 400 calories a day, with broths, herbal teas and ultra-light portions designed to put the digestive system at complete rest.
Others choose a gentler program, with 800 or 1000 calories, still in the spirit of the Mayr Method, where you learn to eat slowly and consciously. Finally, for the more active or sporty, the center offers the so-called “Active” program , which can go up to 1,700 calories a day, allowing you to eat to your heart’s content while benefiting from balanced, perfectly designed meals. This flexibility makes the cure accessible to all profiles: whether you’re looking to lose weight, detoxify in depth or simply regenerate your body, everyone can find the dietary rhythm that suits them, without ever having the feeling of being restricted or locked into a single model.
The experience isn’t just about taste, it’s also about the way you eat. You learn to take your time, chew slowly and listen to your body. I find this re-education in eating invaluable, as it profoundly changes the way we relate to food.
A surprising ritual preceded each of my meals: a small shot of wheatgrass, an intensely green wheatgrass juice, slightly bitter in taste but loaded with chlorophyll and nutrients. We also drink cold-pressed vegetable oil, designed to stimulate digestion and support the work of the liver. This combination, both simple and highly studied, prepared the body to receive food and reinforced the detox effect.
Breakfast time was a real pleasure for me, especially with the Active program I had chosen. Every morning, I was served a plate that was as healthy as it was generous: a portion of light protein, a little crunchy muesli, fresh fruit bursting with flavor, and sometimes a feta-type cheese, salted just enough to awaken the palate. It was delicious, hearty and perfectly balanced, enough to give my body the energy it needed for the day’s treatments and activities. Of course, weight-loss customers were allowed smaller portions, sometimes even minimalist meals, but the spirit remained the same: eating consciously, with simple foods of impeccable quality.
The main meals followed the same logic of balance and variety. Every lunch and dinner began with a light soup, different every day: silky pumpkin, unctuous greens, clear broth scented with herbs… A comforting prelude that prepared the digestion. Next came a hearty, perfectly executed dish, always based on fresh, local produce, often fish or poultry accompanied by colorful, crunchy vegetables. And, as part of the Active program, I was even entitled to a dessert with very little sugar, sometimes a compote, sometimes a light entremets, which concluded the meal on a sweet note without weighing down the body.
Our feeling
I came away with a strong conviction: Lanserhof Sylt is one of Europe’s most advanced centers for preventive medicine. The combination of scientific rigor, cutting-edge technology, medical support and the raw beauty of the island makes it an absolutely unique destination. Admittedly, the experience comes with a hefty price tag, but the benefits – for those willing to invest in their health – are priceless. I just love it!
Book Lanserhof Sylt
Prices: from 8,000 euros per week for one person, or around 14,000 euros for two people.
Benefit from our exclusive Luxe Wellness Club advantages: Room upgrade and early check-in/late check-out subject to availability – Complimentary limousine service from Westerland station/airport and back – VIP gift with a word from the general manager.
Contact us by phone to discuss your wellness retreat :
- from France on + 33 1 85 73 22 14
- from Switzerland: +41 22 501 75 16
- from the Emirates: +971 54 583 1623
- from the USA: +1 (646) 980 6652
- from the UK: +44 20 4577 3258
