Secluded, secretive and backed by science, these lair-like luxury wellness retreats promise an epic transformation for the mind, body and soul
If you’re serious about a health reset, sometimes the only way to do it is to disappear to a Bond villain lair-esque wellness retreat and emerge as a brand new you.
From a manmade island to a mountaintop hideaway far off the beaten track, these luxury wellness retreats promise seclusion and science-centric programmes in the name of body optimisation.
The Original FX Mayr, Austria
While most wellness retreats pride themselves on providing diverse offerings and lengthy spa menus, The Original FX Mayr zeroes in on one thing: gut health.
Indeed, countless experts agree that one of the most effective routes to good health is to counter the stress that modern life has put on our digestive systems. Poor diet, excessive indulgence and a sedentary lifestyle can wreak havoc on our bodies, showing up in the forms of bloating, premature ageing, stubborn belly fat, food intolerances, bowel problems, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Established over 45 years ago, The Original FX Mayr Clinic is famed for its Mayr Cure, which uses the most comprehensive medical diagnoses, personalised nutrition and targeted therapies—from Shiatsu and cryotherapy to silent dining—for a healthier gut.
It’s a rigorous programme not for the faint of heart, but one that’s balanced by the five-star, chalet-style setting on the banks of Lake Wörthersee’s lapping turquoise waves.
“Our guests are very serious about changing something in their lives,” says Gabriella Schnitzler, managing director at FX Mayr. “It could be how they approach food, or how they approach alcohol, or stress. This is something they learn to deal with here in a healthy, sustainable way.”