Page 66 - Mayrlife 2025 English

Altaussee makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another era. At the medical spa, lux-
ury treatments and state-of-the-art equipment are paired with a detox cuisine free of
alcohol, sugar, and caffeine, balanced by the somewhat old-fashioned, but entirely
sensible, belief that making time for your health is essential. Without being distracted
by smartphones and iPads. In theory, it’s perfect; in practice, it’s another story. Most
guests, myself included, bring their smartphone, e-reader, or a book to the table. I find
myself distracted by the dishes of those around me, wondering why the person beside
me is allowed three small plates while I’m limited to two. (The staff’s answer: ‘You’ll
need to discuss that with your doctor.’) When eggs make an appearance at breakfast,
it feels almost festive. But no matter how hard I try: I can never quite manage to chew
each spoonful of soup 40 times, as prescribed by the protocol.
No, it’s not easy – but it’s worth it.
At times, staying at MAYRLIFE feels as though I’m in therapy. Personal matters inevita-
bly surface during conversations about stress and well-being. But the practitioners
are genuinely empathetic and insightful. They always know the right words to say. And
they never seem to run out of tissues. On the second day, when I hit the inevitable re-
treat low, my Cure coach gently suggests to ‘just get out for a bit’. At MAYRLIFE, every-
one knows that when you reach a crisis point, the lake and the forest are always there
to offer solace.
However, my brain also receives high-tech treatment. For transcranial direct current
stimulation, a swim-cap-like device is placed on my head, with electrodes sending mild
currents through my skull to stimulate brain activity. The treatment is said to help with
migraines, chronic pain, and even depression. Over the course of four 30-minute ses-
sions, I feel only a faint tingling on my forehead. Whether or not it affects my mood is
unclear. But I embrace the opportunity to engage with my mind and body in new ways.
Then, there’s Watsu, a therapy combining water and Shiatsu. Floating supine in warm
water, I surrender entirely to the hands of the therapist, who gently moves and stretch-
es my limbs. For the first time in ages, I feel I can truly let go. In sharp contrast, there’s
cryotherapy: air at minus 110°C assaults my thighs for three minutes like thousands of
tiny needles, while I hop around the freezing chamber like a rubber ball. This is how I
gain insight into what’s happening in my body. For example, that I don’t breathe deeply
enough in stressful situations.
MAYRLIFE helped me gain more energy for daily life
I can’t control everything that triggers my stress. But by the end of the programme, I
feel more capable of managing it. I feel grounded, more alert, and calmer. The pros-
pect of returning to a ‘normal’ week feels less daunting than it did before. In fact, I’m
now looking forward to facing everyday life with a new-found sense of vitality. Though I
must admit, I’m equally excited about the simple pleasure of finally being allowed a
proper cup of coffee.
This article originally appeared in the German edition of Condé Nast Traveller.
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