Page 137 - Powerlist 2020

seventh time, while others had come
from as far afield as Dubai and America
to recuperate from serious illness and
boost immune systems depleted by
chemotherapy or steroid treatment,
seek help with persistent afflictions such
as IBS or simply hit the reboot button
from stress and exhaustion.
Some stay for seven days but the
majority check in for three weeks.
“I’ve been going to spas around the
world for over 20 years but Vivamayr is
a game-changer as it’s a health clinic,”
one Nigerian guest told us.
“Everyone in high-powered roles
deals with a lot of stress and Vivamayr
gives us the opportunity to hit the reset
button. This is my fourth visit in as many
years. I’ve bumped into old colleagues clinic – and its infamous Cure detox – is
and met wonderful new friends here. based on the detoxification programme
It’s a real melting pot so I’ve met fellow first developed by Dr Franz X Mayr in
Nigerians, South Africans, Americans, Austria almost 100 years ago.
Russians and Middle Eastern guests. The He believed that the gut was the
common bond we all share is we want second brain and the route to good
to focus on our wellbeing and that’s health, with bad diets and over-eating
the main objective – we’re investing in resulting in chronic problems from
ourselves because health is wealth.” diabetes to arthritis.
The objective is simple; visitors Dr Fink sums up the importance of Lifestyle overhaul: The world-famous
embark on a strict but effective gut health in a nutshell: “The best Vivamayr health retreat in Austria
detox that purges the body of toxins piece of wood won’t burn if the oven
promising a more energised, vibrant doesn’t work.” majority of its high-powered clientele
version of you by check out. The regimented schedule appeals to suffering chronic fatigue and burnout
Everyone is assigned a resident its famous guests. Meal times are sacred head to the low-profile haven for some
physician on arrival, when goals of with everyone assigned their own tables “me time” and a lifestyle overhaul.
the stay are discussed and a bespoke in order to concentrate fully on chewing habits, have a health MOT (with healthy
It’s an opportunity to kick bad
DESTINATION from lymphatic drainage conversation. The small but tasty food, fresh air and sleep) and float
your meal rather than engage in
programme of treatments prescribed,
between treatments clad in comfy robes
massages and Shiatsu to
portions of local, organic
and slippers.
produce mainly keep
bizarre ones such as
The basic principles – chewing
DETOX electrolysis footbaths hunger at bay but most properly (between 25-30 times per
guests struggle with
and nasal reflex
therapy.
mouthful) to aid digestion, no raw food
the digital detox –
Bronx-born Dr
especially as phones
after 4pm, drinking two to three litres
Adriana Fink is one
communal areas.
balanced diet of acid and alkaline foods,
of the physicians are banned from of water to flush out toxins, eating a
who practises The brain fog and the importance of rest to regenerate
what she preaches that most experience – isn’t ground-breaking, but our fast-
and doesn’t pull any during the first few days paced lives make it easy to slip into and
punches as the first as a common side effect more detrimentally, adopt bad habits.
weigh-in takes place and the from the caffeine, sugar and The Cure is as much hard-core detox
digestive system is examined with alcohol withdrawals is best tackled as well as a stark reminder of the best
the first of many abdominal massages. with nature and the fresh mountain air ways to reach optimum health goals,
After a frank discussion on food proves the perfect anecdote. leaving guests lighter both in body and
and eating habits, guests are put on The state-of-the-art wellness suite mind. It’s not for the faint-hearted but
an eating plan – from the mild alkaline boasting indoor and outdoor saunas, it’s the first step on the wellness journey
diet to the stricter candida diet, which multiple steam rooms and infrared that lasts long after guests jump on the
eliminates, gluten and some dairy chamber becomes a secret refuge for plane back to reality.
products – and prescribed any lacking many during quiet moments during
vitamins and nutrients following the the timetable of treatments – especially Apartments with lake view and private
preliminary blood test results. as most guests completely immerse dock start from £1,400 per night, with
Kinesiology identifies allergies and themselves into the experience by the Villa available from £2,400 per
intolerances using the simple muscle choosing not to leave the five-star clinic night (excluding medical support and
response test to determine whether it’s at all during their stay. treatments)
gluten or dairy that is the enemy. The It’s a slick operation, which is why the www.vivamayr.com
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