Review: Chenot Palace Weggis

Why book? 
Perched alongside Lake Lucerne, this ultra-lux Swiss medical spa draws clientele from around the world, offering its signature Chenot Method® treatment programs in an elegant, serene setting. They take a scientific approach to wellness—after a week it shows in your skin’s dewy glow. 

Set the scene 
Chenot Palace is located in Weggis, a sleepy town at the foot of the Alps where you’ll find a few Swiss-chalet-style lodges and even fewer restaurants. Guests embarking on a detox program (a meager 850-calorie daily diet) will encounter little temptation. From Middle-Eastern royalty to affluent British couples on a health kick to certain beloved Swiss pro tennis players, Chenot guests run the gamut. Plush white robes, the typical attire from breakfast to dinner, are the great equalizer.

The backstory 
Opened in 2020, Chenot Palace Weggis is the newest location of the Chenot brand medical spas. With an eye toward rebalancing the physiology of the body, their science-backed approach to wellness was developed by Dr. Henri Chenot, who's been honing his method using the latest technological advances since 1974. Their philosophy says it all: it’s not the number of years in your life but the life in your years.

The rooms 
Whichever wellness adventure you choose, rooms are designed to make your journey as plush and cozy as possible. Decorated in tasteful, neutral tones (think: icy gray blackout curtains and taupe lounge chairs), they feature spacious lounge areas and sweeping views across Lake Lucerne and those picturesque snow-capped Alps. Also, flat-screen televisions with French, German, and English channels if you’re in the mood for vegging out (sans the veg—no snacks on the premises!). Be sure to take advantage of the pillow menu, with options like premium down “anti-ageing” variety or a refreshing Swiss pine pillow filled with fine tree shavings. 

Food and drink 
One of the tenets of the Chenot method is “autophagy”–loosely, my body eats itself in Greek. With a daily allotment of 850 calories, it truly feels like the stomach has no choice but to devour itself at times. That said, the vegan, rainbow-hued meals, designed by Chenot’s in-house chefs, are packed with nutrients and surprisingly nourishing. Standout dishes include stuffed sundried tomato gnocchi with basil pesto and almond cream, and chickpea falafel with cucumber dill sauce. Earthy mushroom or refreshing lemongrass broth are always on tap. For caffeine-addicts, the no-coffee policy might be the trickiest part of the detox, but (caffeine-free) chicory coffee, available at all meals, is a surprisingly satisfying alternative. \

The spa 
The Chenot Palace Weggis spa’s treatment menu is as extensive as the Swiss air is fresh. Whether you’re craving a massage to stimulate lymphatic drainage, a deep muscle treatment to relieve chronic tension, or a personalized facial to reduce fine lines, all are available a la carte.

The neighborhood/area
Weggis is a tiny Alpine town where the only notable sightseeing is the stunning views across Lake Lucerne. The sleepy, residential neighborhood encourages guests to fully utilize the facilities and commit to their wellness program.

The service 
From the dining room to the state-of-the-art gym, staff is extraordinarily attentive and discreet. If Chenot preaches the science of wellness, they practice the art of hospitality.

For families 
While it isn’t a destination for children, Chenot Palace Weggis would be the ultimate swanky setting for a mother-daughter wellness retreat or a couples’ detox week. (Though the website notes: Kids up to 10 years can stay at Chenot Palace Weggis if accompanied by childcare.)

Accessibility 
Ramps and elevators are on the premises.

Anything left to mention? 
From the hunger pains to the symptoms of caffeine withdrawal, a stay at the Chenot Palace Weggis is no doubt a challenge—may as well do it in the lap of luxury.  What’s more, after a full battery of diagnostic tests (checking organ functions and more), meeting with dieticians and bioenergetic checkups, you’ll walk away with intel for living a better quality life according to your body and mind.