Boys who saw the light of day in 1921 had an average life expectancy of 56 years, girls had about 59 years to live. Today, just one hundred years later, people of this age are considered best agers - no wonder, after all, male life expectancy has increased by 22.6 years and female life expectancy by 24.3 years. But longer does not mean better: the increase in life expectancy is accompanied, at least in most cases, by a sharp rise in age-related diseases. As early as the 1970s, Henri Chenot, a native of Catalonia, was fascinated by the influence of lifestyle on the aging process: "I immerse myself in the changes that take place in the body over time and base my analysis on a holistic view of the person," Chenot once explained in an interview. "Health is the balance between our genetic code, lifestyle, age and environment. Disease occurs when that balance is no longer present."

For a glow in the face - the aesthetic department takes care of the skin and its needs ©Alex Teuscher

Wellness meets science

The psychologist, human scientist, biologist, naturopath and expert in traditional Chinese medicine developed the Chenot method named after him, driven by his conviction. He coined the term "biontology" for his "science of aging". That aging is inevitable was clear to Chenot, who died in 2020 at the age of 77. He was concerned with reducing the side effects of aging and helping his patients live longer, healthier and more active lives - a desire that made Luciano Pavarotti, Diego Maradona, Naomi Campbell and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others, his patients. Like other spa guests, they had to undergo extensive and accurate diagnostics before starting their treatments. This is based on precisely measurable biomarkers, the so-called VitalityIndex. Among other things, laboratory tests of blood, urine and saliva are used to determine inflammation markers, nutritional intolerances, allergies, vitamin supply and hormone status. The DXAScan is used to draw conclusions about bone density, and oxidative stress, arterial elasticity and physical performance are also assessed. Based on the results of this examination, the treatment plan is then tailored. This is a combination of treatments, nutrition and care products. Together, they are designed to send energetic, physical and emotional signals to the body that trigger physiological functions, detoxification processes and the activation of self-healing powers. Toxins are eliminated, vitality increases, the body takes preventive, reparative and rejuvenating actions. The program is constantly adapted to the biomarkers.

Eat yourself young

Central to the Chenot Method is the Chenot Diet. Through scientific research into selection, processing and cooking techniques, the supposedly perfect balance between proteins, healthy fats, low glycemic index and carbohydrates has been found. This mix is able to boost self-healing powers, cleanse the body on a cellular level, restore biorhythms and intestinal flora, harmonise hormones and re-stimulate metabolism and cell formation. One week at a Chenot Palace is all it takes to get started and achieve measurable improvements in biomarkers. Without long-term discipline, however, vital aging won't happen: "We use the extensive data collection and experience of medical experts to develop personalized programs for the individual Chenot guest," explains Dr. Georges Gaitanos, Chief Operating and Scientific Officer at Chenot, in an interview. "Then, customized lifestyle plans are created to follow for noticeable effects on the body and mind, even at home."

Hydrotherapy department: The treatment programme can also include applications with water in different variations ©Alex Teuscher

Good to Know

Chenot Palace

Dominique and Henri Chenot came to South Tyrol in the 1980s, where they opened the first detox centre of its kind. Others followed - today Chenot Palaces are located in Switzerland (Chenot Palace Weggis) and Azerbaijan (Chenot Palace Gabala). These luxurious homes are designed exclusively to focus on the Chenot Method. They offer a 360-degree approach to diagnostics, programs and nutrition. The individual measures are carefully coordinated; only experts are at work, and medical personnel are also present. The two Chenot Palaces function as independent brands and lack nothing in luxury - except perhaps champagne ... chenot.com

Chenot to Go

A product range that supports the spa results, tailored to the skin type, is also available. Here too, the basis is science: modern findings and highly effective substances find their way into the cleansers, toners, creams, peelings and masks known as "cosmeceuticals". They are available in all Chenot stores.

Chenot "Light"

Those who don't feel like following the strict rules in the dedicated Chenot Palaces can also get to know the method in so-called Chenot Espaces; these are housed in some of the most beautiful hotels in the world. Here, too, most of the elements of a Chenot programme are included, i.e. comprehensive diagnostics, targeted treatments and diet. Chenot Spas can be found in some One & Only hotels, among others.

Suitable ...

... the Chenot Method is suitable for everyone. Thanks to the comprehensive medical diagnostics, all health aspects are included, therefore there are no specific contraindications. However, it is a prevention program - the method is not intended to cure or treat serious diseases.

The food ...

...at the Chenot Palace is something to behold. It tastes great and does not include any animal products, salt, sugar or flour. In the morning and in the evening there are two courses on the menu - with a total of just 600 calories. Nothing is left to chance: everything is tailored to individual needs, even the afternoon tea.

Best of Hotels

Chenot Palace Weggis

The house at the foot of the Swiss Alps, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, is Chenot's leading health wellness retreat

At the "Chenot Palace Weggis" everything revolves around the Chenot method. As the heart of the establishment, the elegant building offers a Medical Spa on more than 5000 m2. Diagnostic procedures based on the latest scientific findings and state-of-the-art medical examination and treatment methods are the basis for all high-performance, effective treatment packages that are individually tailored to guests. "Chenot's vision and ethos is to unlock human potential by enhancing mental and physical performance at every age - and that's why our guests come to us. We connect with our guests to create truly personalized care with an integrated approach that enables complete mental and physical renewal by boosting energy, strengthening stress resistance - which is of utmost importance at the moment - and improving metabolism," explains Dr. George Gaitanos, COO and Scientific Director of Chenot Group. "The 'Chenot Palace' is a health wellness retreat built specifically for this purpose," he continues, "with 97 exclusive hotel rooms and suites, workout rooms, a 20-metre indoor pool and beautiful natural surroundings in the heart of Switzerland, promising a stay that works on many levels. The offer is rounded off by a nutrition programme in which Chenot has invested many years of scientific research. The choice of foods, their processing and the preparation techniques were determined by the wellness pioneer Henri Chenot himself. The low-calorie and low-acid meals are taken by guests in the sumptuously elegant restaurant of the "Chenot Palace Weggis", with wonderful views of Lake Lucerne. All programs are designed for a one-week stay. Double room including full board from € 298,- per person.

Chenot Palace Weggis*****, chenotpalaceweggis.com.
Hertensteinstrasse 34, 6353 Weggis, Switzerland
T: +41 41 2552000

One & Only Portonovi

The 24-hectare resort in the heart of Kontor Bay impresses with its nautical chic and chenot espace.

The newest member of the One & Only portfolio opened its doors to guests for the first time in May 2021. After all, the resort offers everything you could wish for in a luxurious holiday destination: magnificent beaches, natural beauty, plenty of privacy, spacious signature villas with private pools and panoramic views, plus four outstanding restaurants. Guests can find relaxation at Chenot Espace - the "One & Only Portonovi" is the first One & Only resort to offer guests a transformative program of detoxification and renewal of the body using the renowned Chenot method. All treatments are tailor-made and based on the latest scientific findings. Double room from € 835,- per person.

One & Only Portonovi*****, oneandonlyresorts.com
Portonovi, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro
T: +382 31 691000

©One & Only Resorts

Grand Resort Lagonissi

The luxury resort on the Athens Riviera offers a Chenot Spa in addition to a dream getaway

Bungalows, suites with pool, villas and residences: the "Grand Resort Lagonissi", a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, promises a luxurious stay under the Greek sun. The resort is splendidly situated on a private peninsula of almost 30 hectares, allowing its guests a feeling of seclusion. Culinary delights are provided by seven of the best restaurants and some of the best beach bars in town. They invite you to take a taste journey around the globe. The resort is not only the perfect starting point for excursions to the Acropolis or the Temple of Aphaia, but also the centre of unique wellness experiences. In the spa, the team pampers its guests with selected Chenot treatments, such as the Chenot Detox Treatment. Double room including breakfast from € 200,- per person.

Grand Resort Lagonissi Athens*****, lagonissiresort.gr
40th km Athens Sounion Avenue, Lagonissi, Attica, Athens 190 10, Greece
T: +30 2291 076000

©Grand Resort Lagonissi