Jane Wilson checks in to The Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence to assess and better her health and wellbeing.
“Prevention is better than cure” – wise words from the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus. And words that beckoned me to the crisp, unpolluted air of the Swiss Alps and to the Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence. Here I had signed up for the three-day Check-Up Programme, one of several medical wellness programmes offered which combine luxury hospitality with Swiss medical expertise.
The Waldhotel Check-Up Programme Experience
Before my arrival date, I duly completed a medical questionnaire. From thereon, my medical health was in the hands of professional, experienced consultants and therapists to test and access various functions of my health. From head to toe, this was an in-depth screening which was explained at every stage and seamlessly undertaken.
Using state-of-the-art technology my lung capacity was tested while an abdominal ultrasound introduced me to my inside organs. Comprehensive blood tests would provide an indication of any abnormalities while a biometric and body composition test revealed how much fat was keeping me warm. Additionally, a full screening by the dermatologist checked every mark and blemish on my skin.
An intensive session with a trainer tested my mobility, stability and fitness – must try harder! My heart rate when stressed and rested was also measured. In all, this is a thorough programme which is both educational and productive. This takes place in a pocket of tranquillity high up overlooking Lake Lucerne snuggly nestling between lush meadows and green forests.
Defined by Nature
The Waldhotel is stylish, pristine and comforting. With huge panoramic windows, nature is drawn in and followed through in its design – leaves feature on chic wallpaper, thread through carpets and depicted in pictures and even on crockery. The 160 guest rooms and suites are spacious with terraces extending to the green landscape. Quality comforts include rain showers, Acqua di Parma toiletries and hi-tech controls.
Even the building has been nurtured into the southern side of the Bürgenstock mountain, a breathing example of sustainable architecture, an extension of nature with slatted wooden terraces in warm earthy colours, created in local stones, natural materials and even green roofs.
Views take the shape of majestic alps topped with frosted peaks while windy roads trace a zigzag pattern across blankets of the green Burgenberg landscape with farmhouses dotted around. In the distance, the sound of cowbells echoes and bell chimes break the silence on peaceful walks in the surrounding woodlands.
The Waldhotel Colour Cuisine: A taste of vitality
Colour cuisine is a unique innovative concept practised here where the diet focuses on a particular colour each day to maximise the absorption of beneficial nutrients. Ingredients are chosen by seasonality. Artistically presented three-course dishes are served for lunch, each like edible sculptures. Yellow foods for anti-aging due to carotenoids, such as yellow bell pepper with scallop and quinoa, ginger, corn and turmeric soup. Lobster, salmon and pumpkin on an orange day to provide the vitamin C for skin and vitamin B for rejuvenation.
As well as wines, “sober cocktails” such as chilli & ginger or a fizzy lifeblood, (non-alcoholic red vermouth, beetroot shrub and lime) are available. Kombucha drinks feature too. These are fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened teas rich in B-vitamins, and probiotic characteristics which help to strengthen the immune system and support digestion.
An Integrated Spa
The Spa area has that wow factor. Two gleaming swimming pools plead your presence, one with an electric sliding door to the water outside and its refreshing cooler air temperature. Other features include a salt grotto, ice room, hammam, aroma and Finnish sauna and water beds in temperatures from 10 to 80 degrees.
A unique destination
Getting here is very James Bondish and very easy too. From the plane to the train at Zurich airport followed by a five-minute walk to the waterside. Board a boat on Lake Lucerne to the Burgenstock Funicular which takes you directly to the hotel reception. All seamless and fun. Alternatively, simply take a taxi from Zurich.
A health investment
Health is our most valuable asset. Many diseases can be prevented or postponed. A check-up in Swiss luxury may make a slight dent in the bank account, but prevention is an investment in our wellbeing and even better in a luxury destination. The Waldhotel offers an extensive range of health-promoting therapeutic services tailored to individuals to revitalise and refresh lifestyle routines from rest, balanced diet to regular exercise.
The Waldhotel Check-up is suitable for adults of any age and forms a basis for further examination and treatments. Partners are very welcome to share the room and facilities. The programme is on a half-board basis, allowing more opportunity to explore the other restaurants of the Burgenstock Resort.
The Check-up programme includes:
- In-depth admission consultation with a doctor & thorough physical examination
- Resting and stress ECG, heart rate variability test
- Comprehensive laboratory test
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Skin screening with dermatologist
- Analysis of mobility, stability and fitness by a physiotherapist
- Bone densitometry and determination of body composition using DEXA
- Measurement of energy metabolism
- Concluding consultation and recommendations to take home.
Find out more
Go to buergenstock-waldhotel.ch/en for further information.
For short breaks to Switzerland, call our Silver Travel Advisors on 0800 412 5678.
One Response
Omg – sounds marvellous – I’m wondering what a “dent in the bank account” might actually mean – do I need to be a Swiss banker ?’