When I tell friends and family that I spent a week at a medical resort, I get a glazed look. “Sounds like a lot of money for very little food,” is the usual comment. Even in this day and age, when we’re supposed to be well-informed and aware of the health risks our modern-day diet and inactive lifestyles pose, the words ‘detox’ and ‘fasting’ sound like punishment to most people. “Life’s too short to be dieting,” they argue. It’s true – but life can get even shorter and more disease-ridden if we don’t pay attention to our health before it’s too late.
Gone are the days when austere clinical resorts resembling Victorian hospitals or penitentiaries employed dour-faced staff who subjected patients to punishing regimes. Over the last few decades, these temples of well-being have evolved in leaps and bounds, with the rise in medical tourism across the globe enticing health-conscious guests to five-star-quality medical retreats set within blissful natural surroundings. The architecture ranges from period buildings and chalets to ultra-modern structures, but features they have in common are bright, spacious rooms, state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, dedicated specialist practitioners, a staggering menu of holistic treatments, luxury spas, a host of outdoor and indoor activities, AND deliciously nutritious fine-dining cuisine.
One particular medical resort that ticks all the boxes is VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort Maria Wörth. Ensconced within the eponymous fairytale-like Austrian village, this wellness bolthole sits nicely along the banks of Lake Wörthersee, where crystal-clear jade and ultramarine waters create a calm, curative scene.
The VIVAMAYR Health Concept is a personalised regime designed to help the body heal and promote vitality by rebooting the digestive system. The fact that 70 to 80 percent of our immune cells are found in the gut is enough proof that what we eat, how much we consume, the way we eat and when, determine whether we stay healthy or succumb to illness. This theory is strongly based on Austrian physician Franz Xaver Mayr’s (1875–1965) pioneering diagnostic and therapeutic methods of promoting a healthy gut through naturopathy and diet. Nearly 60 years after his death, F.X. Mayr’s tried and tested principles have evolved into the Modern Mayr Medicine practised at VIVAMAYR today.
LIFE AT VIVAMAYR
My first day at VIVAMAYR felt like going back to school. I met many guests from around the world, including regulars who return every year. The atmosphere was relaxed, and there was a sense of camaraderie and support, knowing we all shared a common goal towards improving our health and well-being.
Clients come with various health issues, while others just need a general health MOT. My primary concerns were to reduce inflammation in my joints as well as strengthen my immunity, which had been compromised during the pandemic years. Regardless of individual medical histories, everyone starts with an initial consultation with a dedicated consultant. My physician, Dr Adriana Fink, gave me an overall check-up by examining my skin, eyes and tongue for any telltale signs of illness. While lying on my back, she applied gentle tapping and massaged the abdominal area to identify stomach, liver and kidney issues. “You have a bit of bloating,” she declared and explained that this massage technique helps to stimulate the digestive function and becomes part of the daily treatment routine.
Next, a Bioimpedance Analysis machine measured my body fat, water and muscle ratios, followed by Functional Myodiagnostics (Applied Kinesiology), a technique used to identify health issues by testing muscle strength and weakness. Based on the results and noting any allergies and intolerances, Dr Fink put together a week’s worth of therapies, holistic treatments, nutritional supplements and a diet plan.
My schedule involved a mix of holistic sessions. The Electrolysis Footbath drew out toxins from the body, and a daily Nasal Reflex therapy relieved my sinusitis and allergies. Stress is a main contributing factor to many illnesses, and a majority of guests, including myself, benefited from a Stress Reduction massage. The relaxing Sea Salt Peeling body massage was just what my dry skin needed, and I could have stayed all day in the Herbal Bath with soothing coloured underwater lights. The Osteopathy session proved challenging, while the Feldenkrais therapy, which reconnects mind and body to correct movement issues, required deep concentration and coordination.
THE MOTHER OF ALL DIETS
The powerhouse behind VIVAMAYR’s healing concept is its detox and nutrition programme, which is structured to get the metabolism working to its optimum level by giving the digestive system a chance to rest, recover and regenerate. For starters, each morning we had to drink (reluctantly) a glass of water with Epsom salt to cleanse the colon and flush out toxins, while the alkalising Base powder dissolved in water in the evening helps to balance acidity in the guts.
The menu is split into categories, starting with basic low-calorie, gluten-free food combined with Candida-busting dishes before progressing to two- and three-course balanced acid-alkaline ratio meals that also include meat and fish. Which one you end up with is down to your doctor’s orders. Alcohol, caffeine, dairy, gluten and sugar are out of the question, although carbohydrates are gradually introduced in small quantities. To my delight, we were allowed to enhance our meals with a choice of cold-pressed organic linseed, hemp or sunflower oils. It seemed a waste to drizzle them, so I consumed each one by the spoonful instead.
After consuming a small serving of vegetable soup, chewy gluten-free bread and vegetarian dip, I imagined myself as Oliver Twist begging for more. I resisted, and by day two, I got used to smaller portions. Drinking lots of liquid (but not during meals) is key to a successful detox, and there’s no shortage of water, potent herbal teas and clear vegetable broth here. Common side effects could include headaches and brain fog, so it’s worth cutting down or eliminating caffeine and sugar at least a week before embarking on the VIVAMAYR regime.
Mindful eating habits, such as chewing food very slowly (20 to 40 times), took a lot of effort. And if it’s any consolation, nutritionist Helga Poschinger mentioned during a lecture that chewing slowly burns 142 calories per hour. Dr Fink explained that digestion starts the moment we begin chewing our food and continues to work harder throughout the day as we consume more food. As the day progresses, the digestive system becomes sluggish and overwhelmed in the same way that we get tired in the evening. We were also advised against eating raw foods (fruits and vegetables) after 4pm because they take longer to digest. Undigested food leads to fermentation and toxification, the consequences of which include sugar spikes, bloating, acid reflux and sleeping disorders, among other things.
Hero image © Gert Steinthaler | All food and tea images above © Michael Koenigshofer
The food at VIVAMAYR takes healthy cuisine to a whole new level. Each dish is prepared with care from the highest quality organic, seasonal ingredients. Savouring the goodness and natural flavours in every ingredient is, to me, the essence of culinary luxury, thanks to Head Chef Emanuela Fischer, whose cooking techniques keep nutrients alive as well as maintain a healthy acid-alkaline ratio.
Each main course is elegantly plated, and every bite deserves to be savoured slowly. Emanuela’s mouth-watering star dishes included a dumpling of white corn and polenta with carrot, chard and tomato cream; mushroom burger ‘Viva Style’ with pumpkin salsa, herbal mushroom, courgettes, artichoke cream and vegan feta; and Vegan brûlée with raspberry and lemongrass. Our tummies have never been healthier and happier.
During her popular cooking class, Emanuela prepared simple but tasty food. If only I could take her home to cook for me every day. Instead, I brought back a copy of her new cookbook, Veggie Stars, packed with inspiring recipes and an in-depth lowdown on healthy cooking techniques. And if there’s a Michelin star category for nutritious gastronomy, this restaurant is definitely a main contender.
A Cure for All Seasons
An environment conducive to de-stressing and relaxation is part of the healing process, and the restaurant’s layout and neutral tones are designed especially for this purpose. The indoor section’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors let plenty of natural light in, exposing panoramic views of well-manicured gardens leading to the banks of Lake Wörthersee. Breathing fresh mountain air during a leisurely breakfast in the outdoor restaurant was pretty special. Digital detox also goes with the territory, not to mention keeping a peaceful ambience, which is why the use of mobile phones is discouraged.
Elsewhere in the resort, the spa’s indoor pool with an underwater trampoline and views of the lake was my favourite spot. Even the state-of-the-art gym has perfect scenery. It was here that I was introduced to the Icaros virtual training equipment, which simulated a flying experience through vertiginous terrain. It was scary in the beginning, but once I got over my fear of ‘falling’, I enjoyed the sensation of soaring in the air like a bird. This specialised training is very effective for toning abdominal and back muscles while also improving coordination.
Outdoor activities are encouraged but not compulsory, and there are myriad options on offer, including early morning yoga along the jetty, an invigorating swim in the lake, or a brisk hike. For a bit of retail therapy and nature tripping, guests can also book a private car for day excursions to nearby towns and cities. However, I was quite content with exploring the village church, walking along the lakeside pathway, and watching jet skiers and paddle boarders along the way. There was a moment when I almost got tempted to have an ice cream from a tourist kiosk. Then, the writing on the back of the resort’s menu whispered to me: “Don’t cheat yourself.”
Both garden images above © Rowena Marella-Daw
On my last day came the final evaluation with Dr Fink, along with a detailed diet plan for continuing the Cure two weeks after. My blood analysis indicated I had a high level of Free Radicals (Oxidative Stress) but this was offset by a high Biological Antioxidative Capacity – a sort of counter-terrorist activity going on inside my body.
At the end of just one week, I felt much better, had more energy and even lost a few pounds. I have no doubt that time spent at VIVAMAYR has benefited so many, even changed their lives. We also realised (and the doctors know it too well) that the biggest challenge is sticking to the diet. The fact that we made it to the end of our VIVAMAYR journey was an achievement in itself.
Dr Fink gave me a big hug, wished me well and said, “Enjoy life.” Indeed, life is meant to be enjoyed while we can. It doesn’t matter if we falter with our diet; there’s no point in stressing about it. We have done it, and we can do it again. And it’s reassuring to know that the expert medical team is just a phone call or email away. If anyone asks me whether it’s worth the money, I’d say a definite “Yes”. After all, your health is your wealth, so why not invest in it.
FACT BOX
VIVAMAYR Medical Health Resort Maria Wörth has 46 rooms and suites plus apartments and a lake-view villa. VIVAMAYR also has day clinics in Vienna and London. For more information, visit the links below…
Web: vivamayr.com
Tel: +43 4273 31117
Email: office@vivamayr.com
Instagram: @vivamayrmariawoerth
Facebook: @vivamayr.mariawoerth