The first appointment with my Dr is extensive – and fascinating. It’s an understatement to say these people really know their stuff. Dr Gatt explains to me that there is no such thing as a standard programme at Lanserhof and every guest’s personal medical ailments and needs are treated on a targeted basis with world leading treatments based on the outcome of the extensive test results conducted during your stay.
Within minutes of leaving my first doctor’s appointment I am having several vials of blood rapidly drawn and immediately couriered over the border to neighbouring Germany. It may seem simpler to send them to the local hospital lab but my Doctor assures me that the specialist lab in Germany is one of only a handful in the world that can analyse in the detail required for patients at Lanserhof. My initial angst is rapidly dissipating and I start to understand why the world’s wealthiest and most famed sacrifice their time and daily pleasures for an annual retreat to Lanserhof.
A combination of caffeine withdrawals, hunger, fatigue and the effects of undergoing an intense detox, made me feel generally unwell and low in energy that consistently seemed to climax with my evening slice of stale buckwheat toast. Fortunately, however, the live harpist combined with the unparalleled view of the Tyrolean Alps, covered in a blanket of thick snow does provide a welcome distraction for these moments of wondering ‘what on earth am I doing here’
Another welcome distraction at these recurring low points is my German neighbour on the adjoining table. It transpires she is a regular and has been visiting annually for 30 years and she recalls some brilliant tales of all the best celebrities she’s witnessed during her time here.
Medical treatments / activities
The rest of my week consists of a regimented and busy programme of therapies and treatments. I have my blood thinned to reduce the higher levels of haemoglobin found in my test results. I have regular altitude training sessions, which works to improve the immune system, vitamin and mineral infusions, sports massage, shiatsu, energetic craniosacral therapy, intravascular laser therapy, algae liver wraps and much more.
My treatments and plan have been hand crafted by my Dr based on our initial consultation in a bid to rapidly re-build my immune system after a bout of long covid and other long-term viruses lingering in my system, including Glandular Fever.
Lanserhof: A day in the life
For anyone who is thinking about visiting Lanserhof, here’s a play-by-play account of how a typical day looks (please note it’s different for everyone based on their medical diagnosis, needs and preferences).
06.30 am – Wake up, drink Epsom salts, drink Base Powder.
07.00 a.m. “Active awakening” in the forest – light morning gymnastics in the fresh air followed by a round of power walking through the beautiful Lans forest.
8am: Use the toilet (ahem) and head to breakfast where you’ll pop your daily pills and feast on your largest meal of the day (most often for me was gluten-free porridge)