There is something reassuring about the immaculate grounds of Clinique La Prairie. First impressions count for everything, especially when you are about to hand over your mind and body for forensic medical examination.
Perched on the edge of Lake Leman and flanked by snow-dusted mountains near Montreux in Switzerland is a gleaming compound dedicated to preventative health. The research of its pioneering founder Dr Paul Niehans into cellular therapy in the 1930s made it the original longevity clinic. Since then, the list of those who have handed themselves over to its care has included Truman Capote, Cary Grant, Igor Stravinsky and, perhaps improbably, given his penchant for cigars and whisky, Sir Winston Churchill. I can’t tell you who I saw in those hallowed hallways, but I can unequivocally tell you that it still draws big names.
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It remains the most cutting-edge medi-spa in Europe. The medical facilities are best-in-class and each programme is supervised and executed with precision to benefit each guest at the specific time of visiting. I found them to be incredibly thorough — there’s no one-size-fits-all here — with each of the five programmes that are currently running completely catered to the individual.
Upon arrival, I underwent extensive testing which checked everything from key longevity markers to mineral status, so the doctors could choose a course of action tailored to me. From there, CLP’s four pillars come into play — predict, personalise, intervene, track — meaning this is a place that’s actively fostering long-term changes and making sure they happen. This, for me, was a real point of difference from other clinics — I liked that it had any test necessary to figure out how to proceed.
I can’t tell you who I saw in those hallowedhallways, but I can unequivocally tell you that it still draws big names
There was no cutting corners. For those concerned about ageing well (Clinique La Prairie doesn’t like the term “anti-ageing”), this is included in the overview. The clinic diagnoses how well you are currently ageing, as well as your predicted trajectory. This course-correcting is at the heart of all the programmes, the idea being that guests should not only feel better immediately, but over the long-term, too.
I was intrigued by the Master Detox, which is famed for getting results by blending high-tech diagnostics with holistic therapies and a 360-degree approach. It homes in on three key organs for detoxification — the gut, liver and kidneys — to encourage the body to rebalance. It’s the ultimate detox.
Hyper-personalised medicine
A stay is anchored on those all-important diagnostics, which are hospital standard. One can easily do a full physical MOT, including cosmetic work, if desired. The Longevity Master Assessment — the advanced preventative medicine analysis system patents undergo on arrival — provides guidance on the body’s capability to handle the Master Detox, which I opted for, with tweaks made according to constitution. Thanks to this addition, I found the detox quite mild and my body sailed through the parts that can sometimes be more challenging.
Flexible routines
The clinic encourages the usual tenets of wellness, including plenty of rest and movement as well as fresh, healthy food — but you’re allowed to do it in a way that suits your body and your goals. The Master Detox emphasises rest, so expect some elements geared towards getting superlative sleep, which may include meditation and a supplement before bed. I slept much more soundly than usual. La Prairie really will accommodate your desires — so you might want to have a colonic to sort out gut issues, but you might also want to swim every morning and spend the afternoon reading quietly. The staff will accommodate you either way, and because I prefer a slower morning, mine were mercifully left free of appointments.
Efficiency and kindness
The white-coated staff add something special to the mix here; they’re warm and helpful, making the process of detoxing much more pleasant. Given that there are 35 rooms and suites, there’s a real sense of peace, with no over-crowding to undo the benefits of all those treatments.
Delicious nutrition
Despite being comprised primarily of vegetables and grains, with the odd bit of natural sugar, I enjoyed each meal. On the Master Detox, the first day does not involve any solid food at all but rather “liquid fasting”, which means drinking a juice containing 65 per cent vegetables and 35 per cent fruit every two and a half hours. After that, it’s back to solid food that’s vegan for a few days, after which eggs and then fish and, finally, poultry are reintroduced. The usual enemies are ruled out, so don’t expect any sugar, caffeine, gluten or alcohol to feature.
Holistic care
I especially enjoyed the sound healing, which was uniquely relaxing and extremely helpful when in the midst of the more intense parts of the detox. Here, the doctor really does know best, so do book in for whichever treatments are recommended— and don’t forget that nature is part of the process, so if you can, go for a walk or swim in the lake.
After-care
The Master Detox is designed as a four-week protocol, so if you stay at the clinic for a week, you will leave with another three weeks of the programme to carry out at home. You’ll also emerge with tips on how to carry your newfound wellness into your everyday life. Goals such as aiming for 30 different plant-based foods a week to create a diverse gut flora and focusing on packing in probiotics are key, but you can also expect more bespoke advice and a plan for vitamins when you depart.
Master Detox Programme, £19,525 for seven days, available to book at cliniquelaprairie.com
