Jane Wilson is in search of peak health at Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence
The air is cool, crisp, fresh and unpolluted. Frosted-capped mountains stand as protective guardians. The lake glistens from 500m below. Cowbells and church chimes interrupt the deafening silence while in the foreground is the Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence. All statutory requirements for peak health high in the Swiss Alps.
The Waldhotel – A definition of nature
The hotel is a breathing example of sustainable architecture, an extension of nature. Slatted wooden terraces in warm earthy colours have been created in local stone, natural materials, and topped with green roofs. The building has been nurtured into the southern side of the Bürgenstock mountain. Huge panoramic windows draw nature inside, a theme followed through in the interior’s design and concept. Views take the shape of majestic alps while windy roads trace a zigzag pattern across blankets of the green Burgenberg landscape with farmhouses dotted around. A perfect terrain for peaceful walks in the surrounding woodlands.
The Waldhotel Health Programmes
I have signed up for the three-day Check-Up Programme at the Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence. It’s an experience of clinical glamour blended with Swiss medical expertise and luxury hospitality, Prior to the visit I completed a comprehensive medical questionnaire. – my health was now in the hands of professional, experienced consultants and therapists to test and access various functions of my health and fitness. From head to toe, this was an in-depth screening, seamlessly undertaken and explained at every stage. Comprehensive blood tests would indicate abnormalities while a biometric and body composition test revealed how much fat was keeping me warm. Using state-of-the-art technology my lung capacity was tested while an abdominal ultrasound introduced me to my inside organs. Additionally, a full screening by the dermatologist checked every mark and blemish on my skin. My heart rate when stressed and rested was also measured while an intensive session with a trainer tested my mobility, stability and fitness – must try harder! In all, this is a thorough and informative programme. And it all takes place high up overlooking Lake Lucerne, between green forests and lush meadows
Waldhotel Exterior
Accommodation at WaldHotel
Furnished in calming colours, the Waldhotel is stylish, elegant and comfortable. There are 160 guest rooms and suites all spacious and south facing to enjoy the natural light with terraces extending out to the green landscape. Quality comforts include rain showers, Acqua di Parma toiletries and hi-tech controls. The ground floor is dedicated to the medical centre.
A taste of vitality – The Waldhotel Colour Cuisine of WaldHotel
Here cuisine focuses on colour – a unique innovative concept. The food colour defines the nutritional benefits which are prepared in ways to maximise their absorption. Food is medicine, artistically presented in three-course lunches. Each dish is like an edible sculpture. Watermelon, baby beetroot soup, baked tomatoes and red lentils represent the red foods to benefit the eyes and lycopene to prevents free radicals. Orange foods target the skin, packed with vitamin C & B for rejuvenation and presented as carrot soup, lobster with sweet potato custard and salmon trout. Ingredients are chosen by seasonality. Drinks at the bar include “sober cocktails” such as chilli & ginger or a fizzy lifeblood, (non-alcoholic red vermouth, beetroot shrub and lime). These are listed alongside the wine list. Kombuc drinks are highlighted. These are fermented, lightly effervescent sweetened teas rich in B vitamins. They contain probiotic characteristics which help to strengthen the immune system and support digestion.
Verbena Restaurant – Colour Cuisine
An Integrated Spa in WaldHotel
This integrated spa has the wow-factor! It has everything you would want from a high-class facility. Two gleaming swimming pools which beg your presence, one with an electric sliding door leading to the water outside and its refreshing cooler air temperature, even better when it’s snowing. The spa sparkles from the reflection of snow-topped mountains peeping in. Other features include a salt grotto, ice room, hammam, aroma and Finnish sauna and water beds in temperatures from 10 to 80 degrees.
Waldhotel Spa
The Destination at WaldHotel
Getting here is very much a James Bond experience. From the plane, hop on a direct train at Zurich airport to Lucerne to jump onto a boat from the lake-side. This will sail you directly to the Burgenstock Funicular for the steep uphill journey through the heart of woodlands to the hotel reception. All seamless and fun. Or simply take a taxi from Zurich.
A health Investment
This is certainly an investment in health and wellbeing. And what better way to experience it in a luxurious environment. The Waldhotel offers an extensive range of health-promoting therapeutic services tailored to individuals to revitalise and refresh lifestyle routines whether it is rest, a balanced diet or regular exercise. A final consultation analyses all tests and delivers the verdict complete with a new lifestyle plan and the route forward to prevent future diseases.
A stay at The Waldhotel is a holiday with a medical twist, to put that spring back in your step and the motivation towards a more positive attitude to face the stresses and strains of our modern world
Waldhotel Medical Centre Consultation
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.
https://buergenstock-waldhotel.ch/en
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