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Welcome to the second iteration of Vogue’s global spa guide, an index of the 100 best spas in the world, built from the expertise of our global editors and trusted contributors. There is a lot to choose from in the world of wellness, and no matter how far you’re planning to travel—from a subway ride to a trans-Atlantic flight—we want to make sure it’s worth the journey. Whatever your path, let us be your guide.
Why go here?
With its world-renowned detox program, Vivamayr is the go-to health spa for those looking to give their body a complete reset. Known as the “Mayr cure,” the approach to healing focuses on reinvigorating the gut-brain connection with a highly personalised treatment plan that incorporates nutrition, medicine, mindfulness and movement. “We believe that dysfunction in the gut is actually the root cause of all chronic diseases,” explains managing director Serhan Güven, noting that 70% of the body’s immune system is located there. “So if we heal the gut, we can solve a variety of issues, everything from high blood pressure to allergies, fatigue and diabetes.”
What’s the vibe?
Perched on the banks of the lake Wörthersee in Austria with awe-inspiring views of the mountains in the distance from just about every room, this spa has the kind of tranquil setting to instantly regulate your nervous system. Guests are encouraged to limit smartphone usage and immerse themselves in the experience where possible—as a result, most of the communal areas on the grounds are dedicated quiet zones. Vivamayr posits itself as a health clinic first, the boutique hotel amenities, they insist, are secondary, and that air of discretion has attracted quite the star-studded clientele. It’s no wonder the likes of Tracey Emin and Naomi Campbell have been known to pass through its doors. The return rate for guests is also pretty impressive: 50% of visitors come back and it’s not usual to run into a VivaMayr “lifer”, those who’ve visited the clinic at least once a year since its inception in 2004.
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The history?
Developed by the Austrian physician Dr FX Mayr over a century ago, the Mayr method has always been miles ahead of our current obsession with gut health. Many of the pioneering methods that were first employed at the clinic 100 years ago are still a foundational part of the program today, including daily appointments with a doctor, abdominal massages, and soothing liver packs before bedtime. That said, you’ll also find the latest in cutting-edge longevity medicine, including cryotherapy, ozone therapy, and oxygen therapy.
What should you try?
Beyond the functional medical team, the clinic has a fantastic roster of wellness practitioners who offer everything from one-on-one Qi Gong to aerial yoga. It’s worth booking some of the more popular treatments ahead of your stay; the osteopath and breathwork coach are regularly booked up. Though the meals are modest in size, the food, all organic, seasonal and locally sourced, is actually really delicious—the restaurant has a Michelin star to prove it. If you’re interested in the Mayr method for the long haul, then the cooking courses are definitely worth a try.
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How environmentally friendly is it?
The clinic prides itself on having Ecolabel status, the highest certification for sustainable tourism in Austria. Still, as Güven admits, there’s always room for improvement. The ultimate goal, he says, would be to open a hydro-powered VivaMayr clinic on the lake.
What else do we need to know?
Vivamayr has two locations in Austria, Maria Worth and another at Biogena Plaza in Vienna. There’s also a day clinic on Harley street in London that offers many of the same testing opportunities and is a good place to stock up on the clinic’s supplements.
Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com; 020 3111 0819) can arrange a 7 night Detox Weight Care programme from £4,499pp sharing, including transfers, full board accommodation and inclusions of the programme.
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