The building, by architect Christoph Ingenhoven, is reported to have the largest thatched roof in Europe / Photo: Lanserhof Sylt
Since Lanserhof opened its first property – Lanserhof Lans – near Innsbruck, Austria, in the mid-80s, the company’s reputation for delivering highly effective results for guests has fuelled the brand’s growth into additional locations.
Urban clinics have opened in London and Hamburg and a resort – Lanserhof Tegernsee – in Bavaria. The company’s much anticipated fifth property and third health resort, opened on the German island of Sylt in July 2022.
An additional venture – the planned relaunch of Greyshott Hall in the UK – fell victim to the pandemic.
The unique location of Lanserhof Sylt, situated within a nature reserve and nestled among the sand dunes and wild grasses along the edge of the Wadden Sea, provides the perfect environment for a programme that combines the Mayr cure with innovative Western medicine and the guest-specific diagnostics for which the Lanserhof brand is famous.
While guests may book their stay for regeneration, energy therapy or a stress-free holiday, the holistic health concept is designed with the aim of meeting each guest’s needs, while activating their self-healing mechanisms through a programme of fasting.
The development of the Sylt property – designed by long-time Lanserhof collaborator, architect Christoph Ingenhoven – began in 2017, however, due to development issues and COVID-19 complications, it took five years to complete.
Project financing was a mix of equity and debt, and construction costs were approximately €125m (US$124m, £107m at the time of writing).
Design elements The thatched, low-profile buildings integrate sympathetically into the natural dune landscape, in fact the 20,000sq m building can barely be seen even when standing nearby. The intentional design concentrates on what’s necessary and appropriate to create a healing environment, without any unnecessary adornment.
The colour palette is soothing and neutral, the materials natural and tactile, while huge glass windows showcase the natural surroundings.
Comfortable relaxation areas, including a library, are situated adjacent to a welcoming lounge with fire-pit – a Lanserhof signature element. There are 68 large and comfortably appointed guest rooms, some of which have internal staircases to create multi-level apartments.
Spa and treatment areas The 5,000sq m medical and spa treatment areas are spread across two floors, and the property also has an indoor/outdoor saltwater pool and a wet area that features steam, sauna and lounging spaces.
According to Lanserhof’s Alica Sievert, the team set out to create healthy buildings and environments in which guests can fully concentrate on themselves, while at the same time feeling at home, by being able to “experience privacy and deceleration within their own bodies”.
Although the main building is complete, some outbuildings will not be ready for use until early 2023. However, visiting guests will remain unaware of that; the main building includes everything needed to ensure a comfortable and results-driven visit.
Lanserhof Cure The Lanserhof experience centres around the Lanserhof Cure which has a focus on the cleansing and rebalancing of the microbiome using the Mayr method. Each guest’s experience includes fasting and/or a strict diet, with the approach being determined by tests and a consultation with a doctor at the beginning of each stay. No alcohol or caffeine are offered, although a range of herbal teas are available.
Guests who are not on a full fasting diet are assigned a table for each meal, and these are delivered and the benefits explained by knowledgeable members of staff. After starting the meal with a small serving of bitters and a ‘chewing trainer’ of rusks, guests are encouraged to eat slowly and chew mindfully while enjoying the property’s beautiful views.
The therapy and treatment programmes are extensive and designed for the purification of mind, body and soul. Guests can sign up for energetic treatments to eliminate mental ballast, or detox lymphatic packs with liver wraps to assist in releasing waste from the body. The menu also includes abdominal massages, oxygen and cryotherapy sessions.
Therapists are specialists, armed with appropriate qualifications and work closely with the physicians and field manager. Each Lanserhof location, while sharing the same philosophy and treatment menu, is unique in its approach. Lanserhof Sylt, for example, has an skin scanner that can detect and analyse moles, and this data is saved for a recheck during the guest’s next stay.
There are 50 employees in the Sylt spa/medical clinic alone, and they work together to provide individual programmes for each guest.
Lanserhof also has a product manager who works with selected companies to create bespoke products. The company is mindful that guests will get the best results when they continue their healthy lifestyle after their stay, so these products are developed with that outcome in mind.
The target audience for all Lanserhof locations are people who want to improve their overall health. These include those who may have an unhealthy lifestyle and want to de-stress, as well as people who feel healthy but are seeking a reset.
Photo: Lisa Starr
The experience centres around the Lanserhof Cure which has a focus on the health of the microbiome, – Lisa Starr
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
The building, by architect Christoph Ingenhoven, is reported to have the largest thatched roof in Europe / Photo: Lanserhof Sylt
Since Lanserhof opened its first property – Lanserhof Lans – near Innsbruck, Austria, in the mid-80s, the company’s reputation for delivering highly effective results for guests has fuelled the brand’s growth into additional locations.
Urban clinics have opened in London and Hamburg and a resort – Lanserhof Tegernsee – in Bavaria. The company’s much anticipated fifth property and third health resort, opened on the German island of Sylt in July 2022.
An additional venture – the planned relaunch of Greyshott Hall in the UK – fell victim to the pandemic.
The unique location of Lanserhof Sylt, situated within a nature reserve and nestled among the sand dunes and wild grasses along the edge of the Wadden Sea, provides the perfect environment for a programme that combines the Mayr cure with innovative Western medicine and the guest-specific diagnostics for which the Lanserhof brand is famous.
While guests may book their stay for regeneration, energy therapy or a stress-free holiday, the holistic health concept is designed with the aim of meeting each guest’s needs, while activating their self-healing mechanisms through a programme of fasting.
The development of the Sylt property – designed by long-time Lanserhof collaborator, architect Christoph Ingenhoven – began in 2017, however, due to development issues and COVID-19 complications, it took five years to complete.
Project financing was a mix of equity and debt, and construction costs were approximately €125m (US$124m, £107m at the time of writing).
Design elements The thatched, low-profile buildings integrate sympathetically into the natural dune landscape, in fact the 20,000sq m building can barely be seen even when standing nearby. The intentional design concentrates on what’s necessary and appropriate to create a healing environment, without any unnecessary adornment.
The colour palette is soothing and neutral, the materials natural and tactile, while huge glass windows showcase the natural surroundings.
Comfortable relaxation areas, including a library, are situated adjacent to a welcoming lounge with fire-pit – a Lanserhof signature element. There are 68 large and comfortably appointed guest rooms, some of which have internal staircases to create multi-level apartments.
Spa and treatment areas The 5,000sq m medical and spa treatment areas are spread across two floors, and the property also has an indoor/outdoor saltwater pool and a wet area that features steam, sauna and lounging spaces.
According to Lanserhof’s Alica Sievert, the team set out to create healthy buildings and environments in which guests can fully concentrate on themselves, while at the same time feeling at home, by being able to “experience privacy and deceleration within their own bodies”.
Although the main building is complete, some outbuildings will not be ready for use until early 2023. However, visiting guests will remain unaware of that; the main building includes everything needed to ensure a comfortable and results-driven visit.
Lanserhof Cure The Lanserhof experience centres around the Lanserhof Cure which has a focus on the cleansing and rebalancing of the microbiome using the Mayr method. Each guest’s experience includes fasting and/or a strict diet, with the approach being determined by tests and a consultation with a doctor at the beginning of each stay. No alcohol or caffeine are offered, although a range of herbal teas are available.
Guests who are not on a full fasting diet are assigned a table for each meal, and these are delivered and the benefits explained by knowledgeable members of staff. After starting the meal with a small serving of bitters and a ‘chewing trainer’ of rusks, guests are encouraged to eat slowly and chew mindfully while enjoying the property’s beautiful views.
The therapy and treatment programmes are extensive and designed for the purification of mind, body and soul. Guests can sign up for energetic treatments to eliminate mental ballast, or detox lymphatic packs with liver wraps to assist in releasing waste from the body. The menu also includes abdominal massages, oxygen and cryotherapy sessions.
Therapists are specialists, armed with appropriate qualifications and work closely with the physicians and field manager. Each Lanserhof location, while sharing the same philosophy and treatment menu, is unique in its approach. Lanserhof Sylt, for example, has an skin scanner that can detect and analyse moles, and this data is saved for a recheck during the guest’s next stay.
There are 50 employees in the Sylt spa/medical clinic alone, and they work together to provide individual programmes for each guest.
Lanserhof also has a product manager who works with selected companies to create bespoke products. The company is mindful that guests will get the best results when they continue their healthy lifestyle after their stay, so these products are developed with that outcome in mind.
The target audience for all Lanserhof locations are people who want to improve their overall health. These include those who may have an unhealthy lifestyle and want to de-stress, as well as people who feel healthy but are seeking a reset.
Photo: Lisa Starr
The experience centres around the Lanserhof Cure which has a focus on the health of the microbiome, – Lisa Starr
Read more from this issue of Attractions Management magazine
View contents of Attractions Management 2022 issue 3
Editor's letter: Salus per natura
Although great buildings lie at the heart of the spa and wellness experience, operators are turning to nature to deliver healing journeys, says Liz Terry
Spa People: Thierry Malleret
We talk to the economist behind Monthly Barometer about key trends emerging in the wellness sector, such as a greater connection with nature
Spa People: Verena Lasvigne
The founder of VLF Spa Consulting shares her learnings from a career running spas on three continents
Spa People: Kim Weller
The wellbeing director of Banyan Tree tells us about the rollout of the company's new brand, Veya – for mind/body wellness
New opening: Loisium Spa
A look at the new luxurious spa situated at the heart of France's celebrated Champagne region
Interview: Neil Jacobs
The CEO of Six Senses talks about creating an eco-system around the brand to deliver hotels, clubs, residential, offices and resorts
Project preview: Next generation wellness
We take our first look at Tulah, the new clinical wellness retreat brand about to make its debut in Kerala, India, and speak to its CEO
ISPA Research: Rate of recovery
Russell Donaldson digs deeper into ISPA's 2022 US Spa Industry Study and considers the industry's resurgence since the end of pandemic lockdowns
Sponsored: Gharieni: Delivering results
Innovation is the hallmark of Gharieni experiences, meeting the rapidly
evolving needs of wellness seekers within the spa and wellness environment
New opening: Lanserhof Sylt
Lisa Starr reports on the industry's eagerly awaited wellness experience – nestled within sand dunes on the German island of Sylt
Healing: Emotional rescue
As people increasingly seek support for their emotional wellbeing, Jane Kitchen talks to the operators who are digging deeper to deliver genuine transformation
Promotion: TechnoAlpin: Powerful contrast
Spa clients can enjoy super-cool relaxation and pain-relief at Sächsische Staatsbäder in Bad Brambach thanks to a TechnoAlpin SnowRoom
Concept: Soneva Soul
The CEO and co-founder of Soneva, Sonu Shivdasani, talks about the philosophy behind the company's new wellness concept, Soneva Soul
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
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