Why did I decide to go to this place? It all started when I was in Cyprus. A friend told me that avoiding bread was key to not gaining weight.
While I was doing fat-burning treatments at the Four Seasons Hotel (the original first hotel by the brand, then the founder sold the name to a bigger hotel group but was allowed to keep the name for his first hotel in Cyprus), I found myself thinking about staying forever young, like Bryan Johnson, who’s trying to turn back the clock on his body age. When I got back home, I couldn’t shake that thought and ended up googling healthy diets and medical spas.
That’s when I stumbled upon Clinique La Prairie, the pioneer in cell rejuvenation with a storied history and famous visitors like Churchill and Marlene Dietrich. Sure, they all died eventually, but I’m guessing they stayed young and beautiful to the end.
Their website featured several programs—all jaw-droppingly expensive—but I decided to take the plunge anyway. A 7-day detox program that could take even a year or five off my age sounded too good to pass up.
Booking online was quick and easy, and before I knew it, I was headed to Montreux, a small town on the shores of Lake Geneva. It’s a place known for Charlie Chaplin, Freddie Mercury, Leo Tolstoy, and other prominent figures who found refuge by the lake, just across from the French town of Évian. A limousine met me at the station and drove me to the clinic, and my journey, priced at CHF 19’000, officially began.
What is Clinique La Prairie?
Clinique La Prairie in Montreux, Switzerland, isn’t your typical wellness spot. It’s a place steeped in history, starting back in 1931 when Dr. Paul Niehans introduced groundbreaking cellular therapy. His idea that cellular science could unlock better health and longevity wasn’t just revolutionary—it transformed the clinic into a world-famous destination that’s drawn everyone from celebrities to global leaders looking for those legendary “youth cures.”
What sets Clinique La Prairie apart is their belief that true longevity comes from balance. They blend advanced medical care with nutrition, movement, and relaxation to help you live a longer, healthier life. It’s not just about treatments; it’s about finding that sweet spot between science and well-being.
Dr. Niehans was more than just a doctor; he was an innovator and a visionary who genuinely cared about his patients. His work in cellular therapy laid the foundation for today’s regenerative medicine, and you can still feel his influence in the clinic’s programs.
My Days at Clinique La Prairie: A Personal Detox
From day one, I was introduced to my personal dietologist, a lovely Polish lady who explained everything about maintaining a healthy diet.
The main takeaway? Eat everything in moderation, prioritize fiber over carbs, and stay balanced. I was given a warm welcome and a detailed daily routine schedule for the next day.
The second day kicked off with a morning herbal infusion and drops to cleanse my kidneys. To be honest, all six days left me feeling hungry since food was only served once a day during dinner. That said, dinner was incredible—personalized plates of vegetables and fish.
Mornings were for herbal infusions, seeds, fruits, and a modest three spoons of porridge. Evenings? Just herbal infusions.
My room was spacious, clean, calm, and had an amazing terrace overlooking the lake and mountains. There were about 12 pillows on the bed, but I only needed one.
Day two was packed. It started at 7 a.m. with a DNA test, doctor consultations, fitness sessions, and massages. The third day was all about cleansing, and the best part was that it wasn’t invasive.
Unlike other clinics like OSH in Spain, where colon cleanses are done through less-than-pleasant methods, this cleanse involved a bottle of medical syrup to flush out my intestines. It was a tough night, but worth it—I felt a few kilos lighter afterward. Another great touch was the detoxifying injections, which went beyond the typical vitamin shots to help boost immediate results.
Throughout my stay, I made daily use of the swimming pool, endured the cryo chamber set at a frigid -180°C for one-minute sessions two to three times, and enjoyed saunas, facials, and daily doctor check-ups.
The best part? There were so few guests that it felt like the whole place was mine.
Here are some photos to walk you through my experience and show what I had there.
7-Day Master Detox Program at Clinique La Prairie: What to Expect
Considering the 7-day Master Detox at Clinique La Prairie? Here’s a sneak peek at the transformative week you can expect. This program is designed to thoroughly detoxify and rejuvenate, set in a luxurious environment with full board accommodations and limo service for an added touch of indulgence.
Medical Care: From the moment you arrive, you’ll have three in-depth consultations—a welcome check-up, a mid-program diagnostic session to set goals, and a final wrap-up to plan a balanced lifestyle moving forward. The program includes cutting-edge medical testing such as a DNA microbiota test for gut health insights, a specialized Gene Nutrition DNA test, heavy metal screening, mineral and vitamin analysis through advanced blood tests, and even a heavy metal dental check-up. An antioxidant injection is part of the care, as well as a comprehensive body composition test and a gentle internal “reboot cleanse” to get your body on track.
Nutrition: Enjoy a tailored 7-day anti-inflammatory meal plan, with dietitian support throughout. You’ll have two private consultations to adjust and personalize your plan, with the dietitian present at meals to guide your choices. A nutrition masterclass and detox herbal boosters are part of the journey, giving you the tools to maintain these habits long after your stay.
Wellbeing Treatments: Be ready for top-level pampering and detoxifying treatments that include:
- 1 Detoxifying Massage: Release toxins and relax deeply.
- 1 Cryotherapy Session: Revitalize and reduce inflammation.
- 1 La Prairie Facial: Luxurious treatment for refreshed skin.
- 1 Full Body Scrub & Detoxifying Wrap: Rejuvenate your skin and promote detox.
- 1 Infratherapy Session: Toxin-cleansing treatment.
- 1 Chi Nei Tsang Massage: Focus on abdominal healing and energy flow.
- 1 Reflexology Session: Target pressure points for balance and relaxation.
- 1 AudioVitality Session: A unique audio experience for stress relief.
Fitness & Movement: The program includes two sunrise aerial yoga sessions, a metabolism and breathing-focused session, and an outdoor activity with a coach. You’ll have unlimited access to the wellness center, featuring a pool, sauna, steam room, vitality pool, and even a zero-gravity floating bed.
This program isn’t just a detox—it’s a full reset for body, mind, and spirit, equipping you with the insights and habits to continue a healthy, rejuvenated lifestyle long after your week at Clinique La Prairie.
Balancing Life After Detox: My Insights from Clinique La Prairie
Overall, I’d say it was an interesting thing to try and learn what medical spas are all about, what they offer, and what you can expect from yourself afterward.
I left with a vitamin and herbal supplement plan to support my detox journey for the next few months, and I actually stuck to the plan for a whole year. I still avoid bread, pasta, rice, and sushi, but I’ve somehow become addicted to fries, prosecco, and nachos.
Does that mean my body craves bad carbs? As my personal dietologist at the clinic said, life is about balance—you need to enjoy it, but in moderation.
It’s not the clinic’s job to keep you going; these medical spas are great for a reset and to help you realign, but continuing the journey is entirely up to you.
Where to find the motivation to keep it up? Well, that’s a question I’m still trying to answer.
