Nestled in the Dolomite mountains near the Italian-Austrian border rests the quaint town of Merano, home to captivating architecture and spa getaways. The South Tyrolean town has cemented its reputation as a wellness hotspot since its discovery of therapeutic air, water, and locally grown fruits. The old town of Merano blends historical arches and alleyways with modern buildings to attract spa-goers and history buffs alike. A mere 30-minute drive from Bolzano places you at the steps of one of the most enchanting wellness retreats in the world, Palace Merano. Other arrival options for the luxury retreat include the hotel’s limousine service from Milan, Verona, Venice, or even Zurich or Munich, as it’s only a few hours drive.
Now, as I inhale fresh mountain air surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Merano, I feel revitalized and recharged. My lifestyle has been lacking proper wellness practices since the pandemic disrupted my daily routines. I discovered this hidden gem while searching for top-ranked wellness treatment plans across Europe and my interest was piqued by Palace Merano’s unique “Revital Detox for Longevity Programme”. My body needs a total detox – and this is the perfect place to begin.
A seven-day treatment program to eliminate toxins in an organic manner tailored directly to my personal needs and get my health and beauty back on track could not have been through a more suitable place in a more beautiful location. I arrived at Bolzano railway station at midday and hopped into the waiting limousine service organized by Palace Merano, drifting past mountain ranges and thinning thoroughfare to arrive in time for my personal wellness program.
At the entrance to the historical palace, I’m greeted by the director of the hotel, Maximilian Newiger, and his amazing team. At first glance, I could see myself staying here for the next few months as I was inside the elegant mansion surrounded by art and the pure positive energy and tranquility that this retreat exudes. After settling into a spacious bright suite in a classical style and having a herbal detox tea on my balcony with the most spectacular view of the Dolomite mountains, it was time to organize my week of complete renovation and tranquility. As it was not quite time yet for my initial medical consultation for the Revital Detox for Longevity, I decided to have a quick tour around the Palace.
Originally developed and established as the Hotel Palace in 1906, the long, decorated hallways encapsulate guests in an aura of century-old decadence with modern details in every room. Contemporary renovations began to take place in 2005, spearheaded by Commendatore Pietro Tosolini, and have transformed the Palace from entirely regal into a wonderful blend of old and new. Some of the improvements include the Rooftop Suites with a full-scale living room, marble-tiled bathrooms, and of course breathtaking views of the mountains from a private balcony. Some suites even have an elevator (newly designed) that directly transports you to the spa and treatment centers – ensuring total privacy to and from the treatment areas.
In addition to structural improvements, Palace Merano has also heavily invested in research and development. The Lyopharm laboratory that they work with, focuses on improving and perfecting the most up-to-date methods in the field of longevity. This fact has been partly attributed to the success of Palace Merano and has made the retreat a flagship for detoxification, well-being, and regeneration.
Preserving the body for longevity takes time, technique, and – most importantly – consistency to assure positive results. On my first day, I was given a full medical check-up by Dr. Silvano Mascadri to evaluate my overall health condition and the toxicity level of my body and each organ, a bioenergetic check-up to measure my overall energy level in a holistic way and some other overall check-ups to understand my deep health condition. I also did densitometry and DEXA Body Composition Scanner to evaluate the condition of my bones and fat in the body to understand my dietary & sports routine for the next days. Most importantly they did pretty much complete blood tests to check my level of hormones, microelements & vitamins, and some routine tests, they even checked antibodies for Covid-19 and most amazingly they did a food intolerances test (I was thinking to do it since a long time). The best part is that The Palace has its own in-house laboratory, so all the tests come the same day or the next day, so you start your individual program based on the real condition of your health and with zero harm to your body and so the maximum results. Isn’t it amazing? Based on the results the doctor immediately prescribed to me the necessary course of vitamins & micro-elements, most of which they produce themselves so I could start the course immediately. I can’t remember any other wellness clinic that does the blood test analysis so fast! I think it’s a game changer when it comes to a serious detox approach.
My second important consultation was done with Dr. Massimiliano Mayrhofer, the leading specialist of the Palace Merano and the pioneer of Traditional Chinese Medicine who for the past years was improving The Revital method with his amazing team of doctors and specialists. “The Revital – Detox for Longevity” Method has been used for over 20 years in the Palace Merano and develops its basis on the principles of TCM’s (Traditional Chinese Medicine) 5 elements. According to it, the energy flowing through the universe at large, nature, and every living thing has essential, constant qualities known as “elements”: wood (Green/Hepatic Element), fire (Red/Cardiac Element), earth (Yellow/Pancreatic Element), metal (White/Pulmonary Element) and water (Grey/Surrenal Element). Each of the 5 elements has certain characteristics, and different physical morphologies associated with different character traits, and for each person, it is possible to identify a prevailing Element. Identifying these characteristics plays a vital role in tailoring the Revital treatments to individual needs.
My tailored treatments pinpointed the prevailing natural element of “Earth” in my body and focused on the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that provide vitality. In fact, the more that I investigated the deficiencies in my health, the more relevant this method became for me. Lack of quality sleep, sports activities, and not appropriate food have pained me off and on throughout the past year, but in the clinic I figured out how to battle it and stop the aging process as much as possible. I have learned that it is truly possible to be in a state of health and well-being if you look after your mind and body right by doing a detox every 6 months or maintaining a healthy lifestyle daily.
I had always considered myself “healthy” in most senses of the word, but the Palace’s philosophies have opened my eyes to new methods of well-being. By reducing cell degeneration and boosting natural resistances through daily strengthening and maintaining a diet full of antioxidants, holistic practices can revitalize the body and mind – I opened my eyes to a new path of wellness.
Another important consultation was done by the leading nutritionist of the clinic – Claudia Arganini. Based on all the check-ups & blood analyses, including the food intolerance test, as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine vision, she prescribed a special detox diet for my stay together with tailored fresh juices to improve the results. I was also given a full list of dietary recommendations for my everyday life to stay young and healthy as long as possible! The personal diet plan was really helpful as it’s important to maintain the lifestyle even after my stay in the clinic.
My personalized nutrition plan was focused on plant-based, natural, organic, and fresh seasonal produce (of course, there are herbs and spices to complement the dishes). Chef Günther is truly gifted when it comes to preparing a balanced, healthy meal without sacrificing taste. Plus, the portions were small — Palace Merano calls these “wellness portions” — but surprisingly filling.
The best part of my customized meal plan? I can take the information home with me! I was given the pleasure to take a few instructional cooking classes with the spa’s kitchen staff and nutritionists that taught me a few tips and tricks to continue my cleansing diet at home. This goes hand-in-hand with the Revital 3-Day Detox Kit, filled to the brim with delicious dry frozen natural food to maintain your detox when at home. This kit comes as a present with each program, isn’t it amazing? Also, you can purchase it online when in the mood to do a proper healthy detox diet at home. Ideally to repeat every month!
After very detailed consultations and checkups to assess my overall state of health, I was given a thorough look into the tailor-made program that I came here to do.
As if the daily tendon-muscle massages, hydro-energy treatments (hydro-aromatherapy, phyto-mud therapy, hydro-jet), bioenergy appointments based on TCM, medical consultations, and daily detoxifying diet weren’t enough, I was suggested to do some additional tailor-made treatments for even better results. And I must say it was totally worth it! Ozone therapy sessions (to completely renew cells), immunostimulating infusions, oxygen infusions (to stimulate blood circulation) together with anti-cellulite massage for better results, facial treatment purifying “Detox” (to get rid of puffiness and toxins), scalp treatment for healthy hair, Plasmozonic facial treatment (amazing anti-aging and lifting effect), and Robolex body contouring (body remodeling & anti-cellulite) did a great job for my beauty and health. I must mention they have a great team of specialists who really love their job and stay with the clinic for years – that’s why the results are so amazing! Even regular hydro-energy treatments are done to perfection here, not even mentioning their division of face and body treatments with the newest machines and procedures to give maximum results.
A great addition to the services they provide is the line of freeze-dried purifying herbal teas “Revital” developed by the leading dietary specialists of the wellness clinic. It is a great help to your body in a challenging battle with toxins! The good news is that you can purchase them in the clinic or even online to keep that healthy lifestyle at home or anywhere you go. Simply add 250 ml of hot or cold water and mix to get the best quality detox tea. My personal favorite is Revital White which promotes bowel function and contains specific draining ingredients. Best to drink before breakfast.
Another great discovery was the cosmetic line of the Palace Merano called “Revital – Detox for Longevity”, it is a great addition to the face and body treatments the clinic provides. The whole cosmetic line is done locally in Merano by Piroche Cosmetique with the use of a secret ingredient – the local pure mountain water that is known for its healing purposes, as well as natural ingredients and a very high concentration of active ingredients. I personally loved all the line for face and body, but my forever favorites are the Ultra Active Lift Cream and Vitamin Booster Elixir. My skin has never felt more soft and rejuvenated in such a short time. Again, the good news is that you can purchase everything online on their website and enjoy the method by Palace Merano at home.
I also had a chance to attend a few lectures by the Palace Merano that they regularly do to educate on TCM, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. I feel it was a great value to continue the Longevity method at home for a long happy life.
I don’t remember when I felt so rejuvenated and healthy last time! On my last day, I did the final medical checkup and consulted with my doctor to detect the improvements. I could see all the results of fruitful work – my health condition really improved. I lost almost 4 kgs and got rid of all the toxins and excess water in my body. Most importantly, I felt more energized and balanced, with zero stress level, and completely relaxed. Next time I’m definitely coming for a full 9-days detox program as recommended by the clinic to get rid of toxins and let my body get used to the new healthy routine!
These seven days flew by, but I lived in the moment every day. I woke up revitalized and refreshed every morning. It’s almost like my body and mind are thanking me for introducing a new style of living, and I must say that this time at Palace Merano has been a solace of health and holistic wellness for my life. Not only does the comfort of a luxurious suite and private therapy sessions relax the body, the entire program has provided the impetus for positive energy to flow through my mind. The staff is courteous and professional, and the contemporary-historical luxury hotel is delightfully charming. The atmosphere is really pleasant and makes you feel at home. That’s why 80% of their clients always come back – here you truly feel at home with the delicate service and attention to each detail. Apart from the clinic itself, there are plenty of things to do in the town! Whether it’s touristing around the medieval streets of Merano or hiking Dolomites – there are plenty of breathtaking tracks just next to the hotel. This destination will forever be on my top list of wellness getaways!
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