Let’s start with a challenge: can you explain how the Chenot Method works – in 30 seconds?
Dr. Gaitanos:
Gladly! The body inherently has the ability to heal itself. If you know which signals to send, it will do the rest. The problem is that this ability weakens with age. But if we deliberately push the body out of its comfort zone, it switches into a kind of survival mode and activates its own protective mechanisms. This sets off a process of renewal and revitalization – like pressing a reset button. That, in a nutshell, is how the Chenot Method works.
Interviewer:
That was just 29 seconds!
Dr. Gaitanos:
You see, it’s really quite simple. But let’s go a bit deeper. Anyone who comes to us interrupts their usual lifestyle and goes through a kind of “pit stop” for the body. This reset takes about a week. Imagine every cell in your body as a battery. At birth, it’s full of energy. Over time, it drains and corrodes. We clean that battery and recharge it. The cleaning is what we call detox, and the recharging is recovery. But first, we need to assess the battery’s condition, which is why we carry out comprehensive screening. Every treatment is tailored to the individual.
You mentioned earlier that the body must be pushed out of its comfort zone.
How do you do that?
Primarily through the diet. We restrict caloric intake to around 850 calories per day, with a low protein content. In the first few days, this may cause temporary fatigue, headaches, or discomfort – but it is precisely this controlled stress that activates the body’s intrinsic repair and protective mechanisms.
This metabolic challenge is complemented by hydrotherapy treatments, which elevate core body temperature and stimulate thermogenic responses. These responses promote the mobilization and elimination of cellular waste. The combined effect of caloric restriction and heat exposure increases sympathetic nervous system activity – a necessary stimulus.
To restore balance and counter this physiological stress, we integrate techniques from traditional Chinese medicine to activate the vagus nerve and enhance parasympathetic function.
This holistic approach extends to our specialised massages, which not only address the physical body, but also stimulate energy channels and meridians – helping to regulate internal systems and support recovery.
A typical program at Chenot Palace lasts one week. What can people achieve in that time?
The week acts as a full physiological and mental reset – a catalyst for long-term change. Guests not only undergo a deep detoxification process; they also gain valuable insight into their own bodies, habits, and health status. It’s an emotional journey as much as a physical one.
The program is intentionally challenging – designed to push the body and mind beyond their usual limits, revealing just how adaptable and resilient we truly are. Of course, one week isn’t the end goal. But it provides a powerful foundation. Guests leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more energized – equipped with the knowledge, motivation, and personalized tools they need to continue the journey towards optimal health on their own.
How often do guests usually return?
Most guests come once or twice a year. Each visit allows us to track their progress using comparative diagnostics, which can be both motivating and empowering. It’s not just about the week they spend with us – it’s about building sustainable habits that extend far beyond their stay.
While we offer advanced medical expertise, this is not a clinic in the traditional sense. We see Chenot Palace as a destination for healthy individuals who want to perform better, age slower, and live with greater vitality. Our approach is proactive, not reactive – focused on prevention, optimization, and long-term wellbeing.
Equally important is the mental and emotional experience. Guests should feel at ease, supported, and inspired. Our setting in Weggis – one of Europe’s most breathtaking regions – plays a vital role in that. We combine luxury hospitality with state-of-the-art health science in a seamless way. That balance is a key reason why the Chenot Method thrives here.
Before joining the Chenot Group, you worked with elite athletes.
How has that experience shaped your work today?
In high-performance sports, I learned to use the best training technologies and how to maintain physical performance and wellbeing over the long term. What I do with guests at Chenot Palace is not so different from what I did with athletes. The number on your passport doesn’t define your true age. With the Chenot Method, people can rejuvenate – they can improve what we call their vitality index.
We measure this using a range of parameters such as vascular age, oxidative stress, muscle function, emotional stress, and metabolic rate.
One final question: on the tour of Chenot Palace, I noticed a room dedicated to neuroacoustic deep relaxation.
What is that exactly?
It’s a powerful example of how non-invasive therapies can have profound physiological effects. Neuroacoustic deep relaxation uses specific sound frequencies to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping guide the body into a state of deep, restorative calm. While individual responses can vary, research – including studies from Harvard Medical School – suggests that just 20 minutes of this therapy may offer regenerative effects equivalent to two hours of sleep.
It reflects an important principle of the Chenot Method: while our framework is structured, it’s never static. We continually integrate the latest scientific findings to enhance outcomes and evolve our approach – always with the goal of supporting the body’s natural intelligence and capacity to heal.
Detox Programme
Our signature Chenot programme aims to induce a deep purification and detoxification of the body to eliminate toxins, increase vitality, reset energy levels and rebalance its physiology.
CHF 5’500
Detox Programme
Relax your brain, revitalise your body – Chenot’s Recover & Energise programme reduces chronic stress and fatigue which restores optimal energy levels.
CHF 6’400
Detox Programme
Chenot’s most intense health span enhancing programme combining our signature detox with high-impact rejuvenation to delay the onset of biological ageing.
CHF 7’100
Detox Programme
Restore natural sleep rhythms and accelerate recovery with targeted treatments timed to your chronotype – built on the extraordinary power of our Recover & Energise programme.
CHF 7’960
Diagnostics & Optimisation
State-of-the-art medical diagnostics and functional testing for a precise and time-efficient overview of how your daily choices impact your health.
CHF 6’100