Clinique La Prairie

Montreux, Switzerland

Spa Escapes

Best For:

Advanced, results driven medical programs

  • Number of rooms

    49 (26 are in the medical centre for post-op care)

  • Facilities

    Spa, gym, medical centre & 3 restaurants

  • Family Friendly

    In theory but in reality this is a tranquil destination for serious overhauls

  • When to go

    Year round, although Jan-March is prime time

  • Book

    Here

The Backstory

CLP (as regulars call it) dates back to 1931, when Professor Paul Niehans, a science graduate from Zurich University created the now infamous Revitalisation Therapy using extracts from foetal lambs liver. Back then, it was injected into patients (it’s now given orally) and the immune-boosting, anti-aging results quickly became legendary, particularly once Pope Pius XII credited it for bringing him back from the brink of death. World leaders, superstars and those looking for an elixir of youth still flock here and the success of the Revitalisation program (which starts at an eye watering £20,000) has enabled CLP to channel significant funds into developing other pioneering programs and thus become one of the most advanced and progressive Medispas in the world.

The Backstory

CLP (as regulars call it) dates back to 1931, when Professor Paul Niehans, a science graduate from Zurich University created the now infamous Revitalisation Therapy using extracts from foetal lambs liver. Back then, it was injected into patients (it’s now given orally) and the immune-boosting, anti-aging results quickly became legendary, particularly once Pope Pius XII credited it for bringing him back from the brink of death. World leaders, superstars and those looking for an elixir of youth still flock here and the success of the Revitalisation program (which starts at an eye watering £20,000) has enabled CLP to channel significant funds into developing other pioneering programs and thus become one of the most advanced and progressive Medispas in the world.

The Place

Perched on the edge of Lake Geneva, famed for its pure air and microclimate, one word springs to mind when visiting CLP: immaculate. It may have been on the same site since the 30s but everything has been extensively refurbished – and in the case of the spa and medical centre – built entirely anew. It’s therefore a perfect mix of old-school luxury and state-of-the-art technology and design. Room wise, our vote goes to those in the Chateau, where you can expect airy, luxurious rooms in cream and white with wonderful views down to the Lake.

The Programs

On the medical front, CLP offers advanced diagnostics and treatment (including major surgery), making it the place to pick if you’re looking to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan or if you’re recuperating from any kind of serious illness. For those looking to overhaul their looks in private, they also offer a wide range of cosmetic and dental surgery. On the spa side, they have programs that tackle everything from aesthetics to detoxing and sleep disorders, with lengths of stay varying accordingly. They do also offer more run-of-the-mill weekend “spa breaks” but given that CLP sits in the forbiddingly expensive range, there are other places we’d suggest heading to if all you want is to don a fluffy robe and hit the sauna.

The Programs

On the medical front, CLP offers advanced diagnostics and treatment (including major surgery), making it the place to pick if you’re looking to get a thorough diagnosis and treatment plan or if you’re recuperating from any kind of serious illness. For those looking to overhaul their looks in private, they also offer a wide range of cosmetic and dental surgery. On the spa side, they have programs that tackle everything from aesthetics to detoxing and sleep disorders, with lengths of stay varying accordingly. They do also offer more run-of-the-mill weekend “spa breaks” but given that CLP sits in the forbiddingly expensive range, there are other places we’d suggest heading to if all you want is to don a fluffy robe and hit the sauna.

The Spa

The space-aged, tranquil spa is where you’ll spend your time if you’re here for anything non-invasive. It has 12 treatment rooms that are equipped with every kind of advanced gadget you can imagine and there’s also a huge indoor pool, Hamman, Kneipp (hydrotherapy) and ice fountains – so you can while away your days in-between any treatments and appointments at leisure. The state of the art gym is huge (and usually blissfully quiet) with trainers on hand to tailor routines just for you.

The Must-Try

Here you’re spoilt for choice as all of their treatments are fabulous. But if you’re fed up with coming down with endless colds or feel like the you need to put a spring back in your step, then their Winter Boost program is the perfect antidote. Over five days you are coaxed out of your wintery blues thanks to comprehensive health tests, heavenly mood-boosting daily massages, immunotherapy and targeted fitness training.

The Must-Try

Here you’re spoilt for choice as all of their treatments are fabulous. But if you’re fed up with coming down with endless colds or feel like the you need to put a spring back in your step, then their Winter Boost program is the perfect antidote. Over five days you are coaxed out of your wintery blues thanks to comprehensive health tests, heavenly mood-boosting daily massages, immunotherapy and targeted fitness training.

The Food

Your personal meal plan will depend very much on what you’re checked in for – for example, detoxers have a different menu from those here to overcome sleep issues. That being said, everything is healthy and everyone’s intake of dairy, fat, carbs, sugar, alcohol and caffeine is limited. Clever menus mean that very few (even the aforementioned detoxers) complain about feeling hungry, as while food is extremely healthy, it’s still satisfying, so you won’t feel like you’re being deprived.  It also helps that it looks like its from a Michelin starred restaurant.

The Verdict

Crystal clear air, beautiful views, sunset swims and some of the best medical supervision and expertise you could wish for. With average clients having a net worth of $30 million US dollars, this isn’t the place to pop to for a cheap fix. But fix you, they can – and really do, which is why it’s deservedly one of the top spa destinations in the world.

The Verdict

Crystal clear air, beautiful views, sunset swims and some of the best medical supervision and expertise you could wish for. With average clients having a net worth of $30 million US dollars, this isn’t the place to pop to for a cheap fix. But fix you, they can – and really do, which is why it’s deservedly one of the top spa destinations in the world.

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