Detox and Weight-Loss Programmes at Europe and Asia's Wellness Clinics

Detox programmes here generally run four to ten nights and combine a set diet with treatments and daily movement. A typical day starts with a yoga or stretching session before a light breakfast, then a treatment such as an abdominal massage, lymphatic drainage or a thalassotherapy bath, an afternoon of rest or a guided walk, and an early dinner. Juice-only fasts are offered at some properties; others serve three light meals a day built around soups, steamed vegetables, quinoa and broth.

Medical detox is a separate tier. At Chenot Palace Weggis, Clinique La Prairie, SHA, Palazzo Fiuggi and ZEM Wellness Clinic, guests arrive to a consultation and diagnostics before the programme is set. That usually means blood work, blood-pressure and body-composition checks, and a schedule of therapies written by the clinical team. These cost considerably more and are not the same product as a spa detox.

Mayr and Buchinger approaches appear at Park Igls, MAYRLIFE, OCEANO Health Spa Hotel and The View Bouznika. The Mayr method centres on the gut: slow eating, thorough chewing, simple food, and manual abdominal treatments. Buchinger fasting means no solid food, just vegetable broth, herbal tea and juice for a set number of days.

Ayurvedic detox is offered at Santani Wellness in Kandy, SwaSwara in Karnataka, Ananda in the Himalayas, Somatheeram and Soma Manaltheeram in Kerala, and Ayurvie Weligama and Ayurvie Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. These use herbal oils, steam, prescribed diets matched to body type, and daily yoga.

Locations range from beachfront Algarve and Koh Samui to alpine Austria and the hills above Lake Garda. Length of stay, what is included and the exact price depend on the hotel and the programme chosen.

What's included

- Programme-specific diet, from juice cleanses to three light meals a day - Daily yoga, stretching or guided movement at most properties - Spa and body treatments as set by the individual programme - Consultations and diagnostics at medical clinics - Accommodation at the chosen hotel

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers unless stated by the hotel - Travel insurance - Additional treatments booked on site - Personal expenses