Fasting and Wellness Reset in the Belgian Ardennes

The retreat runs for four nights, arriving on 19 June and leaving on 23 June 2026. Each day starts early with a gentle wake-up, followed by stretching, Pilates or Qi Gong. A typical morning might include a walk in nature with the physiotherapy team, a nutrition workshop with dietitian Claire Thielen, or a one-to-one consultation with Dr Aurélie Delicata. Afternoons are for treatments: osteopathy with Geoffrey Demez or Tom Willems, massages with Sean Marique, or aromatherapy sessions with Lauranne Dejong. There is also equi-coaching with Vincent Zandona, a personal development workshop using horses.

The fasting protocol is the Buchinger method, overseen by Claire Thielen. She explains the principles of fasting, leads nutrition workshops and organises pre-stay preparation as well as post-stay follow-up. Dr Delicata conducts the initial consultation and assesses each person's suitability, providing medical support throughout if needed. The food programme includes healthy meals and herbal teas, so it is not a complete fast — the focus is on gentle regeneration.

The wellness centre is a major part of the stay. At 2,500 m², it includes a heated indoor pool with forest views, a Finnish sauna at 90°C, a bio herbal sauna at 60°C, an oriental hammam with eucalyptus oils, sensory showers, an outdoor hot tub with a view of the High Fens, a sensory cave, salt walls, Nordic baths and a herbal pharmacy. Access is unlimited throughout the retreat.

The team is what sets this apart. Geoffrey Demez has a Master's in Motor Sciences and Physiotherapy from ULg and a D.O. in Osteopathy from Sutherland, with 20 years in private practice, 12 years teaching, 10 years swimming coaching and 12 years medical support at the highest level in swimming, football, boxing, tennis and motor racing. He heads the health activities team and gives osteopathic treatments. Claire Thielen holds a Bachelor's in Nutrition and Dietetics from HE Vinci, specialising in sports nutrition from UCL, with a certification in nutritional therapy due in 2026. Dr Aurélie Delicata is a general practitioner from ULg with an inter-university diploma in medical nutrition. Sean Marique has a Master's in Physiotherapy from HEPL and over 10 years' experience, with a passion for trail running. Tom Willems holds a Master's in Physiotherapy from ULg and a D.O. from the International Academy of Osteopathy. Lauranne Dejong is a naturopath from the European Institute of Natural Medicine and an aromatherapist. Mary Vandermeulen has a Master's in Motor Sciences from ULg and leads physical activities tailored to fasting — Pilates, mobility and gentle strength training.

The location is the Hautes Fagnes-Eifel Nature Park in the Belgian Ardennes. The area has waymarked paths for walks, and the landscape changes with the seasons — heather in summer, autumn colours, snow in winter. The fresh air is high in negative ions and forest essences. The hotel is in the heart of the park, so walks start from the door.

What's included

- 4 nights in a classic double room - 5 meals (detox programme) - Comprehensive supervision by healthcare team (doctor, dietitian, physiotherapist, osteopath, aromatherapist, well-being coaches) - Food detox programme: healthy meals and herbal teas - Daily wellness activities: walks, stretching, Pilates, Qi Gong, echotherapy, body massages - Unlimited access to the 2,500 m² wellness centre (saunas, hammam, outdoor jacuzzi, heated pool, sensory cave, salt walls, Nordic baths, herbal pharmacy)

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional treatments not listed - Suite upgrade (available at supplement)