Palace Hotel Merano
"Set the scene
Palace Merano ticks all the boxes for those searching for a deeply restorative and transformative mid-life reset in luxurious surroundings. The pretty Belle Epoque hotel, set in a valley amidst the snow-capped Dolomites, was initially constructed in 1906 to serve aristocrats that flocked here at the turn of the century. Today the setting feels similarly opulent, with cavernous spaces filled with chandeliers, marble columns and antiques that suit the presidents, pop stars and Euro couples that have been coming here for decades. An adjoining castle offers entirely private access to therapy rooms. Now, it's had a rehaul – and we were first in to check it out.
What's the backstory?
This is the original medical spa where Henri Chenot developed his famed method, which combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with state-of-the-art tech and a 360 approach to deep cleansing the body and resetting the mind. That is still the case. At the start of 2023, the entire 1200 square metre spa was given a complete overhaul, but the medical philosophy remains the same – 70 per cent of clients return here once or twice a year for that continuity. Palace Merano is assuredly doing what it’s done best for decades, but in a newly revitalised shell.
Dr Massimiliano Mayrhofer (or Dr Max as almost everyone knows him), who worked alongside Chenot for two decades, now oversees the “Revital Method”, a hands-on, preventative programme in which the mind and body must be treated in unison. All the treatments, from daily hydrotherapy and massage to the restricted but delicious diet, focus on detoxing the body from the inside out. The solid and effective messaging from the whole team – many of whom have worked at the hotel for decades – is a crucial part of this, especially if changes will be sustained once guests leave the very controlled environment of the hotel.
While the underlying philosophy may not have changed, the tech has – the newest introduction is a posturology department that will digitally analyse how a client’s body moves and then devise an exercise plan around it.
What’s the wellness concept?
Most people are here for the six-day signature Revital Detox for Longevity (70 per cent of whom are repeat clients), but many come for longer. It’s an intense and holistic programme aimed at efficiently eliminating toxins while boosting the mind and body with antioxidant-packed nutrition, rebalancing energic treatments (that work in a similar way to acupuncture but without needles) and a programme of daily treatments and bespoke interventions, from IV drips to osteopathy, and colonic irrigation through to aesthetic treatments.
An entire 1500 square metre floor of the hotel houses a medical wing, and a visit with the doctor is obligatory for anyone on the Revital programme. They are also scanned by the DEXA body scanner (which instantly delivers detailed information on bone density, joint health, body fat and muscle mass) and have extensive blood tests (giving a full breakdown of blood count, antibodies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormones, tumour markers) – giving the team a complete picture of what is happening inside the body.
What are the signature treatments?
The six-day Revital programme is based around a daily hydrotherapy and massage routine, beginning with a 20-minute soak in a warm aromatherapy jet bath. Then, you'll have an algae-based hot mud wrap with ice-cold mud applied from the knees down to boost circulation. After an intense pummelling with hydrotherapy jets, next comes the signature cupping massage – a detoxifying and highly effective hour that aims to flush out toxins.
Which therapist should I book?
The excellent Giovanna Dornelli returned tone to my neglected legs over six days of massage – and also recommended the facial version of the cupping massage to aid lymphatic drainage and promote a firmer, brighter complexion. There’s an implicit sense that the team will get to the bottom of any health concerns or issues. For example, after mentioning a heavy arm and shoulder that had been bothering me for 18 months, I was booked in for two sessions with osteopath Mattia Zanni, who immediately pinpointed the postural issues that were causing it.
What makes it different?
While everyone here repeats the mantra that weight loss is not the aim, the restricted but delicious plant-based diet (no alcohol, sugar, refined carbohydrates, dairy or meat is served) and a one-day fast means that most guests lose around 3kg. It's worth considering if this kind of restricted diet is for you or if this likely weight loss is something you want. But the real goal is to reboot the mind and body, and six days is long enough to activate a fundamental mental shift to a healthier approach. You'll recieve cooking classes, lectures on nutrition and straight-talking advice from Dr Max (build muscle, boost metabolism, eat more vegetables) and onsite dieticians who prepare extensive eating plans for when you leave as well as ongoing support (they are currently working on an app that will allow guests to be in touch with the hotel between their visits).
What else do they offer?
There are yoga classes and daily guided walks from the hotel, but it’s also easy to explore under your own steam straight out of the hotel’s gates. The Tappeinerweg trail winds up the slopes of Kuchelberg through small vineyards to give stunning views across the valley. If you want to go higher, a lift just outside the town arrives at the ski slopes of Meran 2000. The temperate climate here makes it extremely enticing to get out and explore once you’ve passed the detox’s first few days.
Where do you stay?
The spacious rooms echo the glamorous mood of the public spaces with marble bathrooms and light-filled spacious bedrooms. Newer rooftop suites have generous terraces, too, and sun worshippers should ask for a south-facing room that overlooks the pool and gardens.
Final word
The relaxed and cosseting atmosphere means that solo travellers feel perfectly at ease. The efficient waiters make lunches, and dinners feel like an event with their warmth and quickfire service. Despite the formality at dinner – with an occasional harpist – it never feels stuffy or intimidating. It’s an indulgence to come here, but it’s also an investment for future health and wellbeing – and as such, by the time you leave, the restoration and feel-good factor feel priceless."
