Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Lanserhof’s newest destination (on the island of Sylt, off the northern coast of Germany), adheres to the concept that originated more than three decades ago at Lans, the Tyrolean Alpine resort in Austria: That the gut, once cleansed and detoxified, has an astounding ability to kick-start the body’s path back to health and vitality.
Paired with state-of-the-art diagnostic analyses and extensive physical and psychological assessments, Lanserhof’s gut-focused treatments inform individualized protocols that can include naturopathy and chronomedicine (the mapping of future illnesses), as well as overall regeneration. There are now two other German outposts, one in Tegernsee and another in Hamburg, as well as more streamlined programming offered in London’s Arts Club.
Upon arrival, guests partake in extensive analysis designed to measure weight, body fat, muscle and water percentages, glucose levels and blood pressure, as well as liver, heart, and kidney function. A diet is then prescribed (ranked one through three, with varying caloric levels indicated) for your stay.
Photo: Courtesy of Lanserhof Sylt
What’s the vibe?
Surrounded by sand dunes blanketed in wind-swept grasses, the central structure somehow combines a modernist minimalism with respect for the region’s traditional aesthetic. That combination is also reflected in Lanserhof’s belief in both the power of Alpine nature and cutting-edge science. Designed by award-winning German architect Christoph Ingenhoven, the entire property features sustainable materials—including stone, concrete, and unfinished and untreated wood—that do not release significant pollutants into indoor environments.
Accommodations are pared back, but with contours and furnishings that are both comforting and enveloping. The brick façades and thatched roofs of the 55 guest suites hew to the traditional architectural vernacular of the region. The surrounding region, if you’re inclined to explore it, boasts beautiful beaches. The beach at Sylt was Karl Lagerfeld’s favorite in Germany. And Sylt has been deemed the Hamptons of Germany for its high-end shopping scene and expensive real estate.
Photo: Courtesy of Lanserhof Sylt
The history?
Lanserhof’s underlying philosophy is partly based on the theories of turn of the century Austrian holistic physician Franz Xaver Mayr, originator of the Mayr method, a highly restrictive method involving the elimination of sugar, dairy, gluten, and caffeine for 14 days (remember the importance of the gut!). Many clinics throughout Austria were founded upon these principles, and it is the foundation for Lanserhof as well. The original company, Lans, was founded in 1984, and throughout the early 2000s, investments and extensive renovations were made to the various locations, making them the kind of place where oligarchs as well as artists and celebrities go for a draconian reset. The Sylt location opened in 2022.
Photo: Courtesy of Lanserhof Sylt
What should you try?
It’s not so much what you should try, but rather what you’ll be told to try (or abstain from). There may be many options, but your path is likely going to be very prescribed. A sampling of what’s on offer: interval hypoxia hyperoxia training (which involves inhaling varying levels of oxygen through a specialized breathing mask to enhance energy), abdominal massages to stimulate digestion, full-body algae treatments, and reflexology for relaxation. They also offer more traditional workouts and massages. There is entertainment provided in the evening, including fireside chamber music concerts or lectures on a wide range of topics.
Photo: Courtesy of Lanserhof Sylt
How environmentally friendly is it?
With its emphasis on health above all, even the buildings have been constructed from health-friendly materials. Mentioned in almost any write-up of the spa is the fact that the central building contains the largest thatched roof in all of Europe. (Thatch is considered a particularly green building material.) Extensive insulation and other geothermal measures mean that whatever energy is expended is conserved as much as possible. A respect for nature is built into the fabric of this place.
What else should we know?
The portions are small. This place is really all about a dramatic reset, so abstemiousness is part of the protocol—as is a rigorous chewing protocol. Yes, guests are (famously) instructed to chew each bite 30 to 40 times, which can make for some quiet mealtimes. It is also recommended that guests eliminate caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and cigarettes two weeks before arriving at the site, and those substances are not permitted on the premises.
Who can go?
Lanserhof’s facilities are open only to guests.