Review – We Check in to Clinique La Prairie, Switzerland

Founded back in 1931 by Professor Niehans, a pioneer in the development of cell therapy, this legendary hideaway retreat on the shores of Lake Leman, Montreux has been a popular choice for elite wellness fans and A-list stars for decades.

Travelling in style to my three day taster of the CLP Beauty Rejuvenation Programme I was transported along the shores of Lake Geneva in a private limousine (all part and parcel of the package). On arrival, the Clinic entrance gives an immediate wow factor, with huge displays of aromatic florals, giving an air of tranquility to the sleek clinic.

Accommodation is spread over three main buildings – Le Château, La Résidence and the Medical Centre – all are set in perfectly preened gardens. Le Château offers rooms and suites in a classic style with balconies overlooking the Swiss Alps and the shores of Lake Léman. Hospital-grade rooms and suites allow guests to relax and recuperate in luxury at the Medical Centre.

During my tour of the clinic and grounds I was blown away by the extensive facilities. As well as the spa, consultancy and treatment areas, the adjacent Medical Centre offers everything from cardiology and neurology units to dental and orthopaedic surgeries. I’m told that regular guests return two or three times a year for a complete mind and body ‘MOT’.

The clinic treatment area is a high-tech-meets-holistic haven with 17 treatments rooms and 11 aesthetic rooms as well as a VIP treatment room. The spa area boasts an indoor swimming pool with hypnotic mountain views, a Kneipp pool, a Jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam, an ice fountain and a relaxation room.

My Beauty Programme taster began with a consultation and general health check up, followed by various meetings with nutrition, aesthetics, and fitness experts. The Beauty Programme focuses on skin and body treatments combined with healthy nutrition and a fitness regime, and is tailored to each client’s needs.

My non-invasive treatments included ‘Body Contouring’ – using a high-tech body suit that tightens then releases in sequence, the suit emits high-intensity electromagnetic pulses to force muscular contractions to burn fat, build muscle and tone your body. The treatment promises visible fat reduction and enhanced muscle tone after just one session and after 60 minutes my arms and legs were indeed noticeably firmer and toned… Next up was Facial Brightening – a combination of five treatments by luxury skin brand Swiss Perfection. Each treatment works to improve the texture of the skin and boost collagen renewal to achieve a smoother and brighter complexion. I found the Facial Redensifying treatment to be particularly effective.

Nutrition is at the core of all CLP programmes. Diets are tailored to clients needs and the restaurant delivers on flavourful, plant based, dishes. My healthy fare included a rainbow of fruit and vegetable smoothies and colourful salads and soups.

There are an endless list of high-tech face and body treatments available at Clinique la Prairie, ranging from LED and micro-needling to Thermage. Holistic offerings include Ayurvedic and aromatherapy massages, TCM, acupuncture and reflexology.

During my three days at CLP I saw truly wondrous results – so it’ll come as no surprise that the programme comes with a high price tag. At the time of writing the Beauty Programme will set you back around £10,000.

Clinique La Prairie is cited as one of the best wellness clinics in the world, and with good reason. Aside from the space-age spa, luxurious accommodation and idyllic setting – when it comes to cutting edge treatments, new technologies and DNA testing, they’re top of their game. The therapists, doctors and nurses really do know their stuff and are some of the best you’ll find. If you’re feeling burnt out but financially flushed, I’d recommend you check in.