Chenot Magazine Issue 4 - Cellular Resilience

Cellular Resilience

How the core elements of the Chenot Method® unite to orchestrate rejuvenation from within.

SCIENCE OF WELLBEING

A thoughtful exploration of how science and daily habits work together to shape a healthier future.

FOOD FOR LIFE

Insights into how women can live vibrantly through every life stage.

WELCOME TO CHENOT PALACE GABALA

Where ancient healing traditions come together to restore health, balance, and long-term vitality.

A new study confirms the power of the Chenot Diet® .

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN OPTIMAL HEALTH?

True wellness is about empowering the body to do what it was designed to do: eliminate toxins, optimise energy, and preserve its natural functions over time.

Optimal health is not a destination but a lifelong philosophy of living. It means choosing daily habits that support resilience, nourishment, and regeneration, so that longevity comes with strength, clarity, and joy. At Chenot, we see optimal health as the state in which you can reset, recover, and perform at your very best — not just for today, but for the decades ahead.

DETOX. ENERGISE. PERFORM

A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM DR GEORGE GAITANOS, CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, CHENOT GROUP

Wellness is no longer just a scientific pursuit – it’s become a global priority and a daily conversation.

At Chenot, however, our goal has never been about simply extending years. From the beginning, our purpose has been to enhance the quality of the years you live. We view longevity through a wellness lens.

For over five decades, the Chenot Method® has evolved at the intersection of medicine, biology, and energy science. It integrates advanced diagnostics, evidence-based therapies, and a guided, plant-based nutritional protocol designed to activate cellular clean-up and renewal. At its core lies a powerful yet simple idea: by applying beneficial, controlled stressors – a concept known as hormesis – we stimulate the body’s innate ability to repair, adapt, and thrive.

In this issue, we explore longevity as a meaningful megatrend, backed by science. Discover the latest findings on the Chenot Diet® recently published in Clinical Nutrition, the international scientific journal. These show how fasting-mimicking diets elicit autophagy and ultimately spark positive cellular responses: reducing inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and triggering autophagy – the body’s internal recycling mechanism.

We also introduce the Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® framework, which measures how lifestyle choices shape biological age. Expert insights in this edition cover key topics including women’s health, skin vitality, and the rising potential of red-light therapy.

This issue also highlights two extraordinary destinations. Aboard ULYSSIA the world’s first residential superyacht, Chenot brings medical-grade wellness to sea, offering residents a floating clinic for rejuvenation. Meanwhile, at Chenot Palace Gabala – set between Lake Nohur and the tranquil Caucasus forests – science meets serenity. Since 2016, it has embodied our philosophy: diagnostics that inform, therapies that act, and an environment that gently restores balance.

Our mission remains unchanged: to guide you out of your comfort zone and into renewed vitality, clarity, and purpose. Because ageing is inevitable. Functional decline is not.

Warmest regards,

Dr George Gaitanos

Chief Scientific & Operating Officer Chenot Group

EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS

• The science behind the method – The Chenot Diet® clinically validated as a fasting-mimicking programme.

• Balance over boost – Sleep, movement, calm, and plant-based simplicity keep your system in sync.

• Sip with purpose – Chenot’s herbal infusions offer targeted, natural support.

28 RESET YOUR CELLS

Scientifically proven and plant-based, the Chenot Diet® activates powerful cellular regeneration and anti-ageing pathways that deliver the benefits of fasting without extreme restrictions.

36 ASSESS YOUR HEALTH.

Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® reveal your true biological age and health risks, guiding personalised strategies for longevity and vitality.

40 LONGEVITY AS A WAY OF LIFE

At Chenot, longevity isn’t just about living longer –it’s about living better. With clarity, energy, and purpose. A conversation with Dr George Gaitanos about redefining ageing through science, lifestyle, and the power of personalised health.

46 WELCOME TO CHENOT PALACE GABALA

Where cutting-edge diagnostics and healing therapies meet the stillness of the Caucasus Mountains, offering a deeply personal journey toward renewal, balance, and lasting wellbeing.

50 TRAVEL GUIDE TO GABALA, AZERBAIJAN

From lavender fields and ancient ruins to mountain swings and music festivals, this hidden gem in Azerbaijan blends nature, history, and culture into a journey of pure discovery.

58 CHENOT EXPERIENCE

• A journey of change for both body and mind.

• New perspectives on health and longevity.

62 A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO NOURISHMENT

Dr Jennifer Ashton explains why nutrition is the most consistent ally of healthy ageing.

66 SEASONAL ESSENTIALS

Our curated selection designed to complement a wellness-focused lifestyle with comfort, purity, and purpose.

68 THE BEAUTY SANDWICH®

Celebrity facialist Ivan Pol brings his iconic Beauty Sandwich® to Chenot Palace Weggis, fusing non-invasive skin sculpting with deep detox and renewal.

72 CHENOT X ULYSSIA: WELLNESS SETS SAIL

Chenot brings its world-leading longevity philosophy to sea, offering residents a transformative health journey with diagnostics, detox, and vitality at every port of call.

80 THE CHENOT STANDARD

Executive Chef Ettore Moliteo shares how handson training and culinary precision ensure that every Chenot dish delivers health, flavour, and consistency across every property, every plate.

86 RECIPES

Bring the Chenot Diet® into your kitchen – perfect for a 7-day reset or everyday wellness.

88 HEALING WITH LIGHT

Red light therapy is more than a trend, revitalising cells, restoring energy, and rebalancing the body from within through cutting-edge photo biomodulation.

92 MOVEMENT & MINDFULNESS

A personal journey with Chenot Group team members into the power of consistent movement, connection to nature, and the balance that keeps them grounded.

STANDARDS

16 Chenot Group overview

18 Chenot Group locations

94 Preview + publishing credits

28

The Chenot Diet® approach

72 Redefining wellbeing at sea 40

Longevity as an art of living

COVER IMAGE

Poolside peace at Chenot Palace Gabala. where stillness meets nature.

SCIENCE BEHIND THE METHOD

THE CHENOT DIET ® CLINICALLY VALIDATED AS A FASTING-MIMICKING PROGRAMME THROUGH A STUDY BY DR GEORGE GAITANOS AND PROFESSOR KOSTAS TSINTZAS.

Fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) have emerged as a promising strategy for promoting health by delivering many of the benefits of fasting such as reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and enhanced autophagy without requiring complete food deprivation.

The Chenot Diet® is a plant-based, scientifically formulated programme built on this principle. Designed to trigger fasting-like metabolic responses while preserving essential nutrient intake, it supports both detoxification and cellular renewal in a safe and sustainable way.

To clinically validate its effects, Chenot partnered with the University of Nottingham’s Medical School under the direction of Professor Kostas Tsintzas, Professor of Human Physiology. Together with Dr George Gaitanos, Chief Scientific & Operating Officer of Chenot, they conducted a rigorous randomised clinical trial.

The results, published in Clinical Nutrition, the official scientific journal of ESPEN, confirmed the diet’s ability to induce key fasting-related responses: metabolic shifts, lowered inflammation, and markers of cellular rejuvenation – all while ensuring safety and nutritional adequacy.

This pioneering study marks a significant step in Chenot’s ongoing mission to unite scientific research with holistic wellness. It reinforces the Chenot Diet® as an evidence-based foundation for sustainable health optimisation.

THIS STUDY CONFIRMS WHAT WE HAVE LONG OBSERVED IN PRACTICE: THE CHENOT DIET® EFFECTIVELY MIMICS FASTING AT A CELLULAR LEVEL WHILE NOURISHING THE BODY WITH PRECISION. DR GEORGE GAITANOS

THE REFINED ART OF WINTER WELLNESS

As temperatures fall, the goal is not to “boost” immunity but to keep a complex system in balance. The very idea of “boosting” immunity is scientifically imprecise: the immune system isn’t a single switch to flip, and simply increasing immune cells isn’t desirable – the body already overproduces lymphocytes and prunes the excess through apoptosis. What matters is steady, healthy living that supports the system’s natural harmony.

The evidence is clear: simple, consistent habits make the biggest difference. Start with sleep. A regular 7–9 hours support the nightly “maintenance window” when the body repairs, clears waste, and resets circadian rhythms. Pair this with daily movement – brisk walks, light strength work, or a swim – to lift mood, support metabolism, and keep circulation active in colder weather.

Nutrition should be plant-forward and uncomplicated: vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, plus quality fats. Cook warmly, season with

herbs and spices, and keep ultra-processed foods to a minimum. Hydration still matters in winter; cool, dry air dehydrates quickly. Herbal infusions are a refined way to keep pace – choose calming blends in the evening, liver-supporting options after meals, or drainage-focused formulas when routine or travel has been demanding.

Two further anchors are daylight and stress regulation. Spend time outdoors when natural light is strongest to stabilise circadian rhythms. Use brief breathwork or short meditation to lower physiological arousal, even small reductions in stress support deeper sleep and clearer thinking. Maintain hand hygiene, moderate alcohol intake, and avoid smoking.

If you’re cooking at home, our Chenot cookbook recipes offer seasonal, plant-based dishes designed to keep the metabolic load low and provide targeted, everyday support.

Nestled beneath Mont Rigi’s slopes and over looking Lake Lucerne, this red‑brown chalet near Weggis reflects the quiet charm of the region – a place where snow‑tipped mornings turn into afternoons of golden light.

ESSENTIAL HEALTH INFUSIONS –TEA AS A DAILY ALLY IN DETOXIFICATION

Herbal infusions, when prepared with care and enjoyed regularly, can support the body’s natural detoxification processes. The Chenot Diététique range includes seven targeted blends crafted from high-quality herbs, roots, fruits, and flowers – each selected and harvested for maximum efficacy. Every infusion is designed to complement the body’s own clearance systems while meeting a specific need.

General Wellbeing

A refreshing, thirst-quenching blend led by mallow, rosehip and hibiscus – plants associated with hydration support, gentle digestive comfort and fluid balance –suited to everyday use.

Daily Detox

Fennel, lemon balm and lemon verbena work together to regulate gastrointestinal motility, reduce gas and ease digestion while supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes – an easy, light routine choice.

Liver Health

Milk thistle (silymarin) and dandelion root headline this tonic with anise and liquorice – ingredients noted for digestive support and hepatic function – offering focused support to the liver’s central detox role.

Calm & Relax

Chamomile, linden and citrus blossom combine with rosehip to reduce tension and encourage rest – useful when stress and poor sleep undermine overnight cellular “clean-up” and next-day resilience.

Diuretic Plus

European ash, birch, meadowsweet, heather and gotu kola promote drainage of body fluids and help reduce water retention – supporting the lymphatic side of detox when mild oedema is a concern.

Metabolic Booster

Chinese green tea, yerba mate and Siberian ginseng help counter mental and physical fatigue while supporting metabolism; peppermint adds digestive comfort – a prudent choice for low-energy days.

Bowel Aid

Cassia and alder buckthorn provide strong laxative action to restore intestinal transit. Because of its potency, this tea should be used only after consulting a medical doctor.

How to brew for best effect

Preheat your teapot, bring fresh cold water to boil, and pour over the blend, infusing as directed on the package (typically 90 °C; see individual tea guidelines for time and dosage). For iced preparation, increase the leaves by about 50% to balance dilution. For general wellbeing, three to four cups per day are recommended. Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Used with intention, these infusions offer simple, evidencealigned rituals that support digestion, liver function, drainage, sleep quality, and daily energy – small, steady choices that help the body do what it is designed to do.

Chenot Diététique herbal teas are available at Chenot Centres or online at chenot.com.

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE CHENOT

SWITZERLAND

MONTENEGRO

ITALY

MOROCCO

CHENOT ESPACE AT L'ALBERETA

RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX

Nestled in the vineyards of Franciacorta, Chenot Espace at L’Albereta Relais & Châteaux offers a refined expression of the Chenot Method® within a historic 19th-century villa. Handpicked by Henri Chenot as the Italian home of his method, this destination brings together over 20 years of expertise with the Moretti family’s renowned five-star hospitality. Designed for those seeking a gentler reset, it combines signature detoxification treatments with the charm, warmth, and elegance of the Italian countryside – delivering wellness with grace and depth.

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 23, 25030 Erbusco BS, Italy

Phone: +39 030 776 0550 info@albereta.it

CHENOT ESPACE AT ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI

Our Chenot Espace is located within One&Only Portonovi, one of the world’s leading resorts at the entrance of UNESCO-protected Boka Bay in Montenegro’s Adriatic Sea. Based on the world-renowned Chenot Method® our partnership with One&Only offers a medical spa in a restorative holiday setting, designed to enhance vitality and wellbeing.

Portonovi Resort, Herceg Novi 85340, Montenegro Phone: +382 31 691 099 guest.experience@oneandonlyportonovi.com

CHENOT SPA AT SELMAN MARRAKECH

Set at the foot of the Atlas Mountains within the exquisite Selman Marrakech – an Arab-Moorish palace celebrating Arabian thoroughbreds – the Chenot Spa offers a unique fusion of Moroccan elegance and Chenot’s expert wellness philosophy. This refined oasis brings a new dimension to resort wellness in Morocco, combining detoxification and revitalisation therapies with traditional hospitality and timeless surroundings. Designed to rebalance body and spirit, it’s the ideal setting for guests seeking restoration and tranquillity as part of their holiday experience.

Km 5 Route d’Amizmiz, Marrakech 40160, Morocco Phone: +212 5244-59600 I info@selman-marrakech.com

CHENOT PALACE WEGGIS

Set on Lake Lucerne, Chenot Palace Weggis pairs five-star comfort with a disciplined, medically led approach to detox. Crowned the World’s Best Detox Programme for the fifth year running, it delivers a seven-day structure that combines a targeted plant-based diet with hydro-aromatherapy, phytomud wraps, energetic cupping, high-pressure HydroJet treatments, and contemporary modalities such as photo biomodulation, cryotherapy, and body composition analysis. Under expert supervision, guests focus on resetting their physiology and establishing better long-term habits. Old-world architecture meets calm, modern suites and a private lakeside garden – an elegant setting for serious health work.

Hertensteinstrasse 34, 6353 Weggis Phone: 041 255 21 60 reservation@chenotpalaceweggis.com

RESET YOUR CELLS

FASTING HAS BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF HEALTH AND WELLBEING FOR CENTURIES. YET EXTREME DIETS ARE NOT NECESSARY TO HARNESS THE POWER OF CELLULAR REJUVENATION. THE CHENOT DIET ® DEMONSTRATES HOW A STRUCTURED, PLANT-BASED FASTING-MIMICKING PROGRAMME CAN CLEANSE THE BODY, ACTIVATE ANTI-AGEING GENES, AND STILL ALLOW FOR ENJOYMENT.

For centuries, people have practiced fasting rituals to purify both body and mind. “When we eat less, we give the body the chance to clean itself – and this applies to every single cell, from skin cells to neurons,” explains Dr George Gaitanos, Chief Operating & Scientific Officer at Chenot. Today, science shows that complete fasting is not required to achieve these effects. With a Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD), the same cellular mechanisms can be triggered safely and in a practical, everyday-friendly way.

The Chenot Diet® itself is a seven-day, plant-based programme with three meals per day, totalling 850 calories, free of snacks. It combines haute cuisine with nutritional science: complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and carefully selected plant proteins stimulate metabolism while preserving enjoyment.

“Because we look after our guests in a hotel environment, it is important to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner – all designed to preserve the fasting effect,” Gaitanos explains.

Putting the Chenot Diet® to the Test

To validate the diet scientifically, Chenot collaborated with the Medical School of the University of Nottingham. The results were published in the international scientific journal Clinical Nutrition, the official journal of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism

(ESPEN), currently ranked fourth by SCImago in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics. The study compared three groups: a control group with a normal diet, the Chenot Diet® low in protein, and an experimental dietary intervention with the same amount of calories and same amount of carbohydrates but a higher protein:fat ratio. “We wanted to test the efficacy of the Chenot Diet® and secondly challenge the role of protein and fat, whether increasing protein and the same carbohydrate content in such a low-calorie context would alter the mechanisms of autophagy,” explains Gaitanos.

Autophagy is the body’s natural “clean-up and recycling” system. When activated, cells identify damaged proteins and organelles, dismantle them, and reuse their components. This process supports cellular housekeeping, maintains mitochondrial quality, improves energy efficiency, reduces oxidative stress, and enhances metabolic resilience. It also reduces inflammation, preserves genome integrity, and engages longevity pathways via AMPK–mTOR–SIRT signalling. Autophagy underpins many health benefits, from improved insulin sensitivity to cellular repair and long-term preventive effects. Practical levers to support it include short, structured periods of energy restriction, circadian-aligned eating, targeted exercise, high-quality sleep, and controlled heat or cold exposure.

Above: Mindful nourishment – every dish is designed to support cellular health.

Left: Aesthetic calm – at Chenot, design is a deli berate part of the healing environment, where form and function create space for the mind to exhale. Read

While the Chenot Diet® proved to elicit autophagy, the two diet interventions were associated with different outcomes. The classic low-protein version additionally triggered antiageing genes such as sirtuins and FOXO3, while the high-protein variant had positive effects on cardiovascular markers, gut microbiome composition and total bacterial count, and significantly reduced visceral fat. The main scientific finding is that, irrespective of nutrients composition, calorie restriction appears to elicit self-repair and cell rejuvenation while reducing inflammation. “Nevertheless, the Chenot Diet® strongly activates anti-ageing mechanisms, while the high-protein diet shows additional benefits for heart and gut health,” Gaitanos summarises. This study is a milestone because it provides human, peer-reviewed evidence that a one-week, plantbased Chenot Diet® with roughly 850 calories per day can trigger clinically relevant changes. To our knowledge, this is the first research study observing multiple FMDs with different macronutrients as well as autophagy and ultimately pro-survival mechanisms within a detox context.

“WHEN WE EAT LESS, WE GIVE THE BODY THE CHANCE TO CLEAN ITSELF – AND THIS APPLIES TO EVERY SINGLE CELL, FROM SKIN CELLS TO NEURONS.” DR GEORGE GAITANOS

“Garden of grilled vegetables” – lightly charred seasonal produce over an herb green base, finished with citrus and aromatic oils. A plate rich in fibre and polyphenols.

Fasting made safe and effective

For Chenot, this validates their method, strengthens medical credibility within hospitality, and provides actionable parametres to scale safe, evidence-based longevity practices. “We now have evidence-based data: our diet activates autophagy, improves body composition and stimulates anti-ageing genes,” Gaitanos says. For the public, this demonstrates that fasting does not have to be extreme or dangerous. Carefully designed fasting-mimicking programes can produce effects comparable to full fasting, yet without radical deprivation.

Research also opens new possibilities. While the Chenot Diet® focuses on longevity. The studies show that, with the right nutritional strategy, deep mechanisms such as cellular cleansing and gene activation can be steered, opening new horizons for prevention and healthy ageing.

Ultimately, the Chenot Diet® gives the longevity movement a practical, evidence-based tool to promote cellular repair and metabolic flexibility.

In the study, a seven-day cycle reduced body weight, visceral and subcutaneous fat, lowered fasting glucose by about 10%, IGF-1 by 35%, and up-regulated autophagy- and longevity-related genes through AMPK/mTOR signalling. Energy restriction was the primary driver, while macronutrients could be adjusted for individual needs such as perimenopause, central adiposity, or sarcopenia risk.

Chenot’s programme integrates nutrition with behaviour, sleep, and exercise guidance, including gradual refeeding to maintain benefits. In short, the Chenot Diet® operationalises metabolic flexibility and cellular housekeeping in a supervised, one-week format – bridging laboratory insight and real-world application. It is not a cure-all, nor suitable for everyone, but as a periodic “reset” it represents a meaningful step toward preventive, personalised longevity.

Above left: Chenot chefs craft flavour and balance through layered textures, delicate sauces and nutrient rich ingredients.

Left: A tranquil moment by the lake at Chenot Palace Weggis –where stillness becomes part of renewal.

ASSESS YOUR HEALTH

WHAT IF YOUR BODY COULD TELL YOU HOW WELL IT’S REALLY AGEING – NOT JUST ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT DEEP DOWN AT ITS BIOLOGICAL CORE? AT CHENOT, THIS IS NO LONGER A QUESTION BUT A PRACTICE. THE CHENOT LIFESTYLE BIOMARKERS ® ARE A SUITE OF SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED DIAGNOSTICS THAT DECODE THE BODY’S INTERNAL SIGNALS WITH REMARKABLE PRECISION – REVEALING YOUR FUNCTIONAL AGE, YOUR FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE, AND THE RISK FACTORS THAT MAY SHAPE YOUR FUTURE HEALTH.

These fourteen assessments go far beyond a routine check-up. They provide a multidimensional view of how your body functions, adapts, and responds – and, even more importantly, how it could perform better. Together, they form the foundation of a deeply personalised approach to health optimisation, designed to support longevity and lasting vitality.

1. Vascular Age

Ageing shows first in the arteries. This non-invasive test measures arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity to reveal how functional your blood vessels truly are – and where interventions may help slow vascular ageing.

2. Intoxication

Our bodies constantly encounter pollutants and toxins. This test measures real-time levels of heavy metals and minerals, enabling targeted detoxification and remineralisation tailored to your individual load.

3. Oxidation

Oxidative stress accelerates cellular ageing. This test assesses your antioxidant capacity and guides precise therapies – while helping prevent misuse of supplements that could upset the natural balance.

4. Glycation

Excess sugar and fat bind to proteins, damaging tissues over time. This test measures the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are linked to inflammation, skin ageing, and organ decline, and guides diet and lifestyle adjustments.

5. Skin Collagen Thickness

High-resolution ultrasound evaluates the thickness and quality of your collagen, revealing connective tissue health and informing both medical and aesthetic strategies for structural integrity.

6. Bone Density, Muscle & Fat Distribution

A full-body composition scan analyses bone mass, lean muscle, and fat distribution, offering a detailed view of metabolic health to support precise fitness, weight, and longevity planning.

7. Stress Test

This test measures heart rate variability (HRV), a sensitive marker of nervous system resilience and recovery, providing insight into stress adaptation and overall mental wellbeing.

8. Endurance Performance

VO₂ max testing shows how efficiently your body delivers oxygen during exertion – detecting risk factors, refining exercise protocols, and elevating cardiovascular fitness.

9. Resting Metabolic Rate

This test measures baseline energy needs and fuel efficiency, guiding personalised dietary strategies, weight optimisation, and improved energy metabolism.

10. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging

By detecting subtle skin temperature changes, this scan highlights inflammation, poor circulation, or musculoskeletal imbalance – supporting early, noninvasive interventions.

11. Spine, Stability, Balance & Strength

An assessment of posture, mobility, and neuromuscular control that identifies risks affecting longterm mobility, strength, and physical comfort.

12. Bio-Resonance

Another measure of VO₂ max, reinforcing the importance of efficient oxygen use and showing how well heart, lungs, and muscles coordinate for endurance, recovery, and vitality.

13. Laboratory Analysis

Blood, urine, and saliva tests evaluate hormones, metabolism, inflammation, and detox pathways – a detailed map for personalised nutrition, supplementation, and treatments.

14. Molecular Lab for Optimal Living

By analysing mRNA, this cutting-edge test reveals hidden risks linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, enabling preventative strategies to delay or even reverse signs of ageing.

More than diagnostics, the Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® are a roadmap to your body’s future. By decoding the subtle signals of ageing, they open the door to personalised strategies that support resilience, longevity, and a life lived in balance.

DEXA scan provides a precise map of the body’s composition – visceral vs. subcutaneous fat, lean mass balance, and bone density.

LONGEVITY AS AN ART OF LIVING

CHENOT EMPOWERS PEOPLE TO LIVE NOT JUST LONGER, BUT HEALTHIER AND MORE VIBRANT LIVES. DR GEORGE GAITANOS, OPERATING AND SCIENTIFIC OFFICER AT CHENOT, SHARES INSIGHTS ON HOW NUTRITION, EXERCISE, MENTAL WELLBEING, AND OUR ENVIRONMENT SHAPE THE AGEING PROCESS AND WHY EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES MATTER FAR MORE THAN PASSING TRENDS.

Dr Gaitanos, how has the perception of longevity changed from a medical research field to a lifestyle topic? Longevity has moved far beyond the laboratory – it’s become part of how people think about living well. We now know that ageing isn’t something we simply have to accept; science has shown that it can be shaped and improved through daily lifestyle choices and new therapies. Ageing is inevitable, but losing vitality doesn’t have to be. The pandemic really accelerated this awareness, reminding everyone that health is our most valuable asset and inspiring a shift from reacting to illness to preventing it altogether. Today, we understand that many age-related conditions can be delayed or avoided by taking care of our bodies early.

At the same time, technology has empowered people to take control – from wearables to at-home health testing, it’s easier than ever to track what’s happening inside us. Add to that the influence of high-profile investors and innovators championing longevity, and you see why it’s now part of mainstream culture. Wellness and vitality have become the new symbols of success – people want to feel clear-minded, strong, and ageless, not just look good. There’s a real cultural shift happening where longevity isn’t just about science anymore – it’s about how we live every day.

You emphasise that longevity is more than medicine. What roles do nutrition, movement, mental health, and environment play? Longevity is vision, the way we view our

“FOOD IS INFORMATION FOR OUR GENES. WHAT WE EAT, WHEN WE EAT, AND HOW WE EAT CAN PROFOUNDLY INFLUENCE THE AGEING PROCESS.”

future-our personal plan of life. It is a process, and it is all about how we manipulate this process over the course of life. Nutrition, movement, sleep, mental health and environment are all pillars that sustain the body’s capacity to renew and repair itself. The food we eat communicates directly with our cells, movement keeps our systems efficient and resilient, and quality sleep allows the body to repair, detoxify, and reset its biological rhythm. Mental balance supports hormonal and emotional stability, while our surroundings – from light and air to design and nature – profoundly shape how we age. True longevity is built through daily habits, not prescriptions. It’s the integration of all these factors that align body, mind, and environment.

How can one separate hype (supplements, trends) from truly evidence-based strategies? At Chenot, we always start with science and measurable outcomes. A strategy is only valid if it’s backed by research, proven mechanisms, and clinical results – not just anecdotal success stories. Ageing is a process that manifests differently in each one of us. What matters most is personalisation; what works for one person may be irrelevant, or even counterproductive, for another. That’s where medical history, diagnostics, biomarkers, and expert interpretation come in – they help tailor interventions to the individual rather than to trends.

Left: Slow mornings in Weggis, where a simple cup of tea becomes a moment of pure stillness, surrounded by the serenity of lake and mountain views.

Right: A vibrant kiwi smoothie is refreshing, energising, and packed with vitamins to kick start your wellness from the inside out. Deep roots, lasting strength – a symbol of resilience, renewal, and the power of nature to ground us in times of transformation.

What sets Chenot apart from other players in the wellness and longevity space? Chenot occupies a unique place in the global longevity movement – not as a clinic treating disease or a lab chasing life extension, but as a system designed to create health Where others focus on adding years, Chenot focuses on adding vitality to those years, using controlled, evidence-based stressors to activate the body’s innate self-repair mechanisms. The Chenot Method® – rooted in fifty years of research –combines precision diagnostics, structured fasting-mimicking nutrition, and integrative treatments to trigger cellular renewal and metabolic resilience. Unlike many longevity concepts that isolate biology from experience, Chenot delivers a complete, medically supervised transformation where science meets lifestyle, data meets feeling, and every guest learns how to age with energy, clarity, and purpose.

Which developments do you find most exciting – for example, epigenetics, mitochondrial medicine, digital health tracking? What excites me most is how several scientific frontiers are now converging to transform longevity from theory into practice. Epigenetics is giving us the power to understand – and potentially reprogramme – how our genes express over time. Mitochondrial medicine is teaching us how to preserve the body’s energy engines, slowing functional decline at the deepest cellular level. Meanwhile, digital health tracking and AI-assisted analysis are allowing us to monitor, predict, and personalise interventions with extraordinary precision. Together, these fields are shaping a future where we can not only measure biological age but actively manage it – combining data, behaviour, and advanced science to extend both lifespan and vitality.

This

plant based dish pairs elegance with nutritional intelligence – proving that wellness and fine dining can beautifully coexist.

Where do you see Chenot within this megatrend in the next 10 years? In the next decade, Chenot will continue to lead the evolution of longevity – not just as a clinic, but as a global standard for preventive, performance-based health. Our mission goes beyond extending life; it’s about creating health – building resilience, restoring balance, and optimising the body’s capacity to thrive. Chenot will remain at the crossroads of science, technology, and lifestyle, translating the latest breakthroughs in biology, diagnostics, and AI into deeply personalised programmes that are both measurable and transformative. Our vision is to make longevity a lived experience, where medicine and wellness merge seamlessly to empower people to live longer, stronger, and healthier lives – by design, not by chance.

“TRUE WELLNESS IS BUILT THROUGH DAILY HABITS, NOT PRESCRIPTIONS. IT’S THE UNITY OF BODY, MIND, AND ENVIRONMENT THAT EMPOWERS US TO AGE WITH VITALITY AND PURPOSE.”

A SANCTUARY FOR BALANCE AND RENEWAL

Nestled among the dramatic peaks of the Caucasus and surrounded by the unspoiled nature of northern Azerbaijan, this is not just a wellness destination but a retreat designed to reset health at its deepest level. Modern architecture blends seamlessly with the wild landscape, offering a location where guests are invited to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover balance.

Accommodation includes spacious rooms and suites, a Presidential Suite in the main palace, as well as private villas – each designed for privacy and comfort. Villas feature private spa facilities and pools; the resort also offers indoor and outdoor pools for laps or recovery between treatments.

BREATHING IN MOUNTAIN AIR, EXPLORING CUTTING-EDGE DIAGNOSTICS, OR UNWINDING WITH ANCIENT HEALING PRACTICES – CHENOT PALACE GABALA IS WHERE SCIENCE MEETS TIMELESS NATURE TO RESTORE BALANCE AND SPARK TRANSFORMATION.

At the heart of the property lies a 6,000 m² medical spa that unites advanced diagnostics with traditional healing practices. Here, precision medicine meets bioenergetic therapies and an extensive metabolic and sports laboratory. Treatments are cutting-edge and targeted: whole-body cryotherapy at –110°C, altitude training, anti-gravity technologies, hydrotherapy, and neuro-acoustic therapies work together to activate the body’s natural capacity to repair and renew. An expansive fitness area complements the therapeutic offering, creating a clear, structured pathway towards better health.

Indoor pool at Chenot Palace

Gabala – a calm, light filled space for gentle laps and post treatment recovery.

Care begins from the moment of arrival. Guests are welcomed by a team of more than 100 specialists across multiple disciplines, ensuring that every evaluation feels deeply personal. Each programme, from Advanced Detox to Prevention & Ageing Well, is designed not only to restore vitality but also to equip each guest with tools for long-term wellbeing.

Beyond the spa, the landscape invites movement. Tennis on well-kept courts, cycling through the park and forest trails, and yoga with views over Lake Nohur and the surrounding woodlands add fresh air and focus to the day. These outdoor activities pair naturally with the detox programmes’ work inside, helping to settle sleep, lift energy, and clear the mind.

The Chenot Diet® a cornerstone of the experience, is another revelation. Carefully prepared to reduce dietary load while aiding cellular cleanup, it proves that health-focused cuisine can also be refined, full of flavour, and deeply satisfying.

In the tranquillity of Gabala, change feels almost effortless. Better sleep, greater energy, and sharper focus arrive within days, as the therapies, treatments, and natural setting work in harmony. Guests often describe their time here not as a pause from life but as a genuine reset –a chance to leave behind stress and carry home a renewed sense of balance.

Since its opening, Chenot Palace Gabala has established itself as a sanctuary where science and hospitality meet. Guided by the philosophy of Henri Chenot, it remains a place of care and expertise – evidence that, approached with precision and passion, wellness can deliver meaningful, lasting results.

A pause in the spa – herbal infusions and quiet recovery after hydrotherapy and diagnostics.

Above: Steady laps for low impact conditioning and calm focus between treatments at Chenot Palace Gabala.

Right: Golden hour in the elegant dining room at Chenot Palace Gabala, where guests enjoy three Chenot Diet ® meals a day.

GABALA

Welcome to the heartland of Azerbaijan

TIRED OF THE RAT RACE? HAD ENOUGH OF THE CONCRETE JUNGLE? THEN GABALA IS CALLING. CRADLED IN THE UNSPOILED NATURE OF THE GREATER CAUCASUS, THIS HIDDEN GEM SITS AT THE CROSSROADS OF ANCIENT HISTORY, MYSTICAL CULTURES, AND BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES – WEAVING THEM INTO AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER.

WORDS THOMAS HAUER

Just three hours’ drive from Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, Gabala opens up a world of lush alpine vistas, mirror-like lakes, Silk Road legends, and a pace of life that gently slows the soul. It’s a sophisticated retreat where nature and culture blend seamlessly, leaving your senses in perfect harmony.

VISIT THE LAVENDER FIELDS

At the foot of the Caucasus, near the ancient village of Chukhur Gabala, entire fields blush purple with lavender. Walk through waves of fragrance that lift the spirit and linger on the skin like sunshine. The best time to wander is late May through June, when the blooms are at their fullest. Come then, and you may also stumble into the annual Lavender Festival – a celebration as colourful as the fields themselves.

LET YOUR ADRENALINE SOAR ON TUFANDAG’S MOUNTAIN SWING

Swings remind us of childhood, of laughter and weightless moments. Now imagine that feeling magnified at 1,920 metres above sea level, on the peak poetically called Sleeping Beauty. Here, two swings await – one seven metres high, the other a dizzying twenty. The reward?

An exhilarating rush paired with breathtaking views over rugged peaks and forested slopes. Nostalgia, thrill, and beauty, all in one sweep.

LAKE NOHUR –MIRROR OF TRANQUILLITY

Just a short drive from Gabala lies Lake Nohur, a still, shimmering jewel framed by dense forests and towering mountains. In summer it glows emerald; in autumn, it reflects fiery reds and golds. Every season paints its own masterpiece on the water’s glassy surface. Come here to pause, to breathe, to listen to silence as it takes on colour.

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME IN OGUZ

In the quiet town of Oguz, echoes of a remarkable community remain. Once one of Azerbaijan’s most important Jewish settlements, it was home to Jews and Muslims living side by side, sharing holidays, stories, and traditions. Though many have since moved, synagogues and Jewish-style houses still stand as gentle reminders of harmony. Visiting Oguz is less about sightseeing, more about touching a living thread of history.

SILK ROAD SPIRIT AT VEDRE BAZAAR

Centuries ago, Gabala thrived as a hub on the legendary Silk Road. That spirit is still alive in Vedre Bazaar. Wander between stalls bursting with handmade carpets, delicate ceramics, and silks that seem to hold the shimmer of a thousand sunsets. Peek into the workshops, watch master craftsmen at work, and perhaps carry home a piece that tells its own story. Every object here feels less like a souvenir, more like a memory made tangible.

ANCIENT GABALA –WHERE LEGENDS REST

Fifteen kilometres southwest of today’s Gabala lie the ruins of its ancient namesake, once the capital of Caucasian Albania. Archaeologists have been peeling back its layers since 1959, unearthing coins, ceramics, tombs, and even medieval waterworks. Walking among these ruins, you don’t just see history – you feel the weight of centuries beneath your feet, the whispers of empires long gone.

Left: Lavender season near Chukhur Gabala –late May to June, when violet fields scent the air and the annual Lavender Festival brings colour to the valley.

Below: Sunset by the pool at Chenot Palace Gabala, with Lake Nohur shimmering beyond.

TRANQUIL TWILIGHT OVER GABALA’S SERENE LAKESCAPE, WHERE THE SILENCE OF THE MOUNTAINS MEETS THE REFLECTION OF THE SKY.

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS

Gabala has quietly become one of Azerbaijan’s cultural capitals. Each summer, the Gabala International Music Festival draws world-class performers in classical, jazz, and crossover genres to its state-of-the-art concert hall. Imagine: an intimate evening, the finest acoustics, and the peaks of the Caucasus as your backdrop. For music lovers, it’s less a concert and more a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

THE SEVEN BEAUTIES – YEDDI GÖZ Ə L WATERFALL

GABALA FROM THE SKY

Some landscapes are too vast to grasp from the ground. A helicopter ride from Gabala reveals the grandeur of valleys, peaks, and glittering lakes – a bird’s-eye panorama best toasted with a glass of champagne. For those who prefer drifting to soaring, a hot-air balloon with Skystar offers a gentler adventure: silence, sky, and the slow poetry of floating above it all.

A short drive from town reveals a cascade of wonders: the Seven Beauties Waterfall. Two are easy to reach; the upper five hide behind steps and shaded trails, a reward for the curious. Forest air tinged with mist, cool water rushing through rocks – it feels like stepping into a mountain’s secret. For those who crave more, the Mychig Waterfall above the Demiraparan River awaits – tumbling 96 metres, the tallest in all Azerbaijan.

WINTER WONDERLAND

When snow blankets the Caucasus, Gabala transforms into a playground for skiers. Just four kilometres from the centre, slopes for both experts and beginners promise adventure with alpine views like nowhere else. And when the snow melts, the mountains invite hikers, cyclists, paragliders, and jeep explorers – proof that Gabala is a year-round invitation to play, dream, and discover.

Seasonal highlights

• Spring Wander through lavender fields in bloom, their fragrance drifting like poetry on the breeze.

• Summer Let music fill the mountains at the Gabala International Music Festival, where world-class concerts meet starlit skies.

• Autumn Lose yourself in forests ablaze with crimson, gold, and amber – nature’s grandest canvas.

• Winter

Carve fresh tracks on Tufandag’s snowy slopes or follow quiet trails where the mountains sleep under a blanket of white.

Above left: A view from the main entrance, where the architecture opens onto a panorama of forested hills.

Above right: Where winter’s silence meets the drama of light and shadow.

Left: The Tufandag cable car glides above Gabala’s valleys, offering sweeping views.

Right: In winter, the Gabala mountains turn serene and white – soft snow blankets the hills, forests fall silent, and the air carries a crisp stillness.

ROOTS, BALANCE, RENEWAL

My journey at Chenot Espace L’Albereta

“IT WAS NOT JUST A DETOX PROGRAMME, BUT A PROFOUND JOURNEY OF CHANGE FOR BOTH BODY AND MIND.”

When arrived at the Chenot Espace L’Albereta, I didn’t know what to expect. knew about the captivating residence mainly due to its connection to Franciacorta, the sparkling wine region. However, it was precisely the vineyards and the extensive park surrounding L’Albereta that offered a glimpse into what would experience on this journey: “Change the leaves to preserve the roots.”

My journey with Chenot began with the Advanced Detox programme, the first and most important step in deeply purifying the body.

What particularly struck me about the Chenot Method® was the diagnostics, which are absolutely cutting-edge and able to combine science and the human factor. Of the many screenings I underwent before starting the programme, I particularly appreciated the bioenergetic check-up, which was performed skilfully by Giuliana Facotti, a bioenergy specialist. This is a perfect example of how advanced technology is further enhanced by the experience and sensitivity of Espace’s professionals. It is only through dialogue with individuals who can read the unique energies and potential of each person that an accurate diagnosis can be obtained, and a personalised journey can begin.

I realised that this was not just a detox programme, but a profound journey of change for both body and mind. The regeneration I experienced right from the start prompted me to return. Today, I choose to undergo short maintenance sessions, like pit stops, to prolong the benefits of that initial detox. This is how manage to find the time, amidst my other commitments, to rediscover the balance that enables us to live healthier, longer lives.

Isabella Ferrari (born 1964) is an Italian actress known for film, TV, and theatre. She debuted in Sapore di mare at 17, won the Volpi Cup in 1995 and has two David di Donatello nominations. She lives in Rome with her three children.

Where balance returns and beauty is expertly cared for.

WORDS ISABELLA FERRARI

WELLNESS AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL Inside the

Chenot

Detox

WORDS DR FEDERICA AMATI

Health Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience in scientific research and communications.

Nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Lucerne, Chenot Palace Weggis stands as a beacon of holistic wellness. With over half a century of pioneering the fusion of cutting-edge science and traditional therapies, this retreat promised an unparalleled experience. Invited to review their Advanced Detox Plan, I approached with scientific curiosity, eager to dissect and immerse myself in every facet – from treatments and consultations to meals and interactions.

Understanding “detox” the Chenot way

The term “detox” often evokes scepticism, especially among evidence-based health professionals. Our bodies are inherently equipped with efficient detoxification systems, primarily the liver, gut, skin and kidneys. However, Chenot s approach transcends the more modern superficial “detox” trends. Their methodology, rooted in decades of experience, aims to optimise the body’s natural processes by minimising external burdens and encouraging the natural detox process through fasting, sweating and movement. This entails eliminating animal proteins, saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugars, while emphasising

hydration through herbal teas and vegetable broths. The plant-based meals, though minimalistic, are rich in bioactive compounds, full of flavour, and meticulously crafted to support a fasting-mimicking state.

A

delicious fastingmimicking experience

Central to the programme is the Chenot Diet® restricting intake to 850 calories daily across three plant-based meals. Initially apprehensive about such caloric limitation, I found the experience surprisingly enlightening. The culinary team transformed each meal into a sensory delight, with vibrant presentations and diverse textures that belied their modest portions. Engaging in a cooking class further deepened my appreciation, equipping me with recipes that seamlessly integrate into my daily life.

Personalised therapies and holistic consultations

The programme s structure is meticulously personalised. Daily treatments encompass hydrotherapy, phyto (mud) therapy, hydro jet sessions, and energetic massages. Complementing these are consultations rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern medical assessments. While some modalities, like the bioenergetics consultation, ventured into the less conventional, they offered intriguing perspectives on stress and energy balance. The integration of TCM principles, especially acupuncture, provided a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary science. I was particularly pleased with my cardiovascular age assessment and my DEXA scan results, which showed I have excellent cardiovascular health, optimal body composition and bone mineral density – both important for functional health and ageing.

Testing functional vs. chronological age

A particularly novel and unique component of the Chenot experience is the option to undergo a molecular ageing test – an assessment that compares your functional age to your chronological one. Chronological age is the number of years I have been alive, measured from my date of birth. Functional age, by contrast, reflects how well or poorly my body’s cells and systems are functioning relative to that number, and can be influenced by lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. Using epigenetic biomarkers derived from a small blood sample, this test offers a glimpse into the molecular wear and tear your body has experienced over time. Functional age is shaped not only by genetics, but by lifestyle, diet, stress, sleep, and environmental exposures. By identifying how

“WHAT BEGAN AS A DETOX QUICKLY BECAME A PROFOUND RESET FOR BODY, MIND, AND PERSPECTIVE.”

your body is sending messages to encode different genes, Chenot’s clinicians personalise recommendations and track the effectiveness of longevity interventions. I found the test both interesting and motivating – seeing a snapshot of data on what my body is currently asking to encode brought a new layer of perspective to how my health and lifestyle might be playing out in terms of gene expression. While the results do not offer a crystal ball, they provide a novel benchmark that can be tracked and help make more informed steps towards long-term vitality.

Speaking to Dr George about this test, it’s clear that Chenot has big ambitions for understanding how this test could help shape preventative medicine, and with big data comes the opportunity to truly have a new window into our health.

Embracing movement and nature

Physical activity is seamlessly woven into the retreat’s fabric. From invigorating hikes through Lucerne’s picturesque landscapes to yoga and stretching sessions, movement is both encouraged and therapeutic. A memorable 6-mile hike not only invigorated my body but also helped my day-one headache and lethargy disappear, underscoring the restorative power of nature and exercise. I made the most of the beautiful

swimming pool, excellent gym and an amazing machine called the SensoPro, which was a welcome challenge of balance and coordination.

Reflections on hunger and mindfulness

One of the most profound revelations was the nuanced understanding of hunger. The distinction between voluntary fasting and imposed starvation became evident. Embracing the former, I cultivated mindfulness, savouring each bite, and finding solace in the ritual of meals. The consistent support from the nutrition team, particularly insights from Simone, illuminated the psychological facets of dietary restriction, emphasising intent and control.

Enhancing resilience through controlled challenges

A cornerstone of Chenot’s methodology is the strategic application of hormetic stress – a concept where exposure to mild stressors stimulates adaptive beneficial responses in the body. This principle is evident in several therapies offered:

• Sauna use: Regular exposure to high temperatures in saunas induces heat shock proteins, enhancing cellular repair mechanisms and promoting cardiovascular health.

• Hot water therapy: Immersion in warm water facilitates vasodilation, improving circulation and aiding in muscle relaxation and detoxification.

• Phytotherapy: Utilising plant-based treatments, such as mineral-rich mud applications, supports anti-inflammatory processes and skin health.

Scientific literature corroborates the benefits of hormetic stress. For instance, studies have shown that intermittent fasting, akin to the Chenot Diet, can activate cellular pathways that bolster stress resistance and longevity. Similarly, thermal therapies have been linked to improved metabolic functions and reduced inflammation. I doubled down on this helpful stress by having 15 minutes of sauna time every day, which has made me want an at-home sauna more than I already did.

Chenot Palace Weggis offers more than a retreat; it presents a transformative moment in time grounded in scientific rigor and holistic practices. The Advanced Detox Programme, with its balance of dietary discipline, therapeutic treatments, and mindful living, provides a blueprint for rejuvenation. For those seeking a profound reset – physically, mentally, and emotionally – Chenot stands as a very real example of integrative wellness.

Dr Federica Amati PhD, MPH, MSc, RNutr, is a Medical Scientist and Registered Public

Sunrise in Weggis – Lake Lucerne and the Alps in soft morning light.

FROM GUT TO LONGEVITY:

A Women’s Guide to Nourishment

NUTRITIONAL GYNAECOLOGY HAS STEPPED OUT OF THE MARGINS AND INTO THE MAINSTREAM – IT’S NOW THE FOUNDATION OF HEALTH FOR WOMEN NAVIGATING THEIR 40 s , 50 s , 60 s , AND 70 s . WHILE NEEDS SHIFT WITH EACH DECADE, THE THREADS THAT BIND THEM TOGETHER ARE CLEAR: SUPPORT THE GUT, PROTECT THE BRAIN AND HEART, GUARD AGAINST MUSCLE AND BONE LOSS, AND EMBRACE FOODS THAT BRING BOTH PLEASURE AND LONGEVITY.

WORDS DR JENNIFER ASHTON

Dr Jennifer Ashton is the founder and President of Ajenda a multimedia company focused on women’s health, weight management, and nutrition. Double board-certified in Ob-Gyn and Obesity Medicine, with a Master’s in Nutrition from Columbia University, she is one of the few physicians nationally recognised across these specialties. Formerly Chief Medical Correspondent for ABC News and co-host of GMA3, she became a leading voice during the COVID-19 pandemic. A four-time Emmy Award winner and bestselling author of six books, she currently serves on the national board of the American Heart Association. In 2023, she launched her own national magazine and expanded Ajenda with a weekly newsletter and The Wellness Experiment programme. She lives between Boston, New York, and Los Angeles with her husband, Tom Werner, and their dog, Mason.

The 40s: Gut health and hormonal shifts

By the time women enter their 40s, perimenopause is almost always underway, with fluctuating oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal changes can trigger digestive symptoms, from bloating to changes in bowel regularity. Here’s where the gut takes centre stage.

A growing body of research links the gut microbiome to hormonal metabolism. Certain bacterial species influence oestrogen recycling through the estrobolome – a network of microbes that help metabolise oestrogens. Supporting gut health with fibre-rich foods such as beans, lentils, whole grains, and vegetables can ease digestive discomfort and may even smooth out some of the hormonal bumps of perimenopause. The key to minimising mid-section weight gain in the decade after menopause is going into that stage with a solid nutritional and behavioural strategy.

Target: 30–35 grams of fibre daily. A helpful metric is the carbohydrate-to-fibre ratio on food labels – ideally under 10:1. Adding fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, or kimchi can further diversify gut microbes and reduce inflammation.

The

50s:

Protecting the heart and brain

In the decade when most women complete the menopause transition, oestrogen’s protective effects on the cardiovascular system and brain decline. Not coincidentally, rates of heart disease and cognitive changes start to rise. Nutrition becomes both prevention and therapy.

For heart health, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fish, and whole grains have consistently been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, sardines, or walnuts can lower inflammation and support brain function. And here’s some good news: dark chocolate, at least 70% cacao, is linked to improved endothelial function and lower blood pressure when consumed in moderation.

“WHAT WE PUT ON OUR PLATES DOESN’T JUST SHAPE OUR BODIES. IT INFLUENCES OUR HORMONES, OUR BRAINS, OUR BONES, AND EVEN HOW WE AGE.”

For the brain, soy deserves attention. Isoflavones – plant-based oestrogens found in soybeans and tofu – may modestly improve cognitive performance and vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women. Including soy a few times a week offers both protein and potential cognitive benefits.

The 60s: Guarding against sarcopenia and bone loss

The 60s bring an emphasis on new priorities: muscle and bone. Ideally, actually, this focus has started decades before! Sarcopenia, or agerelated loss of muscle mass, accelerates during this decade, raising the risk of falls, frailty, and loss of independence. Nutrition can slow this trajectory.

Protein is essential. I recommend 1.6 g per kilogram of body weight daily, spread across three meals. Pairing protein with resistance exercise is even more effective in preserving lean mass. Think Greek yogurt at breakfast, lentil soup at lunch, and grilled salmon or tofu at dinner.

For bones, calcium remains a non-negotiable. Women over 50 should aim for 1,200 mg daily, ideally from food. Dairy, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, and almonds all contribute. Soy products offer a double benefit: calcium (if fortified) plus isoflavones, which have been linked to improved bone density in some studies. * Sidebar: Autophagy: the science is compelling that occasional

dietary stimulation of autophagy through a 850900 calorie/day, relatively low-protein diet, such as the Chenot Diet, has cellular benefits. The key is the word “occasional”.

The 70s: Longevity and quality of life

In the 70s, nutrition’s role is about protecting independence, cognition, strength and vitality. Hydration becomes more critical, as the thirst mechanism diminishes with age. Smaller, nutrientdense meals often work better than large portions.

Polyphenols – found in berries, tea, olive oil, and dark chocolate – support vascular and brain health. At this stage, maintaining muscle and bone continues to be important, but equally vital is preventing malnutrition. Weight loss in older adults can sometimes signal inadequate protein or micronutrient intake rather than success. Frequent monitoring of calcium, vitamin D, and B12 status is prudent.

Nutritional gynaecology is about precision, not perfection. The foods that support our gut in our 40s, our hearts and brains in our 50s, our muscles and bones in our 60s, and our vitality in our 70s aren’t exotic or inaccessible. They are everyday foods – plants, protein, calcium-rich choices, healthy fats, and polyphenols – arranged in the right balance. And woven through all of it? A little soy, a lot of fibre, minimal to no alcohol, and the occasional square of dark chocolate.

A SEASON TO RECONNECT

At Chenot, wellbeing is a gentle rhythm that flows beyond the spa – shaped by nature, guided by science, and rooted in daily rituals of care.

This winter, we invite you to slow down and reconnect with what nourishes you most. Discover small gestures that restore balance and vitality – from soothing herbal blends and thoughtful skincare to comforting recipes inspired by the Chenot Diet®

Each reflects a simple truth: harmony begins when we care for ourselves with intention.

CHENOT TEAS INFUSIONS FOR BALANCE AND RENEWAL.

Blending nature’s finest herbs with the science of wellbeing, each infusion is formulated with purpose – from cleansing blends that aid digestion and purification, to soothing combinations that calm the senses and promote restful balance. Thoughtfully composed and naturally caffeine-free, Chenot Teas invite you to pause, breathe, and restore harmony.

CHENOT X BACK WELLNESSWEAR PURE CASHMERE, PURE WELLNESS.

A capsule collection of cashmere sets, created in collaboration with Back Wellnesswear. Crafted in Italy from pure, ethically sourced natural fibres, the collection captures the essence of comfort, elegance, and conscious luxury – a harmonious reflection of both brands’ devotion to quality, sustainability, and mindful wellbeing. Available exclusively at Chenot Palace Weggis. backwellnesswear.com

Actif Yang is a blend of pure essential oils designed to revitalise and awaken the body’s natural energy flow. Used in Chenot’s signature treatments, it stimulates circulation, uplifts the senses, and restores inner harmony reflecting the dynamic, warming essence of Yang energy.

CHENOT BOTTLE HYDRATION, REFINED.

Created with both wellbeing and sustainability in mind, the Chenot bottle is designed for repeated use – helping to reduce singleuse plastic while keeping you refreshed throughout your stay.

A simple reminder that health begins with mindful choices – for yourself and for the environment.

CHENOT COOKBOOK: DETOX AT HOME WHERE FLAVOUR MEETS WELLBEING.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS A NATURAL RHYTHM OF RENEWAL.

Formulated with care and intention, this 100% natural serum supports the skin’s own renewal process from within. Combining organic Swiss Alpine Rose with retinoid and bakuchiol, it helps the complexion regain its balance, smoothness, and quiet radiance – all in sustainably designed, recyclable packaging.

Reserved for retreat guests, these recipes created by Executive Chef Ettore Moliteo and Chenot’s nutrition experts blend culinary creativity with the science of wellness.

Each of the four seasonal seven-day menus celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and follows the Chenot fasting-mimicking philosophy, designed to nourish, restore, and awaken the body’s natural balance – a delicious invitation to live and age beautifully. And with its elegant design and inspiring philosophy, it also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves wellbeing and great food.

CHENOT ACTIF YANG AWAKENING ENERGY, RESTORING BALANCE.

YOUTHFUL BEAUTY IS BORN FROM A STATE OF STRENGTH

TO ACHIEVE BEAUTIFUL SKIN, IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO STOP AT THE SURFACE. AWARD-WINNING CELEBRITY FACIALIST, IVÁN POL EXPLAINS THAT ONLY WHEN THE BODY IS IN ITS OPTIMAL STATE, CAN OUR SKIN TRULY THRIVE.

WORDS JESS LACEY

“IF WELLNESS WAS QUIET LUXURY, CHENOT IS THE DEFINITION.” IVAN POL

Above:

With his A-list clientele and LA lifestyle, you’d be forgiven for presuming award-winning celebrity facialist Iván Pol was focused on aesthetics alone, but you’d be extremely mistaken. Pol’s understanding of beauty runs deep, carries intention and is very much energy-based. “Beauty starts from within. When we speak about beauty and anti-ageing, we’ve got to view it as a longevity game, and that starts with clean living.”

“As human beings we vibrate. We are all made of energy and when we protect and nurture our energetic hygiene, beauty is the result. We are only our most beautiful selves when we’re really healed, and operating intentionally from the inside,” he explains. Yoga, breathwork, meditation, and a complete abstention from alcohol are all within Iván Pol’s clean, holistic approach to life. “I listen to a Schumann device to vibrate at the right frequency, do intermittent fasting and hydration is paramount – even down to the mineral content of the water I drink. While others are in the bar choosing their cocktail spirits, I’m there choosing my water.”

As the standout sculptor of skin, Iván Pol uniquely understands how to crack the youth beauty code. “Everyone looks more beautiful in an inverted triangle of youth. The V shape. But with age, our facial muscles weaken and the jawline sags into a U-shape. bring back these sharp vectors of facial architecture, these aerodynamic looking features.” His unique talent for creating “snatched skin”; carving out contours with a built-in luminosity, has made Pol one of the most sought-after aestheticians across the globe.

Left: The view from Chenot Palace Weggis sets the tone for a retreat where nature, tranquillity, and vitality flow in harmony.

Relaxed, radiant, and effortlessly refined – Ivan Pol, the man behind the Beauty Sandwich ® , brings his signature glow and holistic philosophy to Chenot Palace Weggis, redefining quiet luxury one face at a time.

The Ivan Pol Beauty Sandwich® has a perpetual waitlist. A hi-tech multimodality facial treatment –whereby layers of monopolar, bipolar and infrared radio frequencies are employed with Pol’s proprietary blend of performance-driven oils – lifts, firms and strengthens skin. “For me, it’s about enhancing what’s already there to create a super-natural you,” he explains. “Radio frequency therapy is great for every skin type, tone and age. I have clients aged from 20 to 75. I think that’s something that’s unique about me, that I’ll do Kris Jenner and then I’ll have Sabrina Carpenter and then Salma Hayek, or Ana De Armas.”

Away from his undeniable talent, Pol believes that beauty is governed by skin strength and barrier health. “To elevate and snatch the skin, you must have a strong skin barrier. Beautiful skin is fed on essential fats, ceramides and phytosterols because a compromised barrier is going to speed up ageing and the accumulation of senescent cells. These are damaged cells that are essentially waste and don’t respond to signals but instead attack the healthy cells surrounding them.”

The Chenot Method® brings the body into a state of autophagy; a powerful detoxification process of cellular clean-up. Senescent cells are eliminated and sent along the correct pathway, so healthy cells can work to their full ability for thriving skin. “Cellular senescence is incredibly ageing and that’s why the most advanced antiageing approaches are all about preventing and addressing cellular senescence because all that backup is going to show up in your skin. That’s why you see people with a grey cast in their skin, the absence of glow, you even see it in the whites of their eyes. When you’ve eliminated all that congestion, the body can revert to repair mode, and the result of being in that state and of having fewer senescent cells is that skin is going to have more vitality, more brightness, a healthy glow, and a built-in luminosity.”

It’s this wellness philosophy that brought Iván Pol back to Chenot Palace Weggis in October 2025 for his second residency and continuing collaboration. “Chenot helps skin reach its best self. It’s so important to have a treatment like mine while you’re in this state of autophagy and skin isn’t under the additional strain of eliminating all the cellular waste from your system. Also, the body is hydrated, you’re drinking water, and you’re much calmer. In this optimal state, we can achieve optimal results – I wish all my clients could meet me in that state.”

When in residence at Chenot, Iván Pol offers clients the supersized Beauty Sandwich®; a highly customised protocol over three days where the layers of radio frequency are deconstructed each day to form an intensified version. Every treatment starts with an intention and holistic energy work using Pol’s Amuse Bouche Spritz to boost hydration levels, and original Secret Sauce that delivers the perfect ratio of fats, ceramides and vitamins to feed skin so it glows. This upgraded experience takes a longevity stance, treating the root causes of skin ageing, building resilience into the skin to battle future inflammation. “When you leave me, I’ve given you a stronger foundation for your skin to build from. It’s the best,” he says.

And with every wellness retreat on the planet vying to collaborate, why does Iván Pol keep returning to Chenot? “The distinction with Chenot is that you’re so looked after,” lauds Pol. “You are fully supported and that level of attention is present at every corner, so with every step it’s about the client and their journey. No matter how high-performing an individual you are, you have peace of mind that they’ve got you and you can completely hand yourself to them. What I wish for my clients at Chenot is that they can embrace their beautiful energy, have trust, and fully let go.”

External facade

Chenot Palace Weggis

Interior details at Chenot Palace Weggis.

Above: Lake view from Chenot Palace Weggis

Right: Details of Restaurant Chenot Palace Weggis

A NEW HORIZON IN WELLNESS: CHENOT STEPS ABOARD ULYSSIA

A COLLABORATION THAT PROMISES TO REVOLUTIONISE LIFE AT SEA.

There are yachts, and then there is ULYSSIA. Stretching 320 metres, she is not merely a vessel but a bold new concept in ocean living. Envisioned by Frank Binder, designed by worldleading naval architect Espen Øino and built by the renowned MEYER YACHTS shipyard, ULYSSIA is designed to unite a global community of like-minded explorers who seek not only to travel the world, but to embark on one-of-a-kind adventures.

With interiors led by Francesca Muzio of FM Architettura, ULYSSIA will be home to 122 private residences and 22 guest suites, each customisable down to the finest detail with the help of world-class designers such as Sabrina Monte-Carlo and Jean-Michel Gathy. Beyond the elegant interiors lies a deeper purpose: to create a lifestyle at sea that combines discovery, culture and positive impact through philanthropic initiatives in conservation and preservation at every port of call.

What sets ULYSSIA even further apart is the emphasis placed on health and longevity. Through this, Chenot will bring our pioneering approach to wellness on board, shaping a life at sea where vitality is the ultimate luxury. Within a state-of-the-art 1,900 m² facility, ULYSSIA’s residents will have access to the same level of expertise and care as at Chenot Palaces around the world – from advanced diagnostics and personalised treatments to programes spanning nutrition, sleep, fitness, detoxification, stress management and mental wellbeing.

In addition to the remarkable experiences offered by Chenot, residents can enjoy further amenities such as a unique 600-metre jogging track with breathtaking ocean views, a fully equipped gym and cardio centre as well as two padel and pickleball courts. Golf enthusiasts will be able to enjoy ULYSSIA’s golf club and simulator, while her world-class yacht club offers an impressive selection of water toys. To ensure peace of mind and proactive healthcare for all residents, ULYSSIA will also feature a full diagnostic suite in which CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays can be conducted, along with doctors, dentists and specialists available to assist on board.

“CHENOT AND ULYSSIA UNITE TWO PIONEERING VISIONS: FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND THE SCIENCE OF LONGEVITY.”

Below: A full view of ULYSSIA’s profile – a floating masterpiece where engineering precision meets the art of living well at sea.

Dr George Gaitanos leads the integration of the Chenot Method ® on board ULYSSIA.

ULYSSIA charts new horizons – a private residential yacht for safe, discreet travel to iconic cities and remote waters.

Left: Evening on ULYSSIA’s ocean view terrace – five star amenities and refined living at sea.

This philosophy will extend far beyond the yacht itself. As ULYSSIA journeys across the globe, Chenot will curate immersive wellness experiences rooted in the character of each destination, offering residents a seamless blend of exploration and transformation. Together, ULYSSIA and Chenot are redefining what it means to live well: not only on land, but at sea, wherever the horizon may lead.

• Length: 320 m (≈1,050 ft)

• Residences: 122 private homes + 22 guest suites

• Design: Espen Øino (naval architecture), Francesca Muzio / FM Architettura (interiors)

• Builder: MEYER Yachts

• Launch: Expected 2028–2029

• Concept: Founded by Swiss entrepreneur Frank Binder

• Ownership: Freehold residences, starting at around €10 million

• Wellness partner: Chenot (1,900 m² health & longevity facility)

Ulyssia – key facts

Left: The outdoor pool offers a serene space for restoration.

Right: Within the onboard Chenot facility, the energetic massage helps restore internal balance and vitality.

Below: Helideck on ULYSSIA –swift, discreet access to remote destinations.

Chenot detox therapies will be available on board – including mineral rich clay wraps that help drain fluids, supporting natural detoxification.

CHENOT’S CULINARY

SIGNATURE

Training Kitchens for Precision, Consistency and Health

AT CHENOT, FOOD IS NEVER JUST FOOD. IT IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF A CAREFULLY DESIGNED METHOD THAT SUPPORTS DETOXIFICATION, ENERGY RENEWAL, AND LONG-TERM WELLBEING. TO DELIVER THIS PHILOSOPHY CONSISTENTLY ACROSS FIVE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTIES, EXECUTIVE CHEF ETTORE MOLITEO LEADS A TRAINING APPROACH THAT IS AS PRECISE AS IT IS CREATIVE.

The Chenot Diet® is built around light, nutrientrespectful cooking that reduces dietary load and aids cellular clean-up. Every guest, whether in Weggis, Gabala, Portonovi, L’Albereta, or Marrakech, should immediately recognise the Chenot signature: precise portions that meet nutritional targets, gentle cooking that preserves vitamins and polyphenols, and plating that communicates clarity and elegance. Yet menus must also reflect their terroir. As Moliteo explains, “Menus should never feel imported. We protect the nutritional framework and build flavour with what the land gives us.”

Training is entirely hands-on. At Chenot Palace Weggis, Moliteo works side by side with his team, demonstrating, cooking, and repeating until execution becomes second nature. At other properties, he runs intensive three- or four-day programmes: introducing the new menu, embedding its nutritional rationale, drilling mise en place and cooking techniques, and finishing with plating and service simulati-

ons. This cadence ensures that each property remains responsive to seasonal produce while maintaining consistency across locations.

Three non-negotiables define Chenot kitchens: portion accuracy, nutrient-preserving technique, and plating discipline. Recipes are constantly reviewed with nutritionists to adapt for individual needs, allergies, or intolerances, ensuring every plate aligns with the wider health programme. In a detox context, meals are also carefully timed to complement treatments and recovery phases, reinforcing the synergy between cuisine and therapy.

In luxury hospitality, “healthy food” is too often seen as a compromise. Chenot challenges that notion. With creativity and discipline, its cuisine demonstrates that healthy can also be elegant, indulgent, and deeply satisfying. Behind every dish stands a trained team, a tested process, and a clear purpose: to turn philosophy into practice, and practice into measurable change.

Ettore Moliteo, Executive Chef at Chenot, reveals how rigorous training and creativity ensure that every dish reflects the brand’s philosophy of precision and health.

How do you structure chef and kitchen training across the different properties? When arrive at a property, I head straight into the kitchen with the team. I present the new recipes, demonstrate the techniques, and then we prepare every dish together. The process is very hands-on – I want each chef not only to understand the recipe, but to feel confident executing it with precision. We also adapt menus to local seasonality and the best ingredients available, ensuring the food is always fresh, relevant, and true to the Chenot philosophy.

What is the frequency of the trainings? Across Chenot’s international properties, refresh menus twice a year, while at L’Albereta I follow the full four-season cycle with quarterly updates.

What does a typical training week with you look like? In Gabala, Marrakech and Portonovi, trainings run over four days; at L’Albereta they last three, since I return more often. The first day is dedicated to introducing the new menu and its nutritional framework. The following two days are spent cooking together – reviewing every recipe, correcting details, and refining techniques. The final day focuses on plating, timing, and service simulations, ensuring the team can perform with confidence once guests arrive.

Which competencies are non-negotiable for every kitchen team? For me, three things are non-negotiable: precise portions that meet nutritional targets, gentle cooking techniques that preserve nutrients, and elegant, consistent plating that ensures Chenot food always looks as good as it tastes.

How do you ensure that recipes, plating, and timing remain consistent for guests across Weggis, Gabala, Portonovi, L’Albereta, and Marrakech? We use detailed recipe sheets and plating guides, but true standardisation happens through training. By repeating each dish together until it looks and tastes identical, chefs internalise the standard. This ensures that whether a guest dines in Weggis, Marrakech or Montenegro, the experience is unmistakably Chenot – consistent, precise, and beautifully presented.

Which KPIs do you track in the kitchen?

I focus on three core indicators: the quality of ingredients, accuracy in preparation, and timing – both during prep and in service. These

reveal whether the team is truly upholding Chenot standards. Of course, also track food costs and portion variance, but at the heart of it all lies precision, quality, and discipline.

Which feedback from doctors and nutritionists most influences adjustments to the menus? I work closely with our nutritionists, who review every recipe to ensure it aligns with our nutritional framework. They also help manage allergies and intolerances, so every guest enjoys a safe, tailored experience. Their feedback often inspires small but meaningful adjustments to balance, flavour, or portioning.

How do you adapt sourcing and menus to local terroir while maintaining the Chenot identity? For me, it’s essential that menus never feel “imported”. design them around the best local and seasonal ingredients, while keeping the nutritional principles intact. This creates dishes that celebrate the terroir of each property but still carry the Chenot identity – light, nourishing, and elegant.

Left: Training at Chenot Spa Selman Marrakech – where chefs refine every detail of technique and presentation to uphold the standards of the Chenot Diet ®

Right: Executive Chef Ettore at the farm in Weggis, Switzerland, where local, seasonal produce begins its journey from field to plate.

Recipes from the Chenot cookbook: “Detox at Home” – a balance of nourishment, texture, and precision.

What do new chefs find most challenging to learn – and how do you help them overcome it? New chefs often find the strict caloric framework, precise plating discipline, and plant-based approach a challenge – it’s a big shift from traditional fine dining. I support them by cooking side by side, showing how to build flavour and texture without heavy ingredients. Once they realise it’s possible, their motivation quickly follows.

Which new techniques or ingredients are you most excited to integrate into the Chenot kitchens? I’m exploring short fermentations to enhance flavour and nutrient availability, functional fibres to support gut health and the gut–skin connection, and wild herbs and local plants to add authenticity, antioxidants, and aromatic depth. These innovations keep the cuisine fresh and forward-looking, while remaining true to the Chenot spirit.

If you could change one thing about the way luxury hospitality approaches “healthy food”, what would it be? In luxury hospitality, healthy food is too often seen as a compromise. I see it very differently: with creativity and scientific discipline, healthy cuisine can be just as indulgent and elegant as fine dining. It doesn’t subtract – it elevates, adding a new level of refinement.

THREE THINGS ARE NONNEGOTIABLE: PRECISE PORTIONS THAT MEET NUTRITIONAL TARGETS, GENTLE COOKING TECHNIQUES THAT PRESERVE NUTRIENTS, AND ELEGANT, CONSISTENT PLATING.

Above left: At the farm near Selman Marrakech, Chef Ettore selects pro duce grown under the Moroccan sun.

Above right: Quality begins with the ingredients – seasonal and nutrient rich.

Left: A dish from the Chenot cookbook “Detox at Home”.

Right: Sous Chef Andjela Vujovic at Chenot Espace One&Only Portonovi –bringing the science and artistry of the Chenot Diet ® to life through mindful cuisine.

TRICOLOUR CAULIFLOWER SUSHI

Ingredients

150 g white cauliflower

150 g purple cauliflower

150 g yellow cauliflower

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 pinch of salt

1 carrot

1 cucumber

1/2 avocado

1/2 mango

6 sheets nori seaweed

40 g tamari, to serve

Method

1. Roughly chop the white cauliflower, then pulse in a blender to a granular “rice” (not smooth). Repeat with the purple and yellow cauliflower to obtain three colours.

2. Season each colour with a pinch of salt and a little rice vinegar; mix well.

3. Julienne the carrot and cucumber. Slice the avocado and mango into strips.

4. Place half a nori sheet on a bamboo mat lined with parchment paper. Spread a 2-mm layer of cauliflower “rice” evenly over the nori.

5. Arrange fillings across the centre (pairings: purple with avocado; white with mango; yellow with carrot and cucumber).

6. Roll tightly with the mat. Repeat with remaining sheets/fillings.

7. Slice into pieces (about 6 per roll) and serve with tamari.

VEGETABLE PATTIES WITH MUHAMMARA SAUCE & CELERY MAYONNAISE

Ingredients

For the patties

100 g carrots, peeled and grated

100 g celeriac, peeled and grated

1 tsp dried thyme

50 g soy flakes

TAGLIATELLE WITH PUMPKIN & HAZELNUT PESTO, HAZELNUT–CHANTERELLE CRUMBLE

Ingredients

150 g Hokkaido pumpkin, diced

1/4 white onion, finely sliced

200 ml water

60 g roasted hazelnuts (for the pesto)

8 chanterelle mushrooms

4 chestnut (button) mushrooms

40 g roasted hazelnuts (for the crumble)

180 g tagliatelle

Extra-virgin olive oil

Salt

Method

1. Pumpkin pesto: Sauté the onion in a little olive oil until well browned. Add pumpkin, brown lightly, then add the water. Cover and cook for around 30 minutes, topping up if needed. Blend with 60 g roasted hazelnuts; season with oil and salt.

2. Crumble: Dry the mushrooms in a dehydrator or oven at 47°C for 6 hours. Chop with the remaining 40 g hazelnuts to a coarse crumble.

3. Pasta: Cook the tagliatelle in plenty of salted water until al dente. Warm the pumpkin pesto in a large pan.

4. Finish: Transfer the pasta to the pan with a little cooking water; toss to coat and emulsify. Plate and sprinkle generously with the hazelnut–chanterelle crumble.

For

Method

1. Soup base: Cut the red cabbage, quinces and leek into a neat mirepoix. Sauté briefly with olive oil in a pot, add the water and salt, and simmer 30 minutes. Blend smooth with the rice vinegar.

2. Marinated garnish: Warm the water, apple cider vinegar, salt, and agave. Pour over the finely shredded green cabbage; marinate 2 hours, then chill.

3. Dehydrated apple: Blanch the apple slices in boiling water for 20 seconds, pat dry, place between baking paper and dehydrate in the oven at 70°C for 4 hours.

4. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowl.

200 ml water

20 g miso

2 tbsp lemon juice

40 g panko (gluten-free if needed)

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

For the muhammara sauce

200 g red pepper, diced

20 g peeled walnuts

1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 pinch sweet paprika

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

For the almond mayonnaise

100 g almond mayonnaise (see basic recipe)

8 green celery leaves

To finish

11 celery leaves (for garnish)

Method

1. Cook the vegetables: Warm the olive oil with the thyme in a pan. Add the grated carrots, celeriac and soy flakes; sauté 2 minutes. Pour in the water, cover and cook gently for 20 minutes.

2. Blend & chill: Transfer to a mixer with the miso and lemon juice; blend to a coarse paste. Chill for 20 minutes.

3. Form & bake: Shape into approximately 20 g patties, coat in panko and bake at 180°C for 8 minutes until lightly crisp.

4. Make the sauce: Toss the diced pepper with salt and half the oil; roast at 200°C for 10 minutes. Blend with walnuts, cayenne, paprika, lemon juice and remaining oil until smooth; season.

5. Make the mayonnaise: Blend the almond mayonnaise with 8 celery leaves until green and smooth.

6. Plate: On a flat plate, spoon three small circles of muhammara. Place a patty on each, top with a little celery mayonnaise, garnish with the remaining celery leaves and serve.

QUINCE & RED CABBAGE SOUP

THE LIGHT WITHIN –REDEFINING WELLNESS THROUGH RED LIGHT

THE ABILITY TO REGENERATE, REPAIR AND ENERGISE EVERY CELL IN THE BODY HAS MADE RED LIGHT THERAPY A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN WELLNESS.

Light as medicine

Light might be one of the greatest healers. Among the oldest therapeutic techniques on record, the ancient Egyptians used light to disinfect and heal wounds, while more than a century ago scientists proved light could cure disease. Only now, however, has technology advanced to the point where we can harness its power with precision – from infrared saunas to LED chambers and even at-home light devices.

“Red light therapy delivers energy to cells by applying a range of visible and invisible wavelengths. Because red light penetrates the skin, it can reach deeper tissues and cells,” explains Dr Igor Micunovic, Energetic Doctor at Chenot Espace Clinic, One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro.

The era of phototherapy

Light exists as a vast spectrum of colours and wavelengths. Humans, however, perceive only a fraction – between 400 and 700 nanometres, just 0.0035% of the total. Red light, visible at 620–700 nanometres, is only part of the picture.

The invisible near-infrared range penetrates even deeper into the body, reaching cells that visible red light cannot.

This penetration is key to photobiomodulation (PBM), a technique converting non-thermal light energy into chemical energy within cells.

A matter of mitochondria

At the core of PBM are the mitochondria, tiny energy powerhouses inside our cells. When mitochondria function efficiently, cells thrive –and so does the body.

“Most health issues stem from mitochondrial dysfunction,” says Dr Micunovic. “Red and near-infrared light enhance mitochondrial energy production by stimulating cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme within the mitochondria. This triggers beneficial effects: increased energy (ATP), improved blood flow and oxygenation, reduced stress hormones and inflammation, and enhanced cellular metabolism.”

Red and near infrared wavelengths pene trate deep into the body, energising cells and enhancing mitochondrial function.

This therapy supports tissue repair, enhances recovery, and promotes a profound sense of restored vitality from within.

Photobiomodulation as high-tech healing Also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT), PBM is proving effective in a wide range of medical and wellness applications:

• Enhancing skin rejuvenation, reducing signs of ageing, and treating acne, or psoriasis.

• Supporting fat reduction, smoking cessation, bone density improvement, hair regrowth, and testosterone regulation.

• Reducing inflammation, accelerating wound healing, boosting collagen production.

• Relieving chronic pain and supporting faster muscle recovery post-exercise.

• Alleviating anxiety and depression.

Perhaps most excitingly, early trials suggest PBM can support neural regeneration, protect against neurodegenerative disease, and even improve memory, motor function and brain processing speed in cases of cognitive decline.

A full-body recharge at Chenot At Chenot, red light is central to the Recover & Energise Programme, designed to reduce stress, combat fatigue and restore energy levels at a cellular level. Through laser conductivity points, bioenergetic signals help restore balance while stimulating natural rejuvenation.

In Montenegro, Dr Micunovic administers PBM as laser acupuncture – a non-invasive evolution of traditional acupuncture, using light instead of needles to stimulate energy points. This makes it accessible to guests who are needle-averse or have sensitive skin.

“Laser acupuncture therapy combines the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine with advanced technology, offering a painless, effective way to promote healing and balance,” notes Dr Micunovic.

The light within Alongside hormesis and gut health interventions, red light therapy has secured its place as a core element of the Chenot Method®. We are, after all, beings of light. Our cells, like all natural systems, are stimulated and sustained by it.

At Chenot, we believe in harnessing light’s full potential – for energy, for healing, and for longevity.

Light is fundamental to health. And today, thanks to science, we can finally access it in its most powerful form.

“WE ARE, AFTER ALL, BEINGS OF LIGHT. OUR CELLS, LIKE ALL NATURAL SYSTEMS, ARE STIMULATED AND SUSTAINED BY IT.”

BALANCE IN MOTION

Cycling as a path to wellbeing

MOVEMENT IS NOT JUST FITNESS BUT A PHILOSOPHY – FROM ADRENALINE-FUELED RIDES TO QUIET TOURS, EVERY PEDAL STROKE BALANCES BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT.

Working in the spa sector for almost 20 years, I’ve learned that wellbeing isn’t a luxury, but a daily necessity that needs to be carefully cultivated. This awareness has always guided my relationship with sports, transforming it into a life philosophy. For me, physical activity isn’t just a way to stay in shape; it’s an essential means to maintain a balance between body and mind. Since I was a child, I’ve explored various disciplines, but it’s in cycling that I’ve found the variety that best suits this vision of mine.

A bicycle isn’t just one thing; it’s a universe of experiences. It’s the adrenaline of downhill and BMX, where every descent and every jump requires total concentration that erases all other thoughts, freeing my mind from any stress. It’s the power of a road bike, which, with its long rides, teaches me discipline and endurance, and allows me to enter an almost meditative state where the rhythm of my breath and body merge with the flowing landscape.

However, my approach to wellbeing doesn’t end with performance. The most precious moments are those dedicated to sharing and

SMALL STEPS, STRONG ROUTINE

Finding balance on the trail

WHAT BEGAN

WITH SMALL WORKOUTS GREW INTO A DEEPER JOURNEY – DISCOVERING THE JOY OF MOVEMENT, THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE, AND THE STRENGTH OF CONSISTENCY.

Alessandro keeps SPA operations running seamlessly – coordinating teams, schedules, and guest flow.

slow exploration, like scenic bike rides with my wife or mountain walks. These are activities that celebrate slowness, the beauty of nature, and companionship.

Ultimately, my athletic life is the expression of a professional and personal journey that has taught me the importance of a holistic approach to movement. Whether it’s an adrenaline-fueled descent or a peaceful walk, every activity contributes to a balance that allows me to face life’s challenges with greater energy, proving that wellbeing is built by combining passion, challenge, and harmony.

Alessandro Goi, SPA Assistant Manager at Chenot Palace Weggis

I’d like to share my path from the beginning. When I arrived at Chenot, I wasn’t especially active – a few Zumba classes each week at most. During the pre-opening at Chenot Palace Gabala, I spent more time with brilliant colleagues, and their example prompted real change. Since then, I’ve built a consistent routine: regular workouts, time in the gym and group activities. I noticed a clear shift – better mood, stronger discipline and a more organised day.

Surrounded by woods and mountains, Gabala encouraged me to try hiking. was struck by how comprehensively it benefits the body. Whatever the trail, hiking offers a head-to-toe workout. It helps build muscular and bone strength, challenges balance, supports cardiovascular fitness and lifts mood. Time in nature truly reduces stress, calms anxiety and can lower the risk of low mood over time; it also sharpens the senses and attention.

I often go with friends, neighbours, family –and sometimes with new people in a group. Moving together strengthens relationships: the pace makes conversation easy, and the shared effort builds trust. Because routes range from gentle paths to demanding climbs, hiking meets everyone where they are while still offering a sense of progress.

For me, these are the habits that last: consistent movement, time outdoors and the encouragement of a supportive team – aligned with the principles we live every day at Chenot Palace Gabala.

Dr Saida Rasulova, Medical Doctor at Chenot Palace Gabala

COMING NEXT - LA DOLCE VITALITÀ

In the next issue, we journey to L’Albereta in Italy’s Franciacorta region where Chenot Espace blends science, serenity, and five-star hospitality. Discover how this historic villa offers a gentler, soulful way to embrace the Chenot Method®

CHENOT MAGAZINE – INSIDE THE SCIENCE OF WELLBEING

CHENOT Magazine offers a curated perspective on the Chenot philosophy, where science, wellness, and lifestyle converge. Rooted in the Chenot Method® – a unique fusion of traditional Chinese medicine and precision science – each issue explores the latest in longevity, detox, and human performance. With exclusive insights from guests and employees, inspiring stories, and practical guidance, the magazine invites readers to embrace a more conscious, balanced way of living.

Publishing credits THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHENOT GROUP

Publication

CHENOT Magazine is published twice a year

Publisher

Chenot | HC International S.A. Hertensteinstrasse 34 | 6353 Weggis | Switzerland info@chenot.com

Contacts at Chenot Corporate Marketing

Isabella Del Carlo – isabella.delcarlo@chenot.com Sofia Demidenko – sofia.demidenko@chenot.com

Concept & realisation

ego communications Evelyn Gorgos | eg@egocommunications.com

Design

Outline-Graphix UG | info@o-graphix.de

Proofreading

Syntax Übersetzungen AG

Contributors

Dr Jennifer Ashton | Thomas Hauer Swenja Willms

Dr Saida Razulova | Alessandro Goi Isabella Ferrari Federica Amati Jess Lacey

Photography

Elena Steness | Tim Steness

Additional images courtesy of Switzerland Tourism and other sources

Printed by Fontana Print SA, Switzerland

Copyright

© 2025 Chenot HC International S.A. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without prior written permission.

Disclaimer

The content of CHENOT Magazine is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

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