Experience report of our hotel director Manuel Kaneppele

You really look rejuvenated, Mr Kaneppele. What made you decide to go on a detox programme?

After the winter festivities and all the feasting involved, it was high time I cut my digestive system some slack and gave my whole body a break. So, I put myself in the capable hands of Dr Colomba Romeo MD, who tailored a bespoke detox programme for me.

What did this detox programme entail, exactly?

First I had a consultation with the doctor, followed by medical check-ups such as measuring my body composition and energy levels. My nutrition and treatment plan was then devised based on my personal needs and goals.

I had the chance to dine at the BALANCE restaurant throughout the programme, which to me was a wellness cure in itself. My diet plan consisted mainly of delicious salads, lots of vegetables, dishes with legumes and protein-rich grains such as amaranth and quinoa, as well as some fish, and chicken breast at dinner once. I also had to drink plenty of water, herbal teas and freshly squeezed vegetable juices throughout the day. This diet was specifically designed to flush any harmful substances out of the intestine and other internal organs, restore the acid-base balance, reduce inflammation and replenish the body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The BALANCE kitchen brigade are very skilled and created fine, flavoursome dishes using spices and herbs, so that I hardly noticed the lack of salt. 

I needed to kickstart my somewhat sluggish metabolism and regeneration processes, so Dr Romeo recommended cold chamber and oxygen-ozone treatments. I found the latter to be especially beneficial for me personally. After the third session, I experienced a real energy boost. It had been a long time since I’d felt so refreshed and energised. So, I’m definitely going to include this treatment in my work-life balance routine in the future.

It all sounds perfectly manageable. Did you ever experience any difficulties or unpleasant side effects?

I was never hungry, I just had some short spells when I felt low or had minor lack of concentration at times. But I took it as a good sign that changes were going on in my body.

What results did you get in the first seven days?

The bloated feeling disappeared immediately, and after the first seven days I felt much lighter, more energised and in better shape. I achieve deeper sleep during the night and focus better during the day, and I’ve even shed 3 kg – a rather welcome side effect. My wife says that my skin now looks much fresher, but whether that is true is difficult for me to tell. However, one thing I’m positive about is that no matter what I eat, it tastes different than before. I can taste each individual ingredient much more intensely now.

So, where will it go from here?

Well, I will continue to treat myself to a glass of wine every now and then, a delicious pizza or a nice dinner out with friends. Nevertheless, I intend to stick to Dr Romeo’s recommendations and some elements of her detox diet. In particular, I want to pay more attention to my body’s fullness cues and learn to adjust my portion sizes accordingly. Vegetables will remain a big part of my diet, and I’m going to reduce my meat intake in favour of legumes. And use more spices instead of salt. See, a programme such as this comes with an additional benefit: it prompts you to reconsider your diet and lifestyle and be more mindful of your own body. 

The ADLER Med Detox Programme is available either as an Essential Package for stays of 2 to 4 nights, or as an Intensive Package for stays of 7 to 14 nights. It is also available to non-resident guests. Each package is individually tailored to the guest’s personal needs and wishes, and includes medical check-ups and a personalised nutrition programme, as well as other detox and therapeutic treatments offered at the ADLER Spa. More information is available here.