More and more people are intrigued by Mayr medicine, the "medicine for gut health". But which Mayr clinic is the best?
The truth? There isn't one. And I know that's not the definitive answer you were hoping for.
At Serenity Ways, we're guiding clients to find the best wellness clinic and the best program for their needs: Chenot, Lanserhof, Clinique La Prairie, SHA Wellness Clinic ... And at least once a week, we are asked "which Mayr clinic" is the best. The real question is: "which Mayr clinic is the best for you?" Indeed the "best" clinic is deeply, profoundly personal. It's the one that matches your body, your goals, your idea of what healing should feel like.
If you're researching Lanserhof, VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth, and MAYRLIFE, you're already on an important journey. You're taking your health seriously. You're willing to invest in transformation. Now let's make sure you choose wisely.
First, What Actually Is Mayr Medicine?
Before we compare clinics, let's talk about what brings them together.
The FX Mayr Method, developed by Austrian physician Dr. Franz Xaver Mayr, is built on one fundamental belief: your gut is the foundation of everything. Your energy, your immunity, your mental clarity, even your skin - it all starts with digestive health.
Learn more about Mayr medicine
The approach is methodical: intestinal regeneration, mindful eating, carefully staged detoxification. Yes, there's the famous bread and milk phase (though modern interpretations vary). It's medical, it's intensive, and it works.
All three clinics practice modern versions of this method, blending Dr. Mayr's original wisdom with today's diagnostic capabilities. But the way they do it? That's where the differences emerge.
Dr. Harald Stossier: The Visionary Behind Modern Mayr Medicine
Some doctors treat patients. Others change entire fields of medicine.
Dr. Harald Stossier has done both.
With an international reputation that spans decades, Dr. Stossier isn't just a practitioner of Mayr Medicine: he's one of its greatest innovators. He's the person who took the "old" Mayr medicine wisdom and made it relevant, rigorous, and respected in today's medical world.
A Legacy Built on Legendary Foundations
Dr. Stossier trained under Dr. Rauch, a name that carries weight in Mayr medicine circles. But studying under a legend is one thing. Building your own legacy is another.
In 2004, he became Medical Director of VIVAMAYR (then known as Viva - Centre for Modern Mayr Medicine) on the shores of Lake Wörth near Klagenfurt. Under his leadership, it has become what many consider the world's leading health spa—a place where celebrities, executives, and people seeking genuine transformation travel from across the globe.
Bridging Two Worlds
Here's what makes Dr. Stossier's work so significant: he's been building bridges between complementary and conventional medicine since 1988, when he became a consultant for complementary medicine at the Medical Chamber of Carinthia and the Austrian Medical Association.
Think about that timing. 1988. Long before "integrative medicine" was trendy. Long before wellness became an industry. He was advocating for the integration of complementary approaches within mainstream medicine when many considered it controversial.
That takes vision. And courage.
Sharing Knowledge, Shaping the Field
Dr. Stossier hasn't kept his expertise to himself. His book The Viva Mayr Diet has introduced countless people to Mayr principles. His numerous articles and publications have advanced the field's understanding of nutrition and digestive health. His lectures have educated medical professionals worldwide.
This is someone who understands that true innovation isn't just about what you do in your own practice. It's about elevating an entire field of medicine. And it is thanks to Dr HArald Stossier that we can now enjoy amazing medical wellness clinics like VIVAMAYR, Lanserhof, MAYRLIFE ...
Lanserhof: When Innovation Meets Wellness
Main locations: Lans (Austria), Tegernsee (Germany), Sylt (Germany)
As well as Hamburg (Germany), London (UK), and opening soon: Marbella (Spain)
Walk into a Lanserhof property and you immediately understand their philosophy: the future of medicine, today.
Since opening in Tyrol in 1984, Lanserhof has become synonymous with high-tech luxury wellness. This isn't just a spa with good equipment. This is where cutting-edge diagnostics meet centuries-old healing wisdom, wrapped in stunning architecture.
What Makes Lanserhof Different
The Technology Is Genuinely Impressive
Lanserhof is a pioneer when it comes to modern equipment. Their diagnostic capabilities go deeper than many other wellness clinics. They combine naturopathy, energy medicine, psychology, psychoneuroimmunology, and modern medicine into assessments that reveal what's actually happening in your body.
Specialized Treatments
This is where Lanserhof truly shines. Their new Brain Health Programme for neurodegenerative conditions, INUSpheresis® blood purification therapy for chronic illness, medically supervised weight management. It's not following wellness trends. It's about serious medical interventions for people dealing with serious health challenges.
Design That Actually Matters
I know, I know, pretty buildings shouldn't matter when you're focused on health. But they do. The Tegernsee property (a €55 million investment) isn't just beautiful; those floor-to-ceiling windows, that seamless flow between inside and outside, the clean architectural lines. It all supports the healing process in ways you only understand when you're there.
You'll Love Lanserhof If You're Seeking:
- Executive health optimization and serious preventive medicine
- Answers about neurodegenerative concerns (early Alzheimer's detection, MS, Parkinson's)
- Advanced treatment for chronic conditions
- The perfect marriage of cutting-edge technology and luxury
- Medical weight management that actually works
The Budget for Lanserhof
Lanserhof is a relatively expensive medical wellness clinic, but with a great return on investment. Programs start from 7,433 EUR including accommodation at Lanserhof Sylt. But remember: your exact program is determined only after an in-depth consultation with their Mayr doctor, who prescribes treatments specifically for your needs.
View Lanserhof Sylt pricing details
Explore Lanserhof:
Discover and book Lanserhof Lans
Discover and book Lanserhof Tegernsee
Discover and book Lanserhof Sylt
VIVAMAYR: Where Tradition Runs Deep
Location: Maria Wörth (Austria)
If Lanserhof represents the future, VIVAMAYR honors the past, in the best possible way. VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth is actually where modern Mayr medicine was invented - by Dr Stossier, as explained earlier in this article.
VIVAMAYR stays closer to Dr. Mayr's original vision, focusing intensively on what he believed mattered most: the doctor-patient relationship, digestive rehabilitation, and the healing power of simplicity. Set on the shores of stunning Lake Wörthersee, this is where celebrities come when they want the real Mayr experience.
What Makes VIVAMAYR Different
Authenticity Above All
This is Mayr medicine as it was meant to be practiced. More intensive, more traditional, more focused on the fundamentals. If you want the classic Mayr cure that your grandmother might have taken (but significantly updated with modern medical knowledge), this is it.
The Lake Changes Everything
There's something about being on the water. The views, the tranquility, the way time seems to slow down—it all supports the deep rest your body needs to heal.
The Traditional Approach Works
Don't mistake "traditional" for "old-fashioned." VIVAMAYR incorporates modern diagnostics and therapies, but always within the classical Mayr framework. The approach is time-tested because it works.
You'll Love VIVAMAYR If You're Seeking:
- Real solutions for digestive disorders and gut health
- Help with food intolerances and allergies
- Serious detoxification and weight loss
- An authentic, intensive Mayr experience
- Traditional medical approaches over high-tech interventions
- Immune system strengthening
The Budget for VIVAMAYR
VIVAMAYR offers exceptional value for money in the Mayr landscape: high-quality traditional Mayr medicine at a more accessible price point than Lanserhof.
And unlike other Mayr medicine clinics, you essentially know the price when you book your program: there is nothing unexpected on your bill at the end of your cure. Of course, your VIVAMAYR doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments, but this is just a suggestion, depending on your needs and objectives, and the cost of those additional treatments is well presented and discussed with you so you can decide easily.
View VIVAMAYR pricing details
MAYRLIFE: The Youngest Choice
Location: Altaussee (Austria)
Formerly VIVAMAYR Altaussee, MAYRLIFE represents a slight evolution. VOGUE named it one of the world's top 10 spas. It's been awarded "Best Medical Spa Worldwide." This isn't just marketing, it's recognition of something special happening here.
What Makes MAYRLIFE Different
Personalization Taken Seriously
MAYRLIFE emphasizes what they call the MAYRLIFE Health Concept. Every treatment plan is highly individualized based on comprehensive diagnostics.
Nature as Medicine
Nestled between mountains, overlooking the pristine Lake Altaussee, the natural beauty is everywhere. The beauty and quietness are part of the therapy. The alpine environment enhances everything else happening in your body.
Immune System Mastery
While all Mayr clinics support immune function, MAYRLIFE has developed particular expertise in intestinal regeneration with a strong focus on immune system activation and strengthening.
You'll Love MAYRLIFE If You're Seeking:
- Solutions for immune system disorders and weakness
- Help with metabolic conditions including diabetes and obesity
- Relief from stress-related conditions and burnout
- Optimization of physical and mental performance
- Treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions
- A prestigious setting with unparalleled natural beauty
The Investment
MAYRLIFE positions itself in the upper-premium segment, reflecting its highly personalized approach.
View MAYRLIFE pricing details
But ... Is Mayr Medicine Even Right for You?
Lanserhof, VIVAMAYR, and MAYRLIFE are all exceptional. World-class. But that doesn't mean Mayr medicine is the right approach for your specific situation.
The Mayr Method is intensive. It's medically focused. It centers primarily on digestive health and detoxification. For some people, it's exactly what they need. For others, a different approach would serve them better.
Mayr Medicine Excels For:
- Digestive disorders and gut microbiome issues
- Detoxification and metabolic reset
- Food intolerance identification
- Medical weight management
- Immune system strengthening
- Preventive medicine and longevity optimization
But What If Your Needs Point Elsewhere?
If you're drawn to ancient Eastern wisdom...
Ayurvedic centers like Ananda in the Himalayas or Chiva-Som in Thailand offer personalized dosha-based treatments focusing on mind-body-spirit balance.
If you want integrative Eastern-Western medicine...
SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain and Mexico or RAKxa in Thailand combine Western diagnostics with TCM, acupuncture, and energy medicine.
If you're dealing with cancer...
Specialized clinics like the Budwig Center offer alternative and complementary approaches designed specifically for cancer patients and survivors.
If burnout is destroying you...
Dedicated mental health and sleep retreats might be more appropriate. Our clients love Lefay Lago di Garda and Chenot Palace Weggis (their Sleep Cycle Module is unparalleled).
If you're an athlete focused on performance...
Medical sports programs like Palazzo Fiuggi's HPM Method or Grand Resort Bad Ragaz's specialized sports programs might be your answer. Though interestingly, many of our professional athlete clients prefer detoxing at VIVAMAYR, Lanserhof, Chenot, or Clinique La Prairie - even though these aren't sport-specific. It depends entirely on what you're trying to achieve.
This Is Where We Come In
I've spent years visiting, testing, and understanding these clinics. Not just reading about them, but experiencing them, myself. Understanding their strengths, their specializations, the subtle differences that don't show up in brochures. Observing the effect on my body, my mind, my health in the long term.
At Serenity Ways, we don't just book wellness retreats. We match people to transformative experiences that actually correspond to what they need most.
Why Call Us?
Because Not Everyone Needs Mayr Medicine
Our first job is to honestly assess whether the Mayr approach - or another medical wellness method - best serves your specific health concerns and goals. Sometimes the answer surprises you.
Because We Know the Insider Details
All three Mayr clinics maintain exceptional standards. But there are subtle differences in medical team specializations, treatment philosophies, even seasonal considerations that can significantly impact your experience. We know these details because we've been there. And if other Mayr wellness clinics correspond better to your needs ... we tell you so as well!
Because We Give You Honest Comparisons
We can objectively compare Mayr clinics with other world-class medical wellness retreats. Should you go to Lanserhof or VIVAMAYR? Or would SHA, Chenot, or Clinique La Prairie actually be better for you?
Because Logistics Matter
Beyond medical suitability, real-world factors influence your experience: location accessibility, language preferences, dietary restrictions, mobility concerns, travel companions. Or simply: do you need sun, heat, and an ocean view like at Lily of the Valley? (And yes, Lanserhof is opening in the South of Spain soon - stay tuned!)
Because Timing Is Everything
Knowing when to plan your cure - avoiding peak seasons, aligning with specialist availability, working around your own schedule - can dramatically enhance your experience and ensure optimal return on your investment.
Making This Decision
Here's what to ask yourself:
What are your primary health concerns?
Digestive issues point toward all three Mayr clinics, but specific conditions may benefit more from Lanserhof's specialized treatments or VIVAMAYR's intensive traditional approach.
What's your budget?
All three represent significant investments. VIVAMAYR offers the most accessible entry point, while Lanserhof commands higher pricing for its technology, architecture, and specializations.
What environment calls to you?
Modern architectural design (Lanserhof), lakeside tranquility (VIVAMAYR), or alpine sanctuary (MAYRLIFE)?
How intensive an experience do you want?
All three are medically serious, but VIVAMAYR tends toward the most traditional, intensive Mayr protocols.
Would a different approach serve you better?
If your primary concern is mental health, hormonal balance, chronic pain, or spiritual growth, alternative wellness philosophies might be more appropriate.
Your Next Step
The journey to optimal health is unique for everyone. While this guide gives you an overview of three exceptional Mayr clinics, nothing replaces personalized expert guidance.
Contact Victoire Spoerry and the Serenity Ways team for a complimentary consultation. Share your health history, wellness goals, and preferences, and receive honest, expert recommendations on whether Lanserhof, VIVAMAYR, MAYRLIFE, or an entirely different luxury medical wellness retreat is your perfect match.
Your transformation is waiting. Let's make sure you choose the right path to get there.