“The life of inner peace, being harmonious and without stress, is the easiest type of existence.” This Norman Vincent Peale’s quote has resonated deeply with me, but its true significance and depth became clear during my stay at Chenot Palace Gabala. It felt as though I was wrapped in a soothing blanket of tranquillity, embracing mindful living and focusing solely on taking care of myself with unparalleled services.

After a direct flight from India to Azerbaijan and a scenic drive to Baku, I arrived at a beautifully lit wellness retreat, reminiscent of a charming French chalet, greeted with the most heartfelt smiles. Nestled amidst Azerbaijan’s majestic mountains and Caucasian Forest overlooking the peaceful Nohur Lake, Chenot Palace Gabala offers a unique blend of detox, luxury and exploration. Through exceptional programmes and cutting-edge medical diagnostics, it redefines the way we perceive and achieve wellness. You will find a range of weekly programmes such as Fundamental detox, Advanced detox, Prevention and ageing well, Stress recovery and re-energising programmes, and beyond, tailored according to your needs.

Walking through the retreat, I quickly realised that it was far from a typical wellness centre; instead, it had aesthetic corners at every turn, with modern interiors and a hint of French luxury. Even within the lobby, sunlight streaming through the curtains cast a glow, illuminating the space, making it look elegant. Each corner had beautiful paintings and mirrors adorned with distinct frames, adding to the retreat’s charm. Much like the retreat itself, the rooms were spacious, with a touch of quiet luxury.

Upon entering my room, I found my itinerary and schedule for doctor consultations, along with a wellness diary essential for tracking my health journey throughout my stay. But it was the view from my room where the simple pleasures of life took root. Opening the curtains revealed a breathtaking snowy winter wonderland: a tranquil lake amidst a snowy blanket of mountains and towering frozen trees, all to myself. Who knew that the purity of winter from my room would become an immediate source of rejuvenation. I was in awe!

Redefined Wellness

Henri Chenot, known as the ‘founding father of the wellness movement’, introduced the Chenot Method over five decades ago, emphasising proactive prevention through scientific research. This pioneering approach involves analysing biomarkers in the body to create personalised treatment plans — a practical framework for resetting and promoting health. This distinguishes it from the competitive landscape of wellness retreats. Going beyond just treating symptoms; it aims to help individuals adapt, develop functionality, and experience increased vitality, which is achieved through innovation, technology, evidence-based treatments, transformative products, precision medicine, Traditional Chinese healing, and exquisite hospitality. From brief 3-day escapes tailored for those embarking on their journey to a healthier lifestyle to comprehensive 7-night and 14-night programs designed for advanced detoxification, Chenot Palace offers a diverse array of options to suit every individual’s needs.

I was on a 3-day active detox Henri Chenot programme aimed to provide a short, yet effective, stimulation for the body to detox physically and mentally and to recharge with energy. After a thorough doctor’s consultation using the Qest machine, each day encompassed four therapy sessions, which were a mix of traditional and modern practices. Following the motto of ‘balance is the key’, the practices were based on yin and yang theory.

Dressed in white marbles and chandeliers, the spa is a calm haven. The therapists here are super sweet and welcoming, going above and beyond to ensure a personalised experience. They read the treatment book we bring along, attentively understanding the needs of our bodies to tailor their approach accordingly.

The first therapy of my day used to be Hydro-aromatherapy treatment, accompanied with colour therapy, where all you need to do is lie down and let the water do its work. This is a particular type of hydro massage which stimulates the natural physiological functions to remove toxins and fat deposits from the skin tissue. It improves skin appearance and overall peripheral blood and lymphatic circulation. Next was Phyto-mud treatment, which eliminates physical/muscular tension and psychological stress. My body was wrapped in a mixture of white or green clay, enriched with microalgae and pure essential oils, which further drains, detoxifies, and revitalises the body. Enveloped like an ancient Egyptian mummy, I lay upon a plush water-bed that tenderly kneaded my body. After this, my therapist took me for my Hydro-jet treatment, where I was cleaned thoroughly with a water jet with extreme pressure. This pressure-jet adds a cold mechanical action to the thermal stimulus, improving toning and firming actions on the skin, increasing the metabolic rate, further improving the peripheral circulation, and restoring the energy and vitality of the body. Chenot Energetic Massage with Lymphatic Massage was the treatment I used to end my day with. This treatment aims to relieve and clear the energy flow in the meridians by using suction cups to recalibrate the energetic circulation, lymphatic system, and improve blood circulation. And this is where I could not help but fall into a deep sleep.

The 6,000 sqm medical centre includes an indoor pool, hammam room, cryo room, yoga room, and state-of-the-art fitness centre. I saw an Anti-gravity treadmill, which helps you move your knees without any pressure and a Vacuum and infrared treadmill, where 10 minutes on this machine is equivalent to 2 hours of exercise! The property also has an outdoor, temperature-controlled pool with unimaginable views of nature.

Chenot Diet

Food is a serious business at Chenot Palace Gabala. The Chenot diet demonstrates that individual wellness does not only come from the finest ingredients but also from the caloric density, nutritional value and unique preparation, and cooking process of food that is provided with robust flavours. The synergy of diet and treatments promotes inner and outer wellbeing and the nutritional suggestions provided by the Chenot professionals applied to everyday life helps achieve a healthier lifestyle in the long-term.

You are strictly served 800 calories and can only intake just 1 gram of salt for the whole day (can be modified according to the consultation). And yet, each dish surprised me with its fresh flavours and handpicked ingredients, leaving me satiated, even with the relatively low calorie intake.

The dining table had three distinct varieties of water: refreshing apple cider-infused water, lemon-infused water, and plain water. The menu changes daily, ensuring strict control over quality and quantity. For breakfast, you are served various types of fruits. Lunch includes a starter, salad, and a choice of two main courses, while dinner offers an appetiser, soup, and a choice between two main courses. From creamy buckwheat risotto with chanterelle mushroom, apple fennel salad with greens and mint sauce, avocado tartar with tomatoes, greens and orange peel, to quinoa burger with Swiss chard and carrot sauce, and turnip rice cake with shitake mushroom, beans and ponzu sauce, each dish was beautifully plated. And after every meal, my favourite part was drinking the decaffeinated coffee, which smelled like coffee, looked like coffee and tasted even better than coffee. It was solely made with ground roasted barley. If not coffee, then you can sip on herbal teas specially made in-house.

I also had a cooking class with their Executive Chef, Ramiz Bayramov, who graciously took us behind the scenes to unveil the intricate preparation of the dishes served to us. During the class, we made roasted beetroot stuffed with almond cheese, complemented by green oil and delicate nasturtium. The almond cheese used was a culinary gem which is not easily replicated at home. Another dish I savoured was sour cream paired with baked cauliflower and a roasted bell pepper paste. It is remarkable how, with just three simple ingredients, a dinner can be both delicious and nutritious. I learnt the art of slow cooking and hacks to make a healthy dinner, even back at home. As a souvenir, the chef gave me an apron to take back home.

Winter Wonders

On my final day, Chenot Palace Gabala treated us to an unforgettable excursion to a charming ski resort, fulfilling my snowy dreams. Ascending to the mountaintop via a scenic gondola ride, I found myself amidst a winter wonderland as snowflakes adorned my hair. The only colour here was white, and what a beautiful white colour!

The utmost meaning of luxury in our times has no doubt to do with physical and mental wellness, with having the possibility to regain or preserve our quality of life and our functional capacity in the long-term. There is nothing more important than health. Chenot Palace Gabala, thank you for taking care of me.

(as told to Vidhi Gupta)