Lanserhof Lans Wellness Spa Hotel review by Jessica

One of Healing Holidays’ Wellness Advisors, Jessica is just back from a visit to Lanserhof Lans in Austria, and here she shares her experiences of this world-class spa retreat.

The Location

Lanserhof Lans has one of the most accessible locations in the wide world of wellness  and luxury spa retreats. No lengthy, tiring road journeys here. Just a very short 20-minute whizz from Innsbruck airport to the small town of Lans, making it easy to book and reach. Innsbruck is ski-central, which means the airport is very well connected year-round, and the property sits amidst the stunning alpine landscape high above this charming city, offering guests an immediate sense of arrival into a different world.

Surrounded on all sides by majestic mountains, I felt a deep sense of peace and a powerful connection to nature as I approached Lanserhof Lans. The fresh mountain air was invigorating from the very first moment, and I thought more than once about not turning off the in-flight mode on my phone, so captivated was I by the serene environment and the promise of the retreat ahead.

The Accommodation

Lanserhof Lans’ newest addition is the Badehaus, also known as the ‘wooden building’, which is a marvel of wood-and-glass architecture that gives the property a sleek, contemporary edge and elevates the experience to match the best luxury hotels in the world. I was to be cosseted away on the third floor of this beautiful building and felt truly blessed to be staying in the Lansersuite, one of the finest rooms available to guests.

My open plan suite was spacious, and had soothing neutral tones that perfectly complemented the warm wooden floors and panelled walls. I had all the luxury to be expected from a deluxe five-star bolthole - 50 m² of space, wonderful bathtub, large walk-in shower and comfortable seating area, but two things really stood out for me.

The first was the balcony – which instantly became my favourite spot. Set above the pool area, it offered peaceful views of the greenery and majestic mountains, and was a space I could completely relax in and call me own, a perfect retreat within the retreat where time seemed to slow down.

The second standout was something far smaller but just as significant for a good night's rest - an electrosmog switch. This simple device cuts power to electrical circuits when they are not in use, reducing low-frequency electromagnetic fields – or ‘electrosmog’. This reduction in disturbances promotes better sleep and, having felt the benefits, my only wish is that every hotel bedroom everywhere could offer such a simple but effective switch to enhance the guest experience.

Also a quick tip for guests planning to book their stay – although I had plenty of closet space in my room, packing light is definitely advisable. I spent most of my stay clad in casual wear or wrapped in my bathrobe, wearing the complimentary Birkenstocks I had been given upon arrival, and so much of the contents of my suitcase remained untouched, which just goes to show how the spa atmosphere encourages you to embrace simplicity and comfort.

The Wellness Concept 

The Lanserhof Concept is all about holistic health and helping the body achieve its best state – detoxifying, deacidifying and cleansing the body, with gut health the key principle. Shortly after my arrival I met with Dr Dinah Putz-Gergely for my initial medical consultation, a cornerstone of the experience that sets this spa hotel apart. An expert in Internal Medicine, we discussed a wide range of topics including my sleep patterns, medical history, existing conditions, general wellbeing and personal goals, and the schedule for my stay was then tailored specifically for me, ensuring that every treatment and every moment was optimized for my individual health needs.

She covered a great deal during our consultation, including an insightful explanation of the importance of mindful eating and proper chewing - the key principles of the Lanserhof Concept that guests learn to incorporate into daily life. My schedule was adjusted to include a Shiatsu session, which turned out to be one of the highlights of my stay and an experience that helped my body feel renewed. During the session my therapist, Leo, applied gentle yet precise pressure to specific areas of my body, focusing on balancing the meridians, and I left him feeling completely rejuvenated and on a bit of a high.

Throughout my time at Lanserhof there was always something to do or learn about with the diagnostics, treatments and massages, or just in conversations with the friendly medical staff who genuinely seemed invested in each guest's wellness journey. Every treatment felt purposeful, and the medical team's expertise created an atmosphere of trust and care that is rare to find, even in the world's best spa retreats.

The Facilities

Lanserhof Lans may now be 40 years old, but WOW. Such a wonderful setting deserves facilities to match, and this wellness wonder doesn’t come up short in delivering a luxury spa experience that rivals the best in the world. It is spread across three elegant buildings, connected by beautifully maintained gardens, which are home to a serene pond and plenty of peaceful seating areas where guests can sit and feel the fresh mountain breeze. The main building houses the stylish restaurant on the left, and the reception and a calming relaxation area, filled with comfortable seating and a grand piano for evening performances, are to the right, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive at this special hotel.

Pristine corridors guide you past a library and boutique to not one, but two fully-equipped gyms – both stuffed full with everything from traditional work-out equipment to Pilates reformer machines, alongside a cold chamber and a dedicated dermatology area where body treatments are performed with precision. The hallway opens to majestic views of the crystal clear blue skies before you are led down into the state-of-the-art medical department, which feels like the heart of this health-focused retreat. Spotlessly clean and impressively equipped, it was here where I was warmly greeted each time by friendly staff as I settled onto a large, sky blue sofa with a glass of water awaiting my next appointment, a small gesture that made me feel truly cared for as a guest throughout my stay.

The newest building, the Badehaus, is where you'll find exercise rooms for yoga and other movement practices, additional quiet spaces for rest and reflection, two spacious saunas, infrared therapy and - my personal highlight - the stunning indoor/outdoor saltwater pool. With the touch of a button the glass doors open, allowing you to swim straight out under the stars, immersed in the warmth of the outdoor heated pool. I never did grow bored of hitting that magical button……

The Activities

When I wasn’t attending my scheduled treatments or appointments, there always seemed to be something available to fill the down time and enhance the retreat experience. Many complimentary activities are included, and there is also a full schedule of events - I received the timetable when I checked-in, from Pilates, Yoga and Zumba, to singing bowl therapy, cooking classes and wellness talks that help you feel more connected to your health.

I managed to tear myself away from my balcony, (or the pool area where I spent countless peaceful moments), to join the daily guided hikes, which are offered at 07h00 and 15h00 each day. Each morning a small group of us would gather near the entrance before stepping out into the crisp, mountain-fresh air. Midway through the hike we paused for some light, energising stretches which were surprisingly effective, before we headed home for breakfast at 08h00 in the restaurant. This was the most perfect way to start the day, and this simple stroll became a major highlight for me.

For those who prefer solo walks or bike rides, trail maps are provided, with guests pointed in the direction of the Lansersee Lake, a peaceful spot well worth visiting if you want to experience the beauty of the valley at your own pace. The concierge team were incredibly helpful and friendly, happy to print off maps, arrange taxis, and give local sightseeing advice for those wanting to escape for a few hours and explore the world beyond the hotel, though most guests, like me, find it hard to leave.

The Food

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect ahead of my stay when it came to the food. The Lanserhof Concept famously tells us to chew each bite of food 30 to 40 times, and that fasting is a core part of the health experience, with structured meals served three times a day in the restaurant. During my initial consultation I was given a detailed explanation about modern eating habits and how most of us tend to eat too much, too quickly and far too often – all of which I am guilty of doing.

The food varies depending on which ‘Cure Phase’ you’re in - from the minimal Phase 0, which consists of broths and teas only, up-to the Active Level, where there are no restrictions and a variety of wholesome foods like fish, lean meats, fruits, vegetables and even desserts are included to nourish the body. This is all discussed in your consultation but can be adjusted as necessary by the Doctor to ensure the best experience for your body's needs.

All the dishes were beautifully presented, and made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. My personalised nutrition plan included delicious options such as yoghurt with berries, avocado toast, soups and salads, that were all genuinely delicious and left me feeling satisfied and energized. Alongside these I was given daily wellness shots of water kefir, wheatgrass, omega 3, and Lanserhof’s own Microbiome Complex, (which can be purchased from their boutique to allow you to continue the Lanserhof journey once you get home and maintain the good habits you've developed).

It did take me a couple of meals to get used to this slow pace of eating, but I soon found that it really did work, and I felt fuller much quicker than normal, just by taking time with each bite. It’s all about learning that extra chewing helps signal to the brain that we’re satisfied, preventing us from overeating, and it’s a small but powerful habit that I’ve brought home with me, helping me become more intentional with how I eat and more aware of how it impacts my gut health and overall wellbeing. The restaurant experience became a treatment in itself, a daily moment of mindfulness and care.

The Verdict

Before my visit I had expected Lanserhof Lans to feel all clinical and all white; after all it is a medical spa and hotel. However what struck me was how well it suited its surrounds – tucked away in the mountains, it was decorated in calming neutrals and soft blues, and there was something almost spiritual about just sitting there in my room or in the relaxation area and gazing through the windows at the Alps outside, feeling completely at peace with the world.

I was also surprised by how much warmth there was throughout this luxury hotel. The staff take great pride in balancing efficiency with genuine friendliness, which makes all the difference and creates a comforting, homely atmosphere that helps guests feel welcome from the first moment to the last night. Nothing was ever too much for them, and I was particularly impressed by how closely the restaurant team worked with the medical staff, ensuring we all received thoughtful, personalised attention throughout our stay, making every day and every treatment feel special.

Like the very best wellness properties in the world, I took home with me tips, information and insights which I have absorbed and incorporated into my everyday life, , from the way I approach food to how I take time for my body's health. The experience taught me that luxury is not just about beautiful rooms and a stunning pool view, but about feeling genuinely cared for and supported in your wellness journey. Now I am just dreaming of continuing my Lanserhof journey in Tegernsee, Sylt, Marbella, and experiencing their other world-class spa retreats, knowing that each day will bring new moments of transformation and that booking my next stay is just a matter of time…