Villa Stephanie is a modern medi-spa with wellness at its core. Part of the Oetker Collection, and adjoining Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, it has a rich history of wellness and has now positioning itself as a unique entity, a ‘House of Wellness’ for the stressed, tired and over indulged amongst us.
It’s partnership with Brenner’s Medical Wellness under the direction of Dr Harry F. Konig ensures that the programmes draw on the latest scientific advances and not only deliver targeted, personalised programme; these combine the perfect balance of exercise, medical knowledge with spa and wellness treatments which cocoon and care for the mind, body and soul. Think of it not as a hotel with a spa, but as a wellness retreat with rooms. Detox and weight loss are the two main focuses for treatment programmes, but everything is tailored to the guest and the new programme developed by Dr König ‘The Kings Way’ takes this to a whole new level.
Deluxe Room at Villa Stephanie
The accommodation at Villa Stephanie comprises 16 rooms and suites in the main building and offers the mod cons you would expect with pillow and duvet menu choices on offer (nice). What makes Villa Stephanie truly different is that you can create your own digital detox by switching off the wifi signal. The rooms have been built to create a Faraday Cage effect to block electromagnetic waves. Every detail has been considered and it shows. Villa Stephanie had a total overhaul, opening in 2015 following a renovation programme costing in excess of 20 million euros. The staff are warm and friendly and the whole experience is discreet. Which makes sense as it attracts some of the world’s top CEO’s and politicians.
The Spa at Villa Stephanie
The spa is set over two floors with a 500-square-metre sauna featuring Finnish Sauna, Bio Sauna, steam bath, open-air area, cold plunge pool and a delightful relaxation room. There’s a private gym and hammam on site too. There is a separate ladies area which can be reserved as a private space for couples or friends. Along the corridor towards Brenner Park is a large lap pool (with terrace and sun loungers in summer) plus a large gym.
The treatment rooms (each with own changing and shower area) overlook the gardens. It’s all elegantly designed with modern colours, which at times are punctuated with textured wall coverings and both classic and modern art. The Salon is a dedicated lounge area with library and light buffet with healthy snacks and drinks. Take tea pre and post treatment or simply rest and relax throughout the day. It has a small terrace for warmer days.
Guests on programmes will meet with the medical team on arrival for consultation and blood analysis (where appropriate) before they begin their wellness journey. The Medical Centre is connected to Villa Stephanie via a corridor as is Brenner’s Park. Programme start at 3 days and for exceptional life change go up to ten days.
Dr König
The Kings Way at Villa Stephanie
The Kings Way, created by Dr Harry F. König is a weight loss and intense detoxification programme based on the knowledge of modern University medicine, combined with the tradition of naturopathy and 25 years of experience of the doctor himself. ultimate weight loss and intense detoxification programme.
It includes some 90 treatments in 10 days including bloody analysis, consultation, ozone therapy, liver cleanse, hydro colon therapy, vital infusion, detox treatments, fitness programme and personalised diet.
Read more about what’s included here: https://www.oetkercollection.com/destinations/villa-stephanie/programme/the-kings-way/
Medical practice Dr. König – Villa Stephanie
The treatments at Villa Stephanie
Hammam
Under the expert guidance of Othman Challouf, the unique hammam experience at Villa Stephanie is awakening, enlivening and will scrub and cleanse you to within an inch of your life. Using steam to open the pores, you are cleansed with warm water, scrubbed with a kesar mitt from head to toe, cleansed again, washed with a loofah and soap, massaged and then cleansed with water. There really is nothing like the experience of being scrubbed and washed in this way. One of my favourite spa experiences and this ranks amongst the very best.
The Detox Wrap
The treatment begins with a head-to-toe body scrub using sea salt and an oil of your choice. I opted for orange as I wished to remain awake and present. Once complete, you shower this off, then are covered in algae and wrapped to allow it to work its detox magic. Then you enjoy a mini facial and face massage using Aqua Organic products. Final shower to remove the algae and then a nourishing yet light body lotion is applied, and you are left feeling smooth as silk and fresh as a daisy.
The best bits
The Hammam with Othman Challouf
Personal training session with Kevin Heuckeroth
Meeting Dr Harry F. Konig who is truly passionate about preventative medicine
Gentle strolls in the parkland surrounding Villa Stephanie
Taking tea in The Salon
Swimming at dawn in the main pool
Meeting Keloparte, the house cat who lives at Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa
Room to improve
A few hiccups in the communal changing room – I didn’t realise it was communal with private changing cabins. I stripped off for all and sundry to see. Maybe more clear instruction.
There is still a little disconnect between the main house and the pool. It’s down a long corridor and not connected to the main spa area. This is a structural and historical issue. But it did detract a little.
