The Wellness Holiday Boutique reviews Park Igls

Park Igls is a health retreat and medical spa nestled in the serene Alpine mountains of Austria, just 15 minutes from Innsbruck airport and the city centre. Specialising in detox, holistic healing, and preventative medicine, it offers a perfect environment to recharge and rejuvenate. I visited in September, enjoying the warm 26-degree sun in the beautiful gardens, but the snow-capped mountains in winter also provide breathtaking views. With panoramic views of the Alps, it’s the ideal setting for cleansing your mind and body under the expert care of experienced doctors and therapists.

The Mayr Cure

The original Mayr cure was developed by Dr. Franz Mayr, a physician and scientist, in the early 20th century, based on the belief that good health begins in the gut. The method initially involved therapeutic fasting with a diet of slowly chewed stale white bread and milk, which Dr. Mayr discovered helped rest and detoxify the organs while also promoting rapid weight loss. Over time, the doctors at Park Igls have refined the method into the Modern Mayr approach, blending early detection of illnesses with conventional medicine. This method focuses on six core principles: rest, cleanse, train, substitute, exercise, and self-discovery, and offers specialised programs for issues like sleep disorders, stress, burnout, weight loss, and dermatological concerns.

The Medical Spa

At the start of my programme at Park Igls, I had a thorough initial examination with Dr Kogelnig. After a detailed check-up, which included weighing, questioning, and a gentle physical exam, I was told I was in good health overall. Dr Kogelnig then recommended treatments for the duration of my stay and prescribed vitamins for me to collect at reception.

My favourite treatments were the full-body exfoliation, where two therapists worked their magic, scrubbing me from head to toe. After that, I was wrapped in plastic and left to relax on a bed that turned into a waterbed, letting me float peacefully for half an hour while the oils soaked in. Another highlight was the lymphatic drainage massage, which was so relaxing I almost fell asleep. In fact, Dr Hanni Gartner had to gently wake me up when the treatment ended! It’s worth noting that Park Igls assigns the same therapist for all of your massages, so you really get to know them by the end of your stay.

The treatment rooms at Park Igls feel more like medical spaces than traditional spa rooms, making the massages feel more therapeutic and focused on healing than purely relaxing. I actually appreciated this medical approach, as it felt aligned with the holistic nature of the retreat.

After dinner, the indoor pool is available until 10 pm, which was perfect for those moments when I wasn’t quite ready to call it a day. The pool is conveniently located next to the steam room and two saunas—one textile, for those who prefer not to be in the nude—making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy some quiet time.

By the end of my stay, I really noticed how relaxed and rejuvenated I felt, with the treatments making a significant impact on my well-being. The combination of medical expertise and therapeutic treatments was just what I needed to recharge my body and mind.

The Fitness

The hotel offers a variety of group activities throughout the week, from yoga and Nordic walking to more strength-focused fitness sessions, ensuring there’s plenty to keep you active during your stay. I particularly enjoyed the morning walks through the park and town before breakfast, as well as the morning gymnastics class with Mina, which was a great way to start the day.

The fitness centre is located on the 3rd floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. During my stay, I had a personal training session with Jessica, who was both knowledgeable and friendly. She provided valuable tips on improving my technique, which I’ve been able to use to make my workouts even more effective back home.

The Hotel

I arrived on a Sunday, which is recommended as it’s a quieter day at the hotel, giving you a chance to settle in before the week begins. I joined the welcome cocktail and evening lecture to learn more about the Mayr Cure, which was a great way to prepare for the start of my programme on Monday.

Throughout the week, there’s a wide range of educational lectures and activities available to guests, from mountain hikes to golf lessons at the onsite putting course, perfect for those looking to refine their swing. I found the Sleep Coaching talk particularly useful, as I had recently developed a habit of waking up in the middle of the night. The session provided helpful tips that I’ve since used to improve my sleep back home.

There’s a lovely relaxation area with a library stocked with books and newspapers in various languages, a pool table, board games, a tea bar, and even a grand piano. Guests are encouraged to drink 3-4 litres of water daily—something I took to heart. As Dr Gartner mentioned in one of the Mayr lectures, it’s ideal to drink one glass of water for every hour of your 12-hour waking day. Water is available in almost every room and corridor, which serves as a gentle reminder to stay hydrated.

During my stay, I was also given a complimentary bus ticket to explore Innsbruck. The city is definitely worth a visit, with its colourful buildings and charming shops, though it was hard to resist the tempting cafes and ice cream shops!

The Rooms

I stayed in a Deluxe double room, which was spacious and well-equipped for a comfortable stay, offering plenty of wardrobe space. For longer stays, I would definitely recommend opting for a larger room to ensure even more comfort. The room featured a generous sitting area with a desk, which led out onto the balcony. Equipped with a small table and deckchair, it provided stunning views of the Tyrolean mountains.

The bathroom was equally impressive, with a separate shower and bathtub. Fluffy towels and dressing gowns were provided, along with a hot water bottle to help with the pre-bedtime liver detox compresses. As part of the detox programme, you’re encouraged to avoid using moisturising lotions, as these can interfere with the skin's ability to detoxify. Instead, only a bar of organic herbal soap and shampoo are provided, allowing your skin to function as intended.

The Food

The Mayr diet is designed to prevent new toxins from being formed by ‘predigesting’ food in the mouth, making it easier on the digestive system. The diet follows eight different levels of Modern Mayr cuisine, ranging from fasting with teas and broths to food-combining menus, some of which even include desserts at the higher levels.

On my first evening, I entered the restaurant anticipating a simple meal of soup and bread. The cheerful waitress greeted me and led me to my designated table, where she explained the dining rules: no mobile phones, reading, or talking during meals, and each bite should be chewed 30 times to aid digestion. I was pleasantly surprised to be served a starter of soup, followed by a main course of fish with vegetables, which was surprisingly flavourful. The dining room was silent, with only the occasional crunch of crispbread, allowing me to focus entirely on chewing my food without distractions. A sign on the table gently reminded me to chew slowly and not to drink water throughout the meal.

During the rest of my stay, Dr Kogelnig prescribed me Diet Level 4, which is around 1,000 calories per day. My daily meals consisted of a bowl of Mayr soup, a bread roll, and 50g of protein, or alternatively, a bowl of porridge for breakfast. I must admit, towards the end of my stay, I started to crave sugar and often opted for the porridge with cinnamon.

For lunch and dinner, I began with vegetable soup, followed by a main course for lunch and crispbread with 50 grams of protein for dinner. I had initially worried about portion sizes, but I quickly realised that a bowl of soup was surprisingly filling when eaten with a teaspoon and chewed slowly. There were often times when I couldn't finish my main courses. On the last day of my stay, the waitress happily informed me that I could have dessert, but she advised me to limit my intake of the other courses so I could truly enjoy it.

A Typical Day at Park Igls

Each morning, it's recommended to start the day with bitter salts at least 30 minutes before breakfast to kickstart the system. This led to a few spontaneous trips to the bathroom throughout the day.

Breakfast is served between 7:30 am and 9:30 am, and after that, I’d head to the Kneipp circuit. This involved soaking my feet in warm water for 5 minutes before circling a small cold pool 3 times to stimulate blood flow. The rest of the day was quite packed with treatments and activities, running until after dinner, which is served between 6 pm and 7 pm. One of the highlights was the freedom of wandering around in my dressing gown throughout the day. I don't think I’ll ever get tired of having breakfast and lunch in my gown!

After dinner, I would pick up a pot of tea from the tea bar and head back to my room for my nightly abdominal wrap, which is essentially a hot water bottle aimed at enhancing the detoxification functions of the liver before bed. By 9:30 pm, I was usually fast asleep, a notable difference from my usual 11 pm bedtime at home.

Here, early nights and early starts are the norm. Appointments typically begin around 9 am, so it’s best to time breakfast accordingly. In the evenings, there’s not much to do apart from the occasional lecture, which usually wraps up by 8:30 pm, meaning most guests retire to their rooms after.

Summary

Park Igls is perfect for those seeking to cleanse both body and mind in a serene and tranquil setting. While it may not be the most luxurious hotel, the real draw here is the expertise and experience of the long-standing staff. During my stay, I met many guests from Amsterdam, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria who return year after year, often requesting the same doctors and therapists for their treatments. It's clear that the personalised care and expertise offered at Park Igls keep guests coming back for more.

Who It's Best for

I would highly recommend experiencing a stay at Park Igls as a solo traveller. During my visit, I found that most of the guests were travelling alone, with just a few couples and friends. One of the key principles of the Mayr cure is self-discovery, and your time here offers a unique opportunity to reflect on both your emotional and physical well-being. It’s the perfect environment for personal growth and introspection.