Our weight-loss columnist and type 1 diabetic, Alice Dogruyol, gives herself the gift of wellness at luxury retreat Villa Eden in northern Italy.
Words: Alice Dogruyol. Images: Villa Eden. Headshot: David Venni
As someone who has long navigated the labyrinth of weight management, my journey is uniquely challenging. Balancing perimenopause and type 1 diabetes feels like walking a tightrope. Every insulin dose, an indispensable yet powerful fat-storage hormone, turns weight loss into an uphill battle.
Health retreats have become my sanctuary, offering a vital escape from the relentless routine of blood glucose monitoring. Yet, they are far more than mere getaways; they are essential pit stops on my ongoing journey to wellness and weight loss.
Reducing my Mounjaro dose from 12.5mg to 10mg proved to be more complicated than anticipated, rekindling the relentless “food noise”. Like many others, I see Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro as revolutionary tools for maintaining a healthy BMI and balanced blood sugar. But they are just that: tools. True weight management starts from within, and that’s where retreats become irreplaceable.
When an Italian friend recommended Villa Eden in Merano, Northern Italy, I felt an inexplicable pull. Known for transcending conventional wellness, this retreat promises cutting-edge health solutions, seamlessly blending luxury and therapeutic innovation. Jetting off on a direct flight from Gatwick to Bolzano with SkyAlps Airlines, I arrived just in time for dinner.
Stepping into Villa Eden’s candlelit dining room, I was enveloped by an air of elegance and tranquillity. The ambiance was one of effortless sophistication, with silver service and Michelin-star-level dining that would leave any A-lister feeling right at home. I couldn’t help but imagine Barbra Streisand, who once graced this villa, soaking in the same serene atmosphere.
On my table sat a delicate booklet adorned with an Oscar Wilde quote: “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” The words struck a chord, grounding me in the purpose of my visit. Villa Eden was precisely where I needed to be.
Detox luxe
Under the guidance of Dr Emanuele De Nobili, I was introduced to Villa Eden’s food philosophy, designed to stabilise blood-sugar levels. Every meal starts with a salad dressed in olive oil and apple cider vinegar, a practice that reduces blood sugar spikes – crucial for diabetes management. This nutritional approach nourished my body and aligned with my health goals, proving that wellness need not be restrictive.
Executive chef Marcello Corrado’s detox-focused menu was a revelation. Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, and even salt-free, yet each dish burst with flavour and sophistication. Every bite was proof that detoxing doesn’t require compromising on taste.
I was delighted to find that Villa Eden’s philosophy aligns with my approach to diabetes management: carbs at lunch, protein at dinner. This strategy minimises insulin needs at night, enhancing fat-burning during sleep.
Even with its commitment to health, Villa Eden maintains an authentic Italian dining experience, offering double organic-certified coffee, fine wines from the local Castel Rametz estate, and sumptuous meals crafted with the highest quality ingredients. Here, indulgence and wellness coexist in perfect harmony.
A family affair
With just 25 suites, Villa Eden exudes exclusivity and intimacy. My room, nestled in the eaves of the historic villa, was cosy and luxurious. One suite even bears the name of its most famous guest, Luciano Pavarotti – the Pavarotti Junior Suite.
Located in the historic spa town of Merano, Villa Eden is more than just a luxury retreat; it’s a pioneer of wellness. Established in 1982 by Karl Schmid, the villa became Italy’s first “beauty farm”, a concept far ahead of its time. Collaborating with wellness guru Henri Chenot, Schmid laid the foundation for one of the world’s premier longevity destinations.
Today, his daughter Angelika Schmid continues his legacy, seamlessly blending preventative health technology with unparalleled personalised luxury. Meeting Angelika herself was a delight; her warmth and charisma imbue Villa Eden with a rare, intimate charm.
Villa Eden’s spa is an Aladdin’s cave of wellness. My journey began with a Touch for Health session with Stefan Pichler, using kinesiology to pinpoint and unlock physical and emotional imbalances. A cleansing facial with Villa Eden’s own product line followed, reviving my skin and spirit.
Biohacking my health
Villa Eden’s commitment to science-based wellness is nothing short of revolutionary. I underwent an epigenetic check-up, where strands of my hair were analysed, revealing detailed insights about my nutritional deficiencies and toxin levels.
This was followed by a bioelectric impedance analysis, delivering a comprehensive report on my body composition, inflammation, and bone density. The results were illuminating. They revealed an imbalance in my omega 6 and omega 3 ratio, prompting dietary adjustments to reduce inflammation. I also discovered deficiencies in selenium, co-enzyme Q10, anthocyanidin, and flavonoids. These insights guided precise supplementation to enhance my metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Villa Eden is a hub of biohacking technology designed to optimise health and longevity. I experienced the Cellgym machine (top right), which trains your body to withstand low-oxygen conditions, boosting mitochondrial function and fat burning. The LPG Endermologie treatment effectively targeted cellulite, while the Zerobody Dry Cryo flotation therapy introduced me to cryotherapy without needing the shock of icy waters.
With infrared and regular saunas, ozone therapy, IV nutrients, and a suite of aesthetic procedures, Villa Eden goes beyond conventional wellness, offering a holistic approach to vitality.
Physical activity is also an integral part of the experience. High-tech gym facilities, personalised training sessions, yoga classes, and guided hikes through the breathtaking landscapes of Merano create a balanced routine of movement and mindfulness.
Being at Villa Eden was like being invited into a secret world of wellness tailored just for me. Every detail, from the state-of-the-art health diagnostics and the innovative treatments, to the thoughtful, attentive team made me feel seen and cared for.
Wellness isn’t merely about physical health; it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection with others. It was an immersive experience where wellness and luxury meet, reminding me that investing in my health is the most profound gift I can offer myself.
Prices for a three-night stay start from €580 including accommodation and healthy detox menu (not including a wellness programme or treatments). For more information, visit villa-eden.com/en. Fly direct with skyalps.com/en.
Connect with Alice at instagram.com/Alice_Dogruyol, and read her past columns weight loss columns here!
