A few years ago I spent two wonderful nights at La Réserve in Geneva. It was my first time there and I got to experience a medley of their different offerings.
This time, I was invited with a very specific goal in mind – learn how to age better! Who wouldn’t want to grow younger? I certainly welcome the idea of feeling and looking great at any age. I’m convinced that with the proper lifestyle, diet, mindset and entourage, one can easily reverse the negative effects normally associated with aging.
My first experience with Nescens Better Aging program was last March at the Victoria Jungfrau Hotel & Spa. There I got a thorough initiation and here I got to understand the principles better by meeting the brains behind the research.
The Nescens Better Aging Program isn’t just another spa to get pampered and relax away from one’s stressful life. This program was designed in accordance to the scientific findings and standards of Nescens Clinique de Genolier.
The Nescens Clinique de Genolier combines different medical and scientific activities dedicated to the detection, prevention, and treatment of pathologies linked to aging – the most recent findings draw on the impact of lifestyle on the aging process and how it is possible for everyone to live well for as long as possible!
When thinking back, I realize how much valuable information I gathered; data I will benefit from for a very long time.
For anyone who’s ever wanted to defeat age – Nescens Spa is a Must try!
So thank you to the entire team at La Réserve and Nescens for opening your home so graciously. Aside from the treatments, spending time with Nathalie Aubrun, Director of Nescens Spa and Professor Jacques Proust, pioneer in the development of biology of aging and anti-aging medicine, was such a treat. Getting to know them, hearing their story and understanding their vision was the highlight of my time there. Nothing would exist if it weren’t for those who choose to see beyond the obvious and stretch the edges as far as they can to change our world for the better.
This article, as the one before is not meant to be a review of my experience at an another five star hotel (at least not only). It is to shed light on a topic that affects all of us, sooner or later. The concept of age has dramatically evolved since our parents and grand-parents’ eras. The argument surrounding this subjective number is no longer valid and can no longer be used to define us, our health or our ability to thrive and live a fulfilled life.
Today, more than ever I understand how age is just a concept used to confine us in a box. It literally means nothing more than a number. Having said that, it can only be defied if we decide to take our life into our own hands by implementing new ideas and changing our lifestyle (mental, spiritual, physical)
I will also share some of my personal results to help you better relate to the process but also hopefully help you on your own journey towards better aging.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of our program, I’d like to share a few facts about the hotel and the spa.
ABOUT
La Réserve counts 73 rooms and 29 Suites, five restaurants, a health spa and countless other amenities. Michel Reybier’s (owner of hotel) vision was to bring a piece of the world inside and help his guests be transported to a universe where imagination prevails. Parisian Interior Designer Jacques Garcia brought Mr Reybier’s vision to life with his personal signature – a refined style of African lodges.
DINING
Café Lauren
Housed at the spa, this is where I spent most of my time.
The concept, designed by Chef Eric Canino is:
Healthy Living = Healthy Cooking and Eating
You won’t find butter at Cafe Lauren!  – only delicate, delicious olive oil is used. Every single dish blends perfectly the pleasures of the palate with healthy cooking. But as Chef Nathalie Nguyen noted to me last time already, healthy living does not mean dieting or eating boring!
Our menu had been especially designed to fit our dietary needs – gluten and carb free! I must admit that I couldn’t resist the home-baked bread they served but I was able to keep it to one slice. The rest was super seasonal, healthy and tasty.
Dinner – The Tsé Fung, Michelin-starred restaurant
Both delightful and surprising. Chef Franck Xu didn’t let us down with his interpretation of Chinese haute cuisine.
The ambiance, decor, service were stellar and the food was not only a tease for the eyes but also a dream for the palate. Every bite had its own merit.
The Loti
Dining there is like traveling around the world – so many impressions, flavors and ideas. Every bite is a reminiscence of a memory or an emotion.
Now let’s get to the juicy part of this article!
MY BETTER AGING PROGRAM
This is what I received first thing upon checking in. Not so bad 🙂
Osteopathy
Managing the impact of one’s lifestyle (posture, dietary habits…) is essential in order to safeguard future health and Osteopathy is one of the key elements in ensuring that. Thankfully, I only needed a few minor adjustments!
Body diagnostic
I wasn’t as nervous as I was last March since I knew what to expect! I’m still a “Selectarian” leaning mostly towards a Plant-based lifestyle. Once in a while I still indulge in red meat and fish. I quit eating processed sugar a couple of years ago and now I have even cut out my all time favorite – Cheese! I have not felt better in years. My brain is sharper, my energy more steady and my body leaner.
Last time I mentioned not being able to lose those extra couple of kilos for the life of me. Let’s see what the new diagnosis will reveal this time around.
My nutritionist was concerned that the lack of meat protein would impede the proper functioning of my body, specifically my muscle mass and bones. I told her not to worry and that “the result is in the pudding”!
Here you go!
Not only am I in top shape, but my metabolic age is 15 years less than my actual age!! Woohoo!!
Since last March, my muscle mass increased, my fat decreased as well as my weight. My hair is not falling as it was then either.
My conclusion is the following: each person has to figure out what works best for them and their body. Because studies state certain facts, it doesn’t mean that they’re meant for everyone.
Treatments
I’m blessed and blissed out! No other words to describe the feeling and gratitude I feel.
I began my weekend with a private training. Needless to say I got my butt kicked big time! I also took away a few very good tips I can use at home anytime. Then to relax my body from the strenuous activity (lol) I received a full body massage to “ease” me further into the program 🙂
The second day, I got to try out something totally new to me: EMSculpt.
This technology, which is completely new to Geneva, generates 20,000 muscle contractions during each 30-minute session in order to sculpt your body without the sweat and effort. Basically you just lay there and let the machine do the work.
After all that hard work and sweat, my face was in desperate need for some lovin’, commonly named a facial! I think I received one of the best facials ever. I came out feeling relaxed and looking totally rejuvenated – I had zero need for makeup that evening.
Everyone needs some real pampering once in a while. We spend so much time, energy and money on ridiculous things but far not enough on ourselves. After all, who better to treat than oneself?
I could share my entire program with you but it would take pages and pages of typing. If any of you wants to reset their button, better understand their own body and make long-lasting changes that will not only benefit them but also their loved ones, then the Nescens Better-Aging program is for you! Best part, you can take your family with you and experience a wonderful time together.
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