When you’re researching the world’s best wellness clinics, two names consistently appear at the top: SHA Wellness Clinic and Lanserhof. Both are extraordinary longevity destinations that have transformed countless lives, including those of many Serenity Ways clients. But they’re remarkably different in their approach, philosophy, and who they’re best suited for.
In this post, I’ll be comparing SHA Spain and Lanserhof Sylt specifically. But SHA is also available in Mexico, and Lanserhof is also available in Lans and in Tegernsee. I’ll write about those in a later post. For now, let’s compare SHA Spain and Lanserhof Sylt. And this comparison goes beyond the marketing brochures: to give you the real insights you need to choose the right wellness retreat for you.
Two Medicines, Two Philosophies
Before we dive into the details, you need to understand the core distinction between these two exceptional wellness clinics. Thir fundamental difference is not just about location, it’s about two entirely different medical philosophies and practices.
SHA: The Integrative Medicine Approach
SHA Wellness Clinic was born from the personal health journey of Alfredo Bataller Parietti. After suffering from digestive health problems for over thirty years, he fixed his gut health and recovered his vitality through integrative medicine. In particular, through super healthy nutrition, and natural therapies combined with Western medicine. This experience became the driver to create SHA Wellness Clinic, and the foundation of the SHA Method.
The SHA approach is broad and inclusive. It integrates:
- Advanced diagnostics and Western medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), meridian-based diagnostics and acupuncture in particular
- Health-focused cuisine based on alcaline foods and macrobiotic principles
- Natural therapies and energy medicine
- Cutting-edge longevity science and, to some extent, biohacking
- Aesthetic and regenerative medicine, because why not continue to looking good when you intend to age well and enjoy life to the fullest?
Think of SHA as a symphony where multiple medical approaches play together. Dr. Vicente Mera, one of the leading experts in healthy longevity, oversees the medical approach at SHA, with the different departments. In the kitchen of SHA, Chef Andrés Morán creates what many consider impossible: healthy food that’s genuinely delicious, including desserts that make you forget you’re detoxing.
Lanserhof Sylt: Best-in-class Mayr Medicine
Lanserhof’s story is different. It was founded in 1984 in Lans, Austria. Back then, Lanserhof was built on the principles of F.X. Mayr Medicine, a century-old Austrian approach centered on one fundamental truth: digestive health as the foundation of systemic wellness.
Dr. Christian Harisch joined Lanserhof in 1998. He had a different, broader vision. Coming from a distinguished Kitzbühel hotelier family, Harisch brought luxury hospitality expertise to medical wellness. Quite ann innovation back then. Under his leadership, Lanserhof evolved from a single Austrian clinic into an international group known for combining Mayr medical advances with architectural and hospitality excellence.
The Lanserhof Concept (LANS Med Concept) is quite focused and “linear”, if we can say so from such an efficient medical method:
- F.X. Mayr Medicine principles as the foundation
- Intensive gut rehabilitation and regeneration
- Naturopathy combined with advanced diagnostics
- Structured fasting protocols
- Cardiology expertise (especially at Sylt)
Dr. Jan Stritzke is the medical director at Lanserhof Sylt and former head physician of cardiology at Nordseeklinik Westerland. He brings exceptional expertise in cardiovascular health. The whole medical team follows Mayr medicine approach, very methodical, thorough, and evidence-based.
The Totally Different Food Philosophies
This might be the most striking difference between the two clinics, and it affects your entire experience.
At SHA: The cuisine is genuinely enjoyable. Yes, it’s healthy. Yes, it’s plant-based and macrobiotic. But Chef Andrés Morán has created something remarkable: a menu that satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals. You’ll find beautifully presented dishes with complex flavors.
And yes, there are desserts. Delicious, guilt-free desserts made with natural sweeteners and innovative techniques.
The SHA Menu offers relatively generous portions with starters, mains, and desserts. You can also choose the Biolight Menu (more restrictive, around 1,200 calories) or the Kushi Menu (strictest macrobiotic, and lowest calories). But even on the more restrictive options, the food is prepared with the pleasure of eating in mind.
At Lanserhof: Let’s be honest, the diet is boring, really boring. But intentionally so!
The F.X. Mayr approach emphasizes extreme food simplicity to give your digestive system a complete rest. You’re likely to start with the classic Mayr staples, right after your first doctor consultation: spelt bread rolls or boiled potatoes, a small amount of curd or goat cheese, herbal teas, vegetable broths.
During the fasting period, portions are small, around 600-800 calories daily. The focus is on chewing slowly (very, very slowly), eating mindfully, and allowing your gut to regenerate.
It’s effective medicine, not entertainment. Most guests report that after a few days, they stop thinking about food and start feeling the benefits. But if you’re someone who finds joy in eating, this will be challenging.
For Health Recovery: Which Clinic Is Best?
If you’re coming to a wellness clinic because something’s wrong (chronic fatigue, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, post-COVID symptoms, post-cancer rehab, burnout, metabolic disorders) the choice between SHA and Lanserhof depends on the nature of your condition.
When SHA Is the Better Choice for Recovery
Best for:
- Complex, multi-system health issues
- Hormonal imbalances (thyroid, menopause, etc.)
- Chronic stress and burnout requiring comprehensive support
- Post-illness recovery (especially post-COVID)
- Conditions requiring both Eastern and Western medical perspectives
- Anyone who needs the psychological comfort of enjoyable food during healing
SHA’s integrative approach shines when your health issues are interconnected and complex. Their team of over 30 specialists can address multiple aspects of your health simultaneously. If you have thyroid issues affecting your energy, plus digestive problems, plus sleep disruption, SHA can create a comprehensive protocol that addresses all of these through different modalities.
The psychological benefit of eating well while healing shouldn’t be underestimated. Many of my clients find that SHA’s approach feels sustainable because they’re learning to eat deliciously and healthily: not just surviving on restricted calories (and don’t get me wrong, I love detox!).
The education component is strong: cooking classes, nutrition workshops, lifestyle coaching that you can actually implement at home.
SHA’s diagnostic capabilities include:
- Genetic testing and epigenetics analysis
- Advanced microbiome assessment
- Comprehensive hormone panels
- Cognitive function testing
- Body composition and metabolic analysis
- Biomarker testing for biological age
When Lanserhof Sylt Is the Better Choice for Recovery
Best for:
- Primary digestive system disorders (IBS, SIBO, chronic constipation, leaky gut)
- Metabolic syndrome and weight-related metabolic dysfunction
- Cardiovascular conditions requiring medical monitoring
- Conditions where gut health is the root cause (although, increasingly, we’re learning this is most conditions)
- Anyone who responds well to structured, disciplined protocols
- Sleep disorders related to digestive dysfunction
Lanserhof’s laser focus on the gut-health-first approach works miracles for specific conditions. If your primary issue is digestive, Lanserhof’s daily abdominal massages, intestinal rehabilitation protocols, and F.X. Mayr diet will likely produce faster, more dramatic results than SHA’s broader approach.
The Sylt location specifically excels in cardiological diagnostics and rehabilitation. If you have cardiovascular concerns, the combination of Dr. Stritzke’s expertise, advanced cardiac diagnostics (including MRI and CT), and the gut-heart axis approach is exceptional.
Lanserhof Sylt’s diagnostic capabilities include:
- Sleep laboratory assessments
- Heart rate variability (HRV) testing
- Bioimpedance analysis
- Metabolic and lactate testing
- Spiroergometry (VO2Max, an important indicator towards longevity)
- MRI and CT diagnostics
- Comprehensive cardiological workup
The medical approach at Lanserhof means every detail is tracked, measured, and adjusted with precision - German precision, we could say. Your daily doctor consultations are thorough and data-driven. If you’re the kind of person who likes numbers, graphs, and clear metrics showing improvement, Lanserhof delivers this in spades.
The Medical Teams: Who’s Taking Care of You
At both clinics, you’re in excellent hands, but the style differs significantly.
SHA’s medical approach feels collaborative and holistic. You might see a conventional medicine doctor in the morning, have a Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation after lunch, and work with a nutritionist in the afternoon. But depending on your program and your condition, you see the doctor at the beginning of your program and at the end, not necessarily every day. The team communicates constantly, and your treatment plan evolves based on how different modalities are working together.
Many guests describe SHA’s doctors as warm and encouraging. They’re guiding you toward health with multiple tools in their toolkit.
Lanserhof’s medical approach feels methodical and precise. Your primary physician (a Mayr doctor) oversees everything with German thoroughness. And you see your doctor every day: the daily check-ins track your progress against specific metrics, and also, how you feel, because a Mayr medicine unleashed profound blockages and emotions.
The abdominal massage can tell exactly what’s happening in your gut (as well as how your intestines are reacting to what you ate and how youn ate in the previous days) and it helps the doctor adjust the treatment accordingly. It also helps the circulation in your gut.
Many guests describe Lanserhof’s doctors as highly competent and efficient. Indeed Mayr medicine is extremely powerful at decoding and explaining how our metabolism works and what doesn’t work so well, in ways that are more straightforward and understandable than many other medical practices. You feel you’re in expert hands, and following a proven protocol.
For Those Seeking Health Optimization: Peak Performance and Longevity
I also love working with clients who are already healthy, energetic, and functional. But They always want to optimize, enhance longevity, improve performance, or simply maintain their physical or cognitive edge. Here the choice becomes more about your personal style and what motivates you. Some prefer SHA, and some prefer Lanserhof; and some stay regularly at both, combining their respective benefits.
SHA for the Optimization-Minded
Perfect for:
- Leaders and professionals who want comprehensive longevity strategies
- Anyone interested in biohacking and emerging wellness technologies
- People who want to learn sustainable healthy living practices
- Those who enjoy variety in treatments and approaches
- Anyone who wants their optimization journey to feel luxurious and enjoyable
SHA’s Advanced Longevity program is genuinely comprehensive. You get so much more than most health check-ups: you’re going for a complete optimization protocol that addresses cellular aging, cognitive enhancement, aesthetic wellness, and life extension strategies. The program includes everything from NAD+ therapy (if relevant, following doctor consultation) and hyperbaric oxygen or IHHT, to cognitive therapies (a rare capability in the medical wellness universe) and epigenetic analysis.
The clients who correspond to this objective already know a lot about healthy lifestyle, and how their body works and reacts. However, the experience at SHA for optimization is always uplifting.
Indeed, during such a program, you’re learning to live even better, not just restricting and detoxing. The breathing and mediation sessions are practical, focused on nervous systems rebalancing in high-stress conditions, like the ones you experience as a high-impact business leader. The fitness coaches train you with challenging but adaptable programs. And most importantly, the doctors live by their principle, and despite a crazily busy life, manage to integrate these healthy lifestyle practices themselves: I’m always impressed by how Dr Vicente Mera performs his “fitness snacks” in-between meetings and consultations, while being impeccably dressed with suit and tie.
It’s no surprise that many Serenity Ways clients return to SHA annually as part of their longevity strategy, often coming for 7-10 days to recalibrate, learn new techniques, and measure their biological aging markers. Sometimes they choose 14 days, and have all their treatments and sessions in the morning, and work from SHA in the afternoon, to avoid too much disruption in their work, while compounding the longevity benefits.
Lanserhof Sylt for the Optimization-Minded
Perfect for:
- High-performers who want intensive, focused optimization
- Anyone who believes gut health is the key to everything
- People who respond well to discipline and structure
- Those interested in German precision medicine
- Anyone seeking cardiovascular optimization
- People who can commit to the dietary restrictions
Lanserhof’s programs like Energy & Performance are designed for people who are already functioning at high levels but want to push further. The Lans Concept is also particularly well suited to design completely tailored programs for executive leaders and startup founders with high performance stakes.
Besides, the Lanserhof 4-day Longevity Check is remarkably efficient, with comprehensive diagnostics, targeted interventions, and actionable insights in less than a week. But like all programs of less than a week, it’s too short to detox and integrate lifestyle changes.
The gut-first approach to optimization makes total scientific sense. When your digestive system is functioning optimally, everything else improves: energy levels, sleep quality, mental clarity, cognitive power, immune function, even mood and emotional reliance. Lanserhof’s intensive focus on this foundation can unlock performance gains you didn’t know were possible.
The discipline required by the Mayr diet actually appeals to many high-achievers. There’s something clarifying about the simplicity. No decisions to make, just follow the protocol. Many executives and entrepreneurs find this mental decluttering as valuable as the physical detoxification.
The Longevity Technology Comparison
When you are further along on your preventive health journey, you know the treatments and technologies which really work well for you, those you like, those that feel really hard (ice bath in my case … oh I hate those!). Both clinics offer advanced optimization technologies, but with different emphases:
SHA’s technology suite includes:
- Cryotherapy chambers (but not the most impressive cryotherapy technology we’ve seen, to be honest)
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- Photobiomodulation (developed with NASA and Harvard)
- Transcranial current stimulation for cognitive enhancement
- Advanced body composition analysis (BCA)
- Genetic and epigenetic testing
- IV vitamin therapies, with extensive customization
Lanserhof’s technology suite includes:
- Cryotherapy (with a great tech)
- Advanced cardiac diagnostics (MRT)
- Sleep lab with detailed analysis
- Metabolic testing (spiroergometry, lactate analysis)
- State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT)
- Bioimpedance analysis
- HRV (heart rate variability) diagnostic and training
Two very different sea-side wellness clinics
Both SHA and Lanserhof Sylt are seaside destinations, but the experiences couldn’t be more different. For some clients, this matters more than you might think. The environment significantly affects your healing and optimization journey.
SHA Wellness Clinic: Mediterranean Radiance
SHA sits on a mountainside between the Sierra Helada Natural Park and Albir Beach near Alicante, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from afar. The location enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. For what that’s worth, the World Health Organization recognizes the region of L’Albir as one of the world’s best microclimates for health.
The Mediterranean advantage:
Warm, sunny climate year-round (even in winter, although it still rains from time to time)
- Gentle sea breezes and negative ions from the Mediterranean
- Outdoor activities possible almost any day
- Terraces and outdoor spaces you’ll actually use
- Vitamin D production from natural sunlight
- Psychologically uplifting environment
The surrounding area offers beautiful coastal walks. In the group activities at SHA, the morning walk to the nearby light house is a must. Everyone also loves a walk to the charming nearby Spanish villages (and Altea is stunning), and a landscape that feels inherently healing. The warmth and light contribute to the overall sense of vitality and wellbeing. Many guests find the sunny climate helps lift their mood, which is particularly valuable if you’re recovering from burnout or stress-related conditions.
From major cities:
- Alicante Airport: 60km (about 45 minutes)
- Valencia: 130km
- Madrid: 450km (or 3 hours by speed train to Alicante)
Lanserhof Sylt: North Sea Intensity
Lanserhof Sylt is located on the island of Sylt, positioned between dramatic sand dunes and the Wadden Sea (Wattenmeer). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an incredible landscape. This is the raw, powerful North Sea, not the gentle Mediterranean. The location in List, at the northern tip of Sylt, offers stunning natural beauty but a completely different energy.
The North Sea advantage:
- Crisp, clean air with high iodine content
- Thalassotherapy benefits from the Wadden Sea
- Cooler climate, which many find invigorating
- Less crowded, more contemplative atmosphere
- Perfect for walking, hiking, and nature / sea connection
- The weather “keeps you honest” about staying focused on the program
The North Sea climate is bracing and energizing. Temperatures are cooler, winds are stronger, and the light has a different quality. It is often described as clearer, sharper. Many guests find this environment perfect for deep introspection and serious health work. There’s something about the raw nature that helps you focus on yourself without distraction.
Sylt itself is one of Germany’s most exclusive destinations, it is very hype to spend the holidays there. It is known for pristine beaches, thatched-roof houses, incredible restaurants,and upscale Nordic atmosphere. The island has a refined, understated elegance.
From major cities:
- Hamburg: 200km (then train or small plane to Sylt)
- Copenhagen: Closer than most German cities
- Berlin: About 450km
Access to Sylt requires slightly more planning, in particular outside of the summer season: you typically fly to Hamburg and then take a train across the Hindenburgdamm causeway, or take a small plane directly to Sylt Airport. This journey is part of the experience; it creates psychological distance from your everyday life.
The Architecture & Atmosphere
The physical environment where you heal or optimize matters deeply. Both clinics are architectural masterpieces, but they create entirely different moods.
SHA: Minimalist Shades of White
SHA was designed by Uruguayan architect Carlos Gilardi and European designer Elvira Blanco Montenegro. The 27,000 m² complex features seven buildings with 93 suites, 11 residences (the latest Villa Alma is incredibly beautiful), and an 8,000 m² wellness clinic.
The aesthetic is clean, contemporary, and deliberately calming. White walls, natural materials, abundant natural light, and views that draw your eye to the Mediterranean or the mountains. The design is intentionally uncluttered—your mind needs space to rest, and the architecture provides that.
Every detail is considered: the art collection (there’s an actual art gallery on-site), the library (with great books), the cinema, the chapel (yes, a chapel!), the common areas designed for contemplation. The 90 treatment rooms ensure you never feel rushed or crowded. The pools, including the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean, are designed for relaxation and hydrotherapy, not exercise.
The overall feeling is serene luxury. You’re being pampered while being healed. The staff-to-guest ratio is high, and you feel cared for at every moment.
Lanserhof Sylt: Award-Winning Integrated Architecture
Lanserhof Sylt was designed by architect Christoph Ingenhoven (who also designed Lanserhof Tegernsee), and it’s genuinely breathtaking. The 20,000 sqm facility integrates very nicely into the dune landscapes. A really sophisticated elegance.
The signature feature at Lanserhof Sylt is a freestanding circular staircase. It spans five floors. A sculptural centerpiece that’s both functional art, and architectural statement. And I suspect the energy is nicely spiraling around it.
The building has floor-to-ceiling windows through which you keep admiring the views of the Wadden Sea, the clouds in the sky and the dunes. Everywhere, natural materials, muted colors, and Scandinavian-influenced design: it creates an atmosphere of refined simplicity, warmth, cocooning.
The aesthetic is more nordic than SHA, and slightly austere, but intentionally so, and without feeling less warm. It’s not really the decoration, more the vibes of Sylt, which the architects and designers have so well understood. And it truly creates the optimal environment for medical wellness.
The treatment areas, diagnostic facilities, and medical wing are state-of-the-art. There anre approximately 5,000 sqm dedicated to treatment and medical services: really huge, and it reflects the seriousness of purpose.
The overall feeling is focused precision. You’re here to work on your health with expert medical guidance in an environment designed to support that work. It’s beautiful, but it’s functional beauty. Every element serves the healing process.
Programs & Duration
SHA Programs
SHA offers exceptional flexibility in program design and duration. The core programs include:
- Rebalance & Energize (minimum 5 nights)
- Detox & Optimal Weight (minimum 7 nights)
- Advanced Longevity (minimum 7 nights, 14 nights recommended)
- Leader’s Performance (minimum 5 nights)
- Stay Your Way (minimum 4 nights, and you design it with your physician)
You can also add focused modules:
- Gut Health
- Sexual Well-being
- Sleep Well
- Quit Smoking
- Various aesthetic medicine treatments
The shortest stays at SHA are 4 nights. But SHA encourages longer stays (7-14 nights) because their integrative approach builds progressively. Shorter stays are for diagnostics, and repeat stays.
Lanserhof Programs
Lanserhof’s programs are more standardized, and of course, as they are based on F.X. Mayr principle, that the body needs time to regenerate:
- LANS Med Concept (7-14 nights recommended)
- Longevity Check (4 days, remarkably efficient)
- Energy & Performance (7 nights)
- Prevention & Regeneration (7 nights)
- Cardiological Rehabilitation (typically 14-21 nights)
The 7-night duration, or longer, is considered optimal for the Mayr cure to work properly. Your body needs time to adapt to the dietary changes, for gut regeneration to begin, and for the benefits to manifest. The first few days can be challenging (headaches, fatigue from detox, hunger), but by day 4 or 5, most guests report feeling significantly better.
The structured approach means there’s less flexibility, but it’s based on decades of clinical experience showing what works.
Which Clinic Is Right for You?
After all this information, how do you actually choose? Here’s my usual recommendation framework:
Choose SHA Wellness Clinic if you:
- Want a comprehensive, integrative approach that combines multiple medical angles and approaches
- Enjoy good food and would struggle with severe dietary restriction
- Prefer a warm, sunny climate that lifts your mood
- Value variety in treatments and approaches
- Have complex, multi-system health issues
- Are interested in longevity optimization with cutting-edge biohacking
- Want to learn sustainable healthy living practices you can maintain at home
- Respond well to encouragement and positive reinforcement
- Want the psychological benefit of pampering during healing
- Have hormonal imbalances or women’s health concerns
- Are recovering from burnout and need a nurturing environment
- Prefer a Mediterranean vacation element alongside medical treatment
- Want flexibility in program length and content
Choose Lanserhof Sylt if you:
- Have primary digestive system issues (IBS, SIBO, chronic gut problems)
- Want intensive, focused gut rehabilitation
- Value Mayr medicine precision and structured protocols
- Can commit to dietary discipline for better results
- Have cardiovascular concerns requiring specialized expertise
- Prefer a cooler, more contemplative climate
- Appreciate architectural excellence and minimalist aesthetics
- Want comprehensive cardiac diagnostics
- Need efficiency (the 4-day Longevity Check is exceptional)
- Respond well to discipline and clear rules
- Want to understand gut health as the foundation of everything
- Value the mental clarity that comes from dietary simplicity
- Are willing to prioritize medical results over culinary enjoyment
- Prefer a more clinical, less “resort-like” atmosphere
When You Honestly Can’t Decide
If you’re genuinely torn between the two, consider these tiebreakers:
Go to SHA if: You’ve read all this and find yourself focusing on the food restrictions at Lanserhof with dread. Your body will heal better at a place where you’re not struggling with constant hunger and food longing.
Go to Lanserhof if: You’ve read all this and feel excited about the intensity and discipline of the Mayr cure. If the structured approach appeals to you, you’ll get remarkable results.
Talk to an expert: At Serenity Ways, we make these recommendations constantly. Sometimes the right answer becomes clear when we understand your full health history, current situation, travel constraints, and psychological makeup. We know these clinics inside and out, and we can often see which one will work better for you even when you can’t.
The Serenity Ways Advantage
When you book either SHA or Lanserhof through Serenity Ways, you receive:
- An expert consultation with me to ensure you choose the right clinic and program
- Exclusive amenities (room upgrades when available, spa credits, early check-in)
- The best available rates (we guarantee you’re not paying more)
- Pre-arrival guidance on how to prepare for maximum benefit
- Support during and after your program if questions or concerns arise
More importantly, you benefit from my testing and relationship with these clinics. I’ve been there multiple times, know the key doctors and staff, and we understand the nuances that make the difference between a good experience and a transformative one.
Final Thoughts
Both SHA Wellness Clinic and Lanserhof Sylt represent the pinnacle of medical wellness. You cannot make a “wrong” choice between them. Only a choice that’s more or less suited to your specific needs, personality, and health goals.
SHA is broad, integrative, Mediterranean, and genuinely enjoyable. It’s where you go when you want comprehensive optimization or healing in an uplifting environment. The food is good, the sun is warm, and you’re learning to live well while being treated by world-class medical experts.
Lanserhof is focused, disciplined. North Sea precision, we could call it. It’s where you go when you want intensive gut rehabilitation, cardiac excellence, or German medical rigor. The food is medicine, the climate is bracing, and you’re doing serious health work under expert medical supervision.
I’ve seen miraculous results from both clinics. Clients who completely transform their health at SHA. Other clients who solve decade-long digestive issues at Lanserhof in just 14 days.
The question isn’t which is better. The question is which is better for you, right now, given your health status, goals, personality, and where you are in your wellness journey.
If you’d like help making that decision, that’s exactly what we do at Serenity Ways. Get in touch, and let’s find your answer together.