Medical spa brand, Lanserhof Group, has welcomed the first guests to its all-new coastal health resort on the German island of Sylt.

Plans for the 55-key property were first revealed in 2017 and Lanserhof has invested more than €120m (US$128.6m, £102.6m) in the intervening years to bring the property to fruition.

Currently in a soft opening phase, Lanserhof Sylt joins the group’s four other properties: the original, Lans, in the Tyrol region of Austria; Lanserhof Hamburg; Lanserhof Tegernsee, in the Bavarian district of Miesbach; and a private wellness clinic in London called Lanserhof at The Arts Club.

The new destination’s beating heart is its 5,000sq m treatment area. The facility is complete with a spacious spa – equipped in part by Unbescheiden – and features saunas, steam baths, a relaxation area and an indoor and outdoor pool with a sun terrace hidden in the island’s coastal dunes.

There are also two interconnected saltwater indoor and outdoor pools and a striking five-story, freestanding spiral staircase which serves as a centrepiece for the destination.

Treatments on offer
Programming at Lanserhof Sylt is centred around the brand’s signature LANS Med Concept, inspired by the Mayr method.

The concept blends modern diagnostics and medicine with natural healing methods – through a combination of detox treatments, mental training, movement therapy and programmes for beauty and aesthetics, as well as traditional massage treatments.

Programming at the resort also has a focus on cardiological rehabilitation for acute or chronic diseases, as well as treatment for respiratory and skin diseases.

These priorities were inspired by the island’s reputation for restorative sea air, which is claimed to provide relief for allergy and respiratory disease sufferers.

Lanserhof has appointed medical director and cardiologist Dr Jan Stritzke, a specialist in cardiological rehabilitation for acute and chronic illnesses, to oversee programming at Lanserhof Sylt.

Stritzke said: “Surrounded by the unique and ever-present nature of Sylt, the new resort awaits guests in a place where modern, flowing and natural architecture radiates tranquillity and at the same time combines modern, cutting-edge medicine with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and alternative naturopathy.

“For this new Lanserhof experience, we’ve built a great team of physicians, therapists, sports and nutrition scientists, and therapists I can’t wait to introduce to our guests.”

Rates start from €7,120 (US$8,233, £6,044) per person for a seven-night Lanserhof Cure Classic.

Design details
Lanserhof Sylt is located on one of the highest elevations on the island, providing visitors with panoramic views of the nearby harbour and the adjacent landscape conservation area.

Set against the backdrop of the Wadden Sea, the resort has been designed with minimalist interiors and open spaces to keep guests’ attention focused on the natural beachfront surroundings.

Built on the site of a former military camp near the village of List, the construction and design of the resort were overseen by long-time Lanserhof collaborator, architect Christoph Ingenhoven, founder of Ingenhoven Architects. He claims the design is inspired by Sylt’s local architecture and climate, as well as by the construction of Frisian houses, which typically feature low storeys, glass, wood and thatch.

In tribute to this inspiration, the property has been crowned with what is reportedly Europe’s largest thatched roof, measuring 17,000sqm.

Integrating sustainability into the project was a core pillar for Ingenhoven and the team. This motivated them to use entirely sustainable, non-emitting materials during construction. Dr Christian Harisch, MD of Lanserhof Group, said: “The island of Sylt is a magical place that enchants and ensnares anyone who visits. We’re proud to have brought a unique architectural vision to life – nestled among the island’s dunes.

“Sylt never ceases to move and inspire me, so it was important for us to preserve this treasure for generations to come. Lanserhof Sylt is a place where natural healing meets innovative medicine and diagnostics. Fully focused on guests’ individual health goals, everything is precisely tailored to you.”