The wellness industry is experiencing a significant shift as luxury retreats focused on gut health gain popularity across Europe. With costs soaring upwards of $7,000, these week-long escapes promise rejuvenation through personalised diets, extensive medical assessments, and a variety of detoxifying treatments. One such retreat is Mayrlife Medical Retreat in Austria, where nutritionist and influencer Stephanie Robinson embarked on a transformative journey to improve her gut health.
A Summer Camp for Adults: The Retreat Experience
When Robinson arrived at Mayrlife nestled in the picturesque landscape of Altaussee in May 2025, she was greeted with an itinerary that resembled a summer camp schedule—albeit one filled with cryotherapy sessions, detox diets, and medical tests instead of s’mores and swimming. This retreat, part of a burgeoning trend in the wellness sector, reflects a growing awareness of gut health and its profound influence on overall wellbeing.
Robinson, who has 264,000 followers on social media, was gifted this $20,000 experience in exchange for sharing her journey online. Upon her arrival, she underwent a food sensitivity test that unveiled deficiencies in magnesium and amino acids, alongside dietary triggers like gluten and dairy that contributed to her digestive issues. “It felt intense at first; I thought I was coming down with the flu,” she remarked. Yet, as the days progressed, she noted significant improvements in her energy levels and skin clarity.
Rigorous Regimens and Dietary Restrictions
The retreat’s strict dietary guidelines were a pivotal aspect of Robinson’s experience. Meals were bland and meticulously planned, featuring items such as boiled potatoes and plain yogurt, devoid of sugars and carbs. Each meal was accompanied by the peculiar rule of chewing food 40 times before swallowing—a practice designed to enhance digestion and was emphasised by her “chewing trainer,” a piece of buckwheat bread she was encouraged to consume before every meal.
Dr. Werner Zancolo, a nutritionist at VIVAMAYR, another wellness retreat, explained that avoiding liquids during meals is crucial as it prevents the dilution of digestive juices. This approach, while rigorous, aims to create a holistic healing atmosphere where every guest receives individual attention and care.
Treatments That Go Beyond Diet
Beyond the restrictive meal plans, Robinson’s days were packed with spa treatments aimed at detoxification. She experienced IV drip therapy and cryotherapy, which she described as invigorating, providing a surge of dopamine and energy. The retreat offered a variety of treatments, including unique detox rituals such as lying on a waterbed wrapped in hay to stimulate metabolism. With doctors readily available for consultations, Robinson felt well-supported throughout her stay.
However, the transition back to everyday life posed its own challenges. Ontario-based dietitian Avery Zenker pointed out that while the treatments and dietary adjustments at such retreats are backed by science, the long-term benefits are not guaranteed. “Some may struggle to integrate their new habits back into their daily routines,” she noted, highlighting the importance of sustainable lifestyle changes.
A Broader Perspective on Gut Health
Robinson is not alone in her exploration of gut health retreats. Fellow influencer Matilda Bea Lawlor, who visited Mayrlife in February 2025, echoed similar experiences. Spending approximately $6,800, her days were a blend of spa treatments and medical assessments, which included food sensitivity tests revealing a candida overgrowth—a condition affecting many due to high-sugar diets.
Both women acknowledge the privilege of their experiences but also recognise the scrutiny that comes with sharing such journeys online. While some followers accused them of promoting unhealthy eating habits, both influencers defended their experiences as medically supervised and beneficial for their health.
Why it Matters
The growing trend of luxury gut health retreats underscores a shift in how society perceives health and wellness. These retreats offer a unique blend of medical intervention and holistic wellness, catering to individuals seeking to improve their quality of life. However, the challenge remains in translating these intensive experiences into sustainable habits that can be maintained beyond the retreat. As the wellness industry continues to flourish, the onus lies on individuals to discern what truly benefits their health in the long run, ensuring that the lessons learned during these transformative weeks are not lost in the return to everyday life.
