A fasting clinic may not sound like an appealing holiday â but a stay at Buchinger Wilhelmi in Marbella has the potential to be life-changing
 Words: Jonathan Whiley
Sitting above Lake Constance in Germany, some locals call it âthe hunger castleâ. The Buchinger Wilhelmi clinic was founded in 1953 by Dr Otto Buchinger, a pioneer of medical fasting. He founded the clinic after subjecting himself to a prolonged period of fasting that cured his rheumatic fever after the First World War. Now run by the third generation of his family, it is one of the worldâs leading specialists and welcomes guests from around the world, who check in for a 10-day fasting programme to aid weight loss or alleviate medical conditions, from inflammation to chronic illness.
While 10 days is the minimum required to fast, those staying for a shorter period can follow a reduced calorie plan. This isnât my first rodeo at Buchinger. In 2018 I stayed at its German clinic, where not only did I lose weight, but my blood pressure dropped considerably, my energy levels increased dramatically and tests discovered a severe vitamin D deficiency (common for those living in sun-starved London). This time, in search of the sun, I made for its palm tree-studded sister clinic in Marbella (opened by Ottoâs daughter in 1973) on a five-day, 800-calorie-a-day programme. The Andalusian setting is lighter, brighter and more hotel-like than its German counterpart, and a programme of activities means that you can enjoy a morning beach walk or even a boat trip. Of course you donât have to leave the clinic.Extensive facilities include a heated outdoor pool, gym, tennis court, art studio, beauty salon, library and even a cinema room.
Those fasting are mercifully separated from those on calorie-controlled diets; fasters have a dedicated lounge to have their vegetable broth or juice (after the first few days, food is carefully reintroduced), while in a separate outdoor dining space I enjoy a menu of ever-changing low-calorie (yet delicious and highly creative) vegetarian meals â think âsuper muesliâ for breakfast, quinoa vegetable risotto for lunch.Rules apply; no smoking or alcohol (a small amount of coffee is allowed â hooray!) and mobile phone calls are not permitted in public areas.There is a timetable too; a blood test and urine sample are taken soon after check-in and each morning involves a check-up to monitor your blood pressure and weight. During my stay I see a series of excellent specialists â a nutritionist, osteopath, psychologist, personal trainer, doctor â and treatments that range from a Thai massage to a vitamin IV drip.
While much (rightfully) is made of the science-backed fasting benefits, Buchinger â whose patients often include burnt out CEOs â takes a wider look and more long-term approach to health. Yes I was delighted to have lowered my blood pressure and lost two kilos, but leaving as I did feeling more relaxed and resilient â armed with the knowledge of dietary deficiencies and how to enact lifestyle changes â has the potential to be life-changing.
