A jet of water is shooting at tight muscles, aimed by a proficient and reassuring therapist. This underwater, extension therapy is designed to relieve joints and misaligned sections of the spine. After twenty minutes later, I'm back on solid ground with shoulders that moved freely....and taller for sure.

Welcome to Gender Medicine

La Pura is a health resort exclusively for women and located in rural Austria, just over an hour from Vienna. Here it's all about gender medicine with 250 treatments on offer to address a wide range of health issues. Each guest is treated as an individual, their concerns specific and needs customised for noticeable results. Problems are not seen in isolation. Instead an integrated holistic approach is employed. Managed by doctors and specialists in their own fields, treatments are based on medical diagnostics and consultations using proven naturopathy and preventative methods. These range from FX Mayr nutrition, weight loss and detox to individual training programmes and counselling. And there's bio-energetic intolerance tests, medical osteopathy and traditional Chinese healthcare – the list is long but they all come under the umbrella of healthy ageing.

Treatments

Wobbly thighs, upper arms and tummies? There are treatments to help. A saliva test reveals hidden inflammations in the body. As for cosmetic corrections, a 3D skin analysis to determine facial age and collagen presence provides scientific evidence to diagnose the best treatment options which are discussed in detail with the consulting physician. Even a personalised serum is formulated for individual biological requirements. All this in the name of slowing down the ticking biological clock.

Activities

A range of activities are programmed for each day to work body and mind with a few new experiences to add to one's repertoire. Smovey walking is a popular choice, a one up-man-ship on Nordic walking. Weighted hand accessories accompanied our scheduled guided walks through the park, edging the river and climbing up through the forested area or to the castle ruins. In combination with movement, these bright green loops help with posture and joint mobility, coordination and loosening muscle tension. Along with yoga, a staple in spa resorts, other classes include street workout, balance, endurance and spine care exercises. The sling workout tested my abilities. This is aimed at functional strengthening using ropes which require muscles to stabilize the body in various postures. Days at La Pura are interesting, sociable and as busy as you want them to be. Healthy too!

Dining

And of course, the food. It's your choice.Some guests choose to follow the strict F.X. Mayr nutritional programme dining separately, away from temptation. Guests can follow a low-calorie menu or for those wishing to indulge, dinner is a 4-course affair. Yellow turnip coconut foam soup and salmon with lukewarm orange fennel salad are examples of the creative dishes served.Breakfast is ultra- healthy with warm millet porridge, spelt pancakes and vegan bircher served with an edible flower garnish – all too good to eat! To maintain such culinary virtues and encourage diet lifestyle changes, cookery classes are held in the show kitchen

The restaurant spills outside overlooking one of the local squares. The town of Gars is a quiet place and known as the home to singer-song writer, Falco. His monument ornaments the local park.

The Resort's Facilities

With 85 comfortable and classically styled rooms, this is a personal place to be. Groups of women and individuals stroll around in bathrobes in a relaxed environment, exchanging experiences over afternoon tea in the Boccaccaio room, a former theatre. Evening entertainment includes a pianist, wine tasting and workshops.

Soft music, scents and colour effects autograph the spa which includes a choice of saunas, steam rooms & an infra-red cabin. A refreshing touch are the flavoured salt and sugar peeling cups to exfoliate the skin, in a choice of flavours - mango, vanilla, chocolate or wood.And around every corner, relaxation areas appear in different modes, quiet rooms, warmed loungers, alcoves around the indoor pool and outdoor decks.

La Pura has healthy ageing at its heart, combining health and that feel-good factor. It is one of a kind in Europe. Linked to the University of Vienna, it can shout proudly and assuredly with the backing of science. This is a safe place to explore, embrace and enjoy healthy ageing with results to make you smile – those wobbly bits more in control, shoulders loosened and smovey and sling workout skills mastered. I left with body and soul in harmony.

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