INSIDE THE LONGEVITY CLINIC TO THE STARS

Switzerland's La Prairie has looked after everyone from Cary Grant to Churchill — and it's still Europe's most cutting-edge medi-spa. Madeleine Spencer checks in

- Madeleine Spencer

There is something reassuring about the immaculate grounds of Clinique La Prairie. First impressions count for everything, especially when you are about to hand over your mind and body for forensic medical examination.

Perched on the edge of Lake Leman and flanked by snow-dusted mountains near Montreux in Switzerland is a gleaming compound dedicated to preventative health. The research of its pioneering founder Dr Paul Niehans into cellular therapy in the 1930s made it the original longevity clinic. Since then, the list of those who have handed themselves over to its care has included Truman Capote, Cary Grant, Igor Stravinsky and, perhaps improbably, given his penchant for cigars and whisky, Sir Winston Churchill. I can't tell you who I saw in those hallowed hallways, but I can unequivocally tell you that it still draws big names.

It remains the most cutting-edge medi-spa in Europe. The medical facilities are best-in-class and each programme is supervised and executed with precision to benefit each guest at the specific time of visiting. I found them to be incredibly thorough - there's no one-size-fits-all here - with each of the five programmes that are currently running completely catered to the individual.