Spa and wellness veteran, Henri Chenot, has passed away, according to a statement released today (2 December) by his leading wellness brand, Chenot Group.

Founded by Henri nearly 50 years ago, the Chenot Group has been a pillar of the industry and is widely known for expertise in the medical spa, health and wellness field.

Henri always believed that “you need to live in harmony with yourself to be in good health,” and was dedicated to developing state-of-the-art medical spa programmes and products that promote wellness, successful ageing and optimal health.

In the early seventies, his approach to health and wellness led to the development of Biontology – the science of living and his method of rebalancing the physiology of the body that is implemented in all Chenot Health wellness retreats as the core therapeutic approach.

In 1974, he opened the first Chenot Wellness Centre at Cannes Polyclinic and established the Chenot Method, which is based on the principles of traditional Chinese healing combined with scientific advances in Western medicine.

The Chenot Group released a statement today announcing the news, which called Henri: “a creative leader and a devoted loving husband and father”.

“In his public life, Henri was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. He was larger-than-life, and his remarkable passion and talent had an enormous impact on both preventative and rejuvenating care; his insight would become the origin of a world-renowned wellness movement.

“We’re grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Henri. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”

The news comes after the Chenot Group recently announced Henri’s decision to retire and the subsequent appointment of Dr George Gaitanos, Chenot Group COO and scientific director, to continue the role of the scientific development of Chenot.

Earlier this year the group opened its Swiss flagship, Chenot Palace Weggis, and unveiled its first spa in partnership with One&Only Resorts, at One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia.