ABSTRACT
Sebastian Kneipp was a German priest and naturopath, who advocated a holistic approach to health and wellbeing by embracing five principles, that of phytotherapy, hydrotherapy, healthy nutrition, exercise and a balanced lifestyle in harmony with nature. His teachings have strongly influenced medical wellness offerings in many certified spas and health resorts based on traditional water treatments known as Kneipp Kur (Kneipp cure). Kneipp’s philosophy needs to be seen in the context of its time and also Kneipp’s personal circumstances, which will be briefly outlined below before an overview of his philosophy and the way it has influenced complementary therapies to date is provided. This information will form the requisite background for the ensuing review of the development of Kneipp spas and health resorts. The final part of the chapter explores how Kneipp’s philosophy can be translated into a broader destination context. Here, the Unterallgäu region in Bavaria (Germany), where the five Kneipp tenets have been used as guiding principles to promote regional development, will be discussed.
