There’s a new kind of travel on the rise, one that doesn’t just take you to stunning places, but also uplifts your wellbeing from the inside out. Enter the ‘glowcation’: trips designed around skincare rituals, clean air, healing waters, and mindful moments that leave you literally glowing. From high-altitude retreats to geothermal wonderlands and island escapes, here’s why these five corners of the world are perfect for your next skin-and-soul reset.
South Korea – skincare capital of the world
If skincare had a capital city, it would be Seoul. South Korea’s beauty scene isn’t just about products; it’s a lifestyle. During your stay in the city, you can book an appointment at one of the cutting-edge clinics offering personalised facials and dermatologist-led treatments you’ve only seen on social media. Add in traditional jjimjilbang bathhouses, where steam rooms and body scrubs leave skin noticeably smoother, and you have a destination built around complexion care.
Switzerland – Alpine air and thermal spa towns
A visit to Switzerland offers a quieter, slower kind of glow up. High-altitude air in the Alps feels instantly clarifying, while spa towns such as Leukerbad and Bad Ragaz are known for their naturally heated, mineral-rich waters. Long soaks in thermal pools help ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and support skin hydration. Many alpine wellness hotels combine these waters with treatments using local herbs and botanicals, keeping things simple and effective. It’s less about trends and more about clean air, good sleep, and consistent, restorative routines.
Japan – Onsen rituals and mindful beauty
In Japan, self-care is effortlessly woven into everyday life. Onsen bathing is central to this experience, particularly in areas such as Hakone or Beppu, where naturally heated springs contain minerals believed to support skin health. The bathing process itself encourages you to slow down and be present. Pair this with forest walks, seasonal meals, visits to local shrines, and stays in traditional ryokan inns, and you’ll return home feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
Iceland – geothermal therapy in raw landscapes
For a more elemental version of wellness, head to Iceland. Geothermal lagoons, such as the Blue Lagoon, are rich in silica and minerals that gently exfoliate and soften skin. The contrast between hot water and cold Nordic air stimulates circulation and leaves you feeling alert yet relaxed. Beyond the headline spots, smaller geothermal pools dotted across the country offer quieter experiences rooted in nature.
Bali – holistic healing and tropical resets
Bali’s approach to glow is holistic. In and around Ubud, wellness retreats blend yoga, meditation, plant-based cuisine, and traditional Balinese treatments, such as herbal scrubs and flower baths. Many hotels offer treatments and classes to help re-centre you, but you can also find local programmes which focus on gut health, stress reduction, and sleep optimisation alongside skin-focused rituals. The pace is unhurried, encouraging longer stays that allow real change to happen.
To visit any of these glowcations, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
If you're dreaming of your next tropical escape, Saint Lucia shines as a truly remarkable Caribbean destination. With stunning landscapes, unique and welcoming culture, and a wide variety of experiences available, this island offers far more than spectacular beaches.
Time is the ultimate luxury. When you plan a long-haul holiday, you want the journey to be as seamless as the destination itself. Connecting flights often add unnecessary stress and consume valuable leisure time, so these new direct routes are definitely worth taking note of.
Made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, each of the Cayman Islands brings something slightly different, from the busier feel of Seven Mile Beach to the quieter, more untouched corners of the smaller islands. Alongside the scenery, food plays a big part in the experience, with the islands widely known as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or longer, time here tends to revolve around the sea during the day and good food in the evening.
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