Top 5 glowcation destinations that’ll revive your soul

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.

Top 5 glowcation destinations that’ll revive your soul

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.

3 different ways to experience Malta

09 October 2026

A short break to Malta can look very different depending on how you like to travel. You could check into a five-star hotel and build your days around art, architecture, and Michelin-starred dining. You could slow everything down, wandering through neighbourhoods, stopping for pastizz, and exploring historic towns. Or you could use Valletta as a base for hiking, kayaking, diving, and days spent discovering Malta’s coastline. Here are three ways to make a short break in Malta completely your own.

The perfect guide to a Valletta city break

09 October 2026

For a city break with plenty to see, eat, and experience, Valletta makes a wonderful choice. Malta’s compact capital is easy to explore on foot, with honey-coloured streets leading to grand palaces, historic churches, and harbour viewpoints. From its impressive fortifications to its lively restaurant scene, Valletta brings together centuries of history and a distinctly Mediterranean way of life, making it ideal for visitors who want more from a short break than simply sightseeing.

Travel Counsellors experience the magic of Bhutan

02 October 2026

Bhutan offers a rare sense of stepping away from the familiar. On a recent eight-night journey, a group of Travel Counsellors travelled from Thimphu to Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro, experiencing mountain passes, riverside valleys, ancient monasteries, local communities, and peaceful highland landscapes along the way. The itinerary combined significant landmarks with hands-on experiences and quieter moments, offering a thoughtful introduction to a country that still feels wonderfully untouched.

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