Ever since South Korea introduced the world to BB creams back
2011, we’ve been looking to the Far East for beauty guidance and
skincare innovations. A dermatology destination – not to mention
the plastic surgery capital of the world – Seoul is striding ahead
in the skincare stakes. Known for their flawless complexions and
extensive skincare routines – taking care of your skin is something
you’re taught as a child in Korea – Seoulites are skipping tired
one- or two-step regimens in favour of targeted skin treatments,
acne laser therapy and radiance shots. With many clinics now
offering English-speaking consultants to cater to a growing
overseas clientele, it’s time to swot up on the latest skin science
– the ultramodern Sulwhasoo Spa is a great starting point – and
book your flights ASAP.

Immerse yourself in a bath of seaweed, hand-harvested from the
unspoilt Atlantic coast of Ireland. Hundreds of seaweed baths once
populated the Irish coast, but now only a handful remain – two of
which are in County Sligo. One is in Enniscrone, the other in
Strandhill. The latter – a hipster village where surfers flock to
the giant Atlantic waves – is home to VOYA Seaweed
Baths; despite its modest appearance, treatments here are
highly effective. Post morning surf session, float in a tranquil
state and reap the benefits of thalassotherapy (the use of seawater
and ocean products). Organic seaweed treatments claim a multitude
of health benefits including softer skin, improved circulation and
diminished cellulite. We’re checking a case for our return journey
and stocking up on VOYA’s range of seaweed-rich shower gels,
facemasks and scrubbers.

Invented in Japan in 1978 as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis,
cryotherapy – Greek for “cold cure” – has surged in popularity in
the last decade. Mile-a-minute London – and West London in
particular – is the unsurprising vanguard of the treatment, which
promises to kick-start your body’s homeostatic mechanisms and burn
between 500-800 calories in the process. 111CRYO, the
UK’s first electrically cooled cryotherapy chamber founded by
Harley Street plastic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, is an
invigorating, rather than relaxing treatment. While paying top
dollar to freeze in subzero temperatures for three minutes a
session may seem an unusual way to spend your leisure time in
London, the beauty benefits are plentiful: tightening, toning and
smoothing skin as well as stimulating circulation and boosting
collagen. You will also get a major release of endorphins as a
result of the cold treatment. Plus, if you opt for a chamber
plotted at Harvey Nichols, a post-treatment shopping spree seems
like the only logical thing to do.

While Bordeaux is known for its abundant wineries, it’s the
vineyards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte that most appeal. At
the family-owned wine country inn, Les Sources de
Caudalie, we’re soaking up the goodness of the grape –
literally. Visiting the Vinothérapie Spa – the birthplace of
Caudalie’s world-famous, grape-based beauty products – we’re
signing up for a signature “Barrel Bath” on arrival. For some
neck-to-toe skin scrubbing, opt for the “Crushed Cabernet Scrub”
which combines honey, brown sugar and cabernet grape seeds. Don’t
be fooled by the spa’s luxurious woodshack look, treatments here
are high-tech with many infusing grape pomace and red wine
extracts, known for their exfoliating effects.