Soothing Seoul spas

For the latest in luxury, pay a visit to Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul. Sleek and modern, the resort overlooks Seoul’s Namsan Mountain, offering a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. Its signature Royal Banyan treatment includes a massage with a warm herbal pouch dipped in sesame oil, a cucumber cleanse, a jade face massage and an herbal bath, fusing Eastern and Western massage techniques. Another first-rate option is Spa 1899; its broad range of packages promise to target any and all needs, but the restorative red ginseng spa treatments for slow ageing are most popular.

If you enjoy shopping for skincare in Myeongdong, it’s worth noting that you can also enjoy massage and beauty treatments from your favourite big brands. At the Areuke Spa (pictured), you’ll learn how to reap the full benefits of Troiareuke skincare. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Hongdae, the spa offers a 30-minute skin analysis to tailor its facial and body treatments to individual needs.

Similarly, at Sulwhasoo’s flagship store in Gangnam, you’ll find the Sulwhasoo Spa and the Sulwhasoo Balance Spa. The former looks to tradition by using jade and white porcelain massagers for purifying and circulation-boosting effects. The latter takes a more modern approach, with a focus on relieving stress and eliminating fatigue from busy routines. Both make use of Sulwhasoo’s quality products for everything from back, leg and abdomen massages to moisturising, brightening and calming facials.