The Best Luxury Facials in the World Right Now

How much would you pay for a luxurious beauty treatment? If money is no object, and you’re looking for best facials in New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong and other cities, you’re in luck. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has tracked down the best luxury facials in the world right now. Maybe you live in one of these metropolises – or maybe you’ve just gotten off a plane and you want to fight the effects of jet lag. Whatever the reason, when you’re ready for world-class self-care, here’s where to go.

tlc after a tough winter

Could a $1,500 facial ever be worth it? We’d have to say yes, given the winter we’ve just had. Blizzards, the polar vortex, the daily headlines – yikes! If ever there was a moment for some skin pampering, this is it.

Between the bitter cold, biting wind, and dry heat blasting indoors, winter wreaks havoc on our skin. So there’s no better time than now for some well-deserved rejuvenation. We’ve already shared our list of the secret skincare products of the well-to-do.

But what if you don’t want to DIY it? Well, dear reader, there are plenty of trained professionals who’d be happy to help. From iconic hotel spas to celebrity favorites, we’ve rounded up the world’s best luxury facial treatments. Repeat after us: spring is coming.

the best luxury facials in the world right now

When money is no object, and you’ve got the time for some world-class self-care, here are the places we’d head to if we were you:

EAST COAST

New York City

White Caviar Illuminating Facial. The White Caviar Illuminating Face treatment is just as elegant as its name suggests. At the La Prairie Spa at the Ritz Carlton, technicians use Golden Caviar extracts to remove age spots and enhance skin’s natural glow. This facial promotes an even skin tone by helping to prevent discoloration. It also has a brightening effect. The result? Skin is left firm, hydrated and illuminated.

In addition to this luxurious facial, both your hands and feet are pampered with a relaxing massage. Even better? This facial includes three White Caviar products to take home. $1,250/90 min

Purple Ray Facial. Housed on Fifth Avenue, Tracie Martyn’s legendary Purple Ray facial is squarely aimed at turning back time. The combination of red and blue lights not only gives the treatment its trademarked name. It also works to address blemishes, while helping cells regenerate. The Purple Ray treatment is followed by a hydrating “uber-mask” that brightens your complexion. The treatment ends with a cooling oxygen mist. $350/60 min

CBD Vibe Facial. Ildi Pekar is an aesthetician to supermodels like Miranda Kerr and Iryna Shayk. A native of Budapest, the spa capital of the world, Pekar is always formulating new potions to use in her facials. Starting with electric stimulation to tighten and tone the the face, in this procedure the skin is hydrated with her own special CBD oil, which has the added benefit of reducing inflammation.

And not to worry- CBD is made using cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The only high you’ll be getting is that of having a radiant visage. Finally, oxygen therapy helps balance the pH level of the skin and encourage production of collagen. $400/60 min

Washington D.C

Four Seasons Diamond and Gold Facial. The Four Seasons Spa recommends this luxurious facial for advanced spa goers. Skin is first gently buffed with ultrasonic exfoliation. Then its treated with micro-current therapy, which lifts and tones tired facial muscles. A specialty serum is applied to further smooth and hydrate skin. The treatment is then finished with LED therapy to calm redness and stimulate collagen production. Walk out shining like gold and diamonds. $570/90 min

Boston

Stem Cell Facial. At Balans Organic Spa, the focus is on all-natural Swedish skin care derived from essential oils and plant extracts. This facial starts with a chemical peel derived from a formula of 20% sugar beets to exfoliate the skin. Live rose root stem cells, which have been transported form Sweden, are kept alive in refrigerated coconut water.

When the facial begins, the stem cells are taken out and crushed into a mask. It’s then applied directly to the skin, providing maximal nutritional content. These stem cells increase cell renewal, protect against free radicals and increase the vitality and resilience of your skin. $275/75 min

WEST COAST

Beverly Hills

Ultimate Six-In-One Facial. Science and technology rule at this Hollywood hideaway.  The Peninsula Spa provides intimate treatments that pack a punch—like the Ultimate Indulgence. This six-in-one, two-hour facial features diamond-tip micro-dermabrasion to resurface skin for that dewy youthful glow. An oxygen blast to firm and tone. And radio-frequency therapy to increase the oxygen supply to your skin tissue.

On top of that, there’s LED light and color therapy to re-balance the complexion. Air massage to eliminate toxins. And “electroporation,” a process that exposes skin to a mild electrical field to improve its ability to absorb active ingredients. $1,500/120 min

Los Angeles

Triple Crown Facial. The Triple Crown Facial is the signature treatment by Joanna Vargas. It includes a unique combination of microdermabrasion, microcurrent, and oxygen-infused therapy to refine, lift, and tone the skin. The immediately-visible results are smooth, firm, youthful-looking skin with a radiant glow. We’re told that each session triggers collagen and elastin production, meaning you quickly see improvement. There’s also a New York City location. $250/60 min or $550/60 min with Joanna herself

San Francisco

Grand Luxe Red Carpet Facial. Coveted by celebrities, socialites, and skin care experts, this sumptuous three-hour treatment at the Spa Radiance includes almost every anti-aging tool available. Starting with a comprehensive cleansing and diamond peel exfoliation, you then receive a specialized lymphatic drainage massage.

This is followed by a gentle non-surgical face-lift, using microcurrents to restore elasticity, stimulate circulation and re-sculpt the facial structure. Finally, your skin is treated to a nourishing caviar facial mask, a mega-hydrating eye treatment, and healing LED light therapy. Throughout this age-defying treatment, you will be treated to soothing massage including a hand and foot treatment. Where do we sign up?  $750/180 min

Tucson

Cara Vida Facial. This one of a kind facial at Miraval is inspired by Native people of Arizona and their use of Mesquite, fondly referred to as the “tree of life”. After cleansing the skin, a gentle exfoliation of Chia seed husks and oil is followed by a hand-crafted mask of fresh comfrey, green tea, citrus and rose steeped onto muslin.

Next follows a layered mask comprised of local organic honey, and cold pressed organic Chia Seeds, rich in healing vitamin-C, nourishing Omega 3’s and preventative antioxidants. The facials ends with a massage of your shoulder, arms, hands and feet with warm organic chia seed oil leaving you glowing, renewed and restored. $195/50 min

Boulder

Naturopathica Honey Kombucha Brightening Facial. At the award winning St. Julien Spa, clients with all skin types can benefit from this naturally inspired facial. Starting with a Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm, the skin is hydrated and prepped. A Kombucha Bio-cellulose Collagen Mask is applied to turn dull skin dewy. A treatment using Matcha Green Tea nourishes the oft-forgotten skin on your hands. The entire experience is topped off with a hot oil scalp massage. $165/60 min

ASIA

Bangkok

Empress of the Sea Facial. Did you ever imagine that you would have starfish fluid rubbed on your face? Before you recoil, think about it. Starfish possess regenerative properties to regrow entire limbs. In this deluxe facial at the Dii Divana Wellness Spa, the skin is prepped first with “electroporation” so that it can better absorb the penetration of Juventide (a serum made from the coelomic fluid of starfish). Next, radio-frequency is used to tighten up your skin and reinvigorate your cells. A scrub made of crushed golden pearls reveals brighter skin, followed by a champagne bath and acupressure massage. $710/300 min

Dubai

Luxurious Rose Facial. Having won countless awards, the Talise Ottoman Spa is an experience like no other. And the Luxurious Rose facial is no exception. Steam, exfoliation and extractions deeply cleanse your skin. That’s followed by a luxurious face massage to restore the skin’s vitality using a either diamond, emerald, ruby or sapphire face oil. Then comes a customized face mask for rejuvenation and purity. The skin is left radiant and re-energized with an application of a suitable eye treatment, ampule and moisturizer.  Following your facial, visit the spa’s spectacular Turkish Hammam. $160/60 min

Hong Kong

24 Karat Pure Gold Facial. Considered one of the top hotel spas in the world, the spa at The Peninsula Hong Kong includes a pool, outdoor terrace and two separate spa areas. It features a crystal steam room and glass-walled sauna sporting views of the Harbour.

The spa features products by beauty legend Margie Lombard, known for utilizing rare ingredients and high-tech skin care techniques. The 24 Karat Pure Gold Facial includes a pure gold chain mask that illuminates and invigorates the skin. This luxurious mask employs electro-acoustic signals to stimulate cell production and renewal, while simultaneously detoxifying, hydrating and regenerating the complexion. $500/90 min

Imperial Jade Ritual. At the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, a two-hour service of Chinese beauty traditions is available for those who prefer a natural alternative to technology. This facial begins with a compress of Chinese herbs and reflexology to open meridian energy lines. A sesame and ground-rice scrub is applied. And then a mask of green tea and algae is used all over the body. Although crystal rollers are a new fad stateside, jade rollers have been used since the time of empresses in China. In this popular treatment, the facial ends with a ginseng mask massaged in with jade rollers, ensuring equilibrium for your skin and your mind. $387/120 min

Taipei

Hot Stone Facial. This multicultural facial at the Sparadise Organic Meridian Massage Spa uses natural resources from around the world to bring radiance back to your skin. Using volcanic stones from Peru, constant warmth and pressure is maintained on the skin to better absorb the variety of treatments. Cogon grass extract, native to Japan, is applied to the face, followed by Taiwanese beech shoots. The facial is finished with a mask made of fruit essences and serum of proprietary essential oils and vitamins to recover your inner glow. $105/100 min

EUROPE

Paris

Dior Prestige Grand Facial. Nestled in the basement of the Hotel Plaza Athénée, Dior’s first hotel spa features a number of facials to target specific needs. For decadent pampering, book the two-hour Dior Prestige Grand Facial.

Before your facial begins, you choose a Dior perfume with which to scent your treatment room. Then you tuck into Dior embroidered sheets. The treatment itself combines a 45-minute facial massage with a 15-minute sculpting massage that specifically targets the facial contour, lips or eyes. Next the skin is cleansed and purified, making it more receptive to the regenerative and perfecting power of the Rose de Granville.  Finally, high-precision dynamic strokes release the tensions arising from daily life as they stimulate the skin’s regeneration.  $525/120 min

Geneva

L.Raphael Oxy Star Anti-Pigmentation Facial. Using an exclusive Oxy-tech machine, the technician removes dead cells with gentle exfoliation. White truffles are used for their many properties combating the appearance of pigmentation. Last but not least, a collagen mask enhances collagen production to firm the skin and diminish lines and wrinkles. The result is younger looking, velvety-soft skin. $1,100/50 min

London

Haute Couture and Oxygen Therapy Facial. Linda Meredith is the ultimate A-lister superfacialist, having worked on Madonna, Kate Moss, Queen Rania and Kate Middleton. Now mere mortals can access her services at her eponymous salon in Knightsbridge. The skin is first cleansed on the surface, followed by a second deeper cleanse using a natural micro-peel serum which removes dead skin cells. Gentle extraction is carried out where necessary. After a thorough consultation, a vitamin enriched formula with high percentages of hyaluronic acid and beta gluten is infused into the skin by a steady flow of oxygen. Skin is visibly plumped and restored after one treatment. $255/90 min

Facial Acupuncture Facial. For holistic beauty fans, Marlene Method’s facials combine luxury with soul. Disharmony in the body manifest in the face in the form of fine lines, dark circles, puffiness and acne. Her bespoke sessions improve facial contours, boosts elasticity and restore radiance with traditional Chinese medicine practices. Fine needles are inserted strategically over the face to stimulate collagen production and increase blood flow. But it’s not just pins and needles. Your skin will also be treated with a relaxing cleanse, exfoliation and rejuvenating face massage. $230/90 min

Amsterdam

The Ultimate Diamond Experience Life Infusion. The Akasha Spa at the Conservatorium Hotel has been voted The Netherlands #1 Luxury Spa. All facials use NATURA BISSÉ products and this treatment is their most luxurious combining ancient rituals and high-tech transformative products. First, a cleansing ritual inspired by expert Asian techniques, followed by a lavender Ayurvedic Shirodhara Diamond massage. Skin is then treated to a triple exfoliation to prep for at the Diamond Life Infusion serum. After a lifting myofacial massage, a luminous gold and pearl nourishing mask is applied for exceptional rejuvenation and revitalized skin. $355/90 min

That’s it. Our top picks for the best luxury facials in the world. What do you think? Have you been to one of these spas? If not, which one is at the top of your list?

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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