The latest Spa & Wellness Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK) explores how longevity tourism is reshaping the way we travel — influencing everything from the destinations we choose to the treatments we try and the rituals we bring home. 

This issue follows the travel trend to South Korea, where a booming beauty scene is attracting visitors in pursuit of the perfect glow. According to the Korean Ministry of Health, around 1.2 million people travelled to the country in 2024 for aesthetic treatments alone, with the market projected to reach £21.13bn by 2030. The surge reflects a wider shift identified by the annual Global Wellness Summit, where ‘skin longevity’ is emerging as one of the fastest-growing trends in wellness travel. We explore what’s fuelling this global glow-chasing pilgrimage and what you should try: think salmon sperm (PDRN) facials, 18-step scalp and hair treatments, K-pop idol makeovers and highly personalised analyses of your skin tone. 

But longevity tourism isn’t just defined by science and cutting-edge technology. This edition also focusses on natural approaches to long-term vitality, including the harnessing the healing power of water. 

Charlotte Wigram-Evans, lead editor of the Collection, said: “Across the globe, spas have long embraced our love of all things aquatic. Now, a new wave of water-based wellness experiences is emerging, from riding waves to overcome trauma on Morocco’s Atlantic coast to drifting through Norway’s fjords to a soundtrack of whale song.” 

Also inside: 

• See why primal scream circles and rage rooms are making a comeback 
• Discover the sexual wellness retreats fostering confidence and connection  
• Delve into the ancestral rituals shaping modern wellbeing 
• Uncover the reformer Pilates retreats carving out a space of their own 

All this, plus a roundup of the world’s most luxurious spa hotels, resorts and retreats — brought to you by our advertising partners — to help you plan your next soul-soothing escape. 

Website: News, features and more: nationalgeographic.com/travel 
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK 
Instagram: instagram.com/natgeotraveluk 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital

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Notes 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed with you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel 

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok. 

CONTACT: 

For editorial enquiries: 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906 
[email protected] 

Maria Pieri, editorial director & chief operating officer 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9906 
[email protected] 

Matthew Jackson, chief executive officer 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909 
[email protected] 

Anthony Leyens, chairman and co-founder 
+44 (0) 20 7253 9909 
[email protected] 

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About APL Media   
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes, including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide