High-tech facials: Philosophia Botanica Gold Pearl Face Ritual

Contributing reporter Kezia Parkins tries the trending treatment at Four Seasons Park Lane

THE LOWDOWN

This luxurious and holistic facial is a bit different from my usual treatment for this column, as it contains no devices. Instead, it combines facial mapping based on traditional Chinese medicine, meridian balancing, magnetic energy balancing, acupressure stimulation and a unique facial massage ritual that includes magnetic gold pearls.

THE EXPERIENCE

This was my first time visiting the Four Seasons spa and it is one of the most gorgeous I have seen. Located on the 10th floor, walking into the reception area with its curved finishings on a cloudless, winter day was breathtaking. The view over London was spectacular and, with the light streaming in, it genuinely felt like heaven. I got to sit peacefully and complete my consultation with a hot towel and herbal tea.

I could go on about the changing rooms for days: a curved continuum of the reception, wood and white, with everything you could ever need to refresh yourself. The treatment rooms boasted equally wonderful views.

My therapist Achara consulted with me more while in the treatment room, took me through some of the scents and properties of the Philosophia Botanica oils available and showed me the gold pearls, which were so beautiful and resembled gold caviar.

After a thorough cleanse, Achara showed me the Chinese medicine facial map and I learned that the frequent flare-ups I get on my cheeks could be down to issues with my gut.

Asuper hydrating mask was then applied to my face and neck. While this was doing its thing, Achara gave me a wonderful arm massage. After it was removed, an uplifting oil containing neroli was used for a facial massage. Being from Thailand, where therapists are revered for their technique, Achara has firm and dexterous hands that expertly sculpted my face. Then, she used a gold magnetic pen across my pressure points and along my lymphatic pathways. It felt cooling and refreshing, especially around my sinuses. She then used a copper gua sha sculpting spoon to gently stimulate the skin and its sub-dermal layers, to encourage the natural production of elastin and collagen. These tools are paired with gentle meridian massage techniques along with acu-beauty pressure points to improve circulation, enhance the skin’s metabolism, relax strained facial muscles and lift and plump the skin.

Then, it was time for the gold pearls, which she focused on applying to the acupressure points on my cheeks to target my stomach to improve my gut health. The pearls are then impressively removed with a swipe of the magnetic wand before the facial is finished with some nourishing ingredients.

THE VERDICT

This was a truly luxurious treatment that lifted not just my face, but also my spirits. I loved how it incorporated ancient wellness with Instagrammable elements. The beautiful setting added to the experience, making it one I will never forget. As well as being wonderfully regulating for the nervous system, my face genuinely looked more sculpted and smoother after.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

This treatment is so sharable, it will sell itself. It will really appeal to clients who are into wellness, holistic treatments or those who prefer to avoid devices.