Sulwhasoo Spa's ginseng intensive treatment for optimal balance

The recently relocated Sulwhasoo Spa offers a more spacious and comprehensive spa experience, as well as a range of upgraded treatments for some serious pampering. I tried the ginseng intensive treatment, that combines the benefits of the brand's concentrated ginseng range with antioxidant gold foil to achieve optimal balance of the skin.

The treatment stays true to the brand's philosophy and incorporates ancient Eastern well-being practices. It starts with some deep belly breathing exercises and a foot soak in a wooden bucket of ginseng essence-infused water. I get on the treatment bed and a hot stone is placed on my stomach, which spreads warmth throughout my body.

Guests can pick from four essential oils. The prunus mume flower scent I choose is both refreshing and relaxing. After a thorough cleansing, my therapist Sylvia massages onto my face layers of lotion and emulsion from the collection, known for its regenerating and detoxifying qualities, with expert strokes, hitting different pressure points and lymphs.

While she is massaging in a thicker cream she rubs me with a jade ring, saying the temperature difference between the cool ring and my skin will stimulate microcirculation and boost absorption. Gold foil is applied under a thick red ginseng mask that solidifies after 30 minutes.

After the mask is removed my skin feels as if it's been fed with nutrients. It looks soft and smooth and has a healthy glow. The therapist uses the time between elements of the treatment to give my head, shoulder and limbs some attention, although it is essentially a facial. Overall it's an invigorating experience. It ends with breathing chants — short throaty noises made in a crouching position, which are supposed to help expel toxins from my kidneys.