London's daily commuters were given a taste of the 'holiday glow' without having to leave the city. Set against the backdrop of Southbank's Observation Point, multi-sensory experience offered passers-by an invigorating boost, complete with pre-flight drinks, destination-inspired scents, and a rejuvenating dose of red-light therapy.
This combination has been carefully selected to evoke the same emotional and physiological responses experienced when going on holiday, including a sense of excitement, elevated mood, reduced and a boost in emotional wellbeing. Guests were greeted by and invited to relax in a Clubhouse-style bar before settling into a plush Premium seat for a 10-minute light therapy session.
Designed to replicate the mood-enhancing, glow-boosting, and sleep-improving effects of being on holiday, the treatment uses red light wavelengths between 630 and 700 nanometres – scientifically proven to leave people glowing, inside and out.
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Four in ten said cabin crew make them feel more comfortable, and 41% claimed they even experience a wellbeing boost before arriving at their destination.
Accompanying the glow-up was the soothing hum of jet engines – a surprisingly potent trigger for wanderlust, as a fifth of travellers claimed it was their favourite pre-holiday sound.
Scent played its part too, with the comforting smell of sweet coconut from the Caribbean, warming saffron from Mumbai's street food stalls, and roasted coffee beans straight from a New York deli filling the air.
Lifestyle coach Adrienne Adhami, who helped design the experience, said: "Modern life is fast and busy. Our calendars are packed, our minds are overloaded, and we’re constantly on the go."
“This experience gives people a chance to recharge, and to feel that spark of excitement we associate with travel. From mood-boosting red-light therapy to the sensory details that tap into positive memories, it’s a reminder of how important travel is to our wellbeing.”
The experience arrived just in time, as research of 2,000 adults revealed 49% have yet to plan their 2025 holidays. With many craving trying new things, meeting new people and soaking up different cultures.
A spokesperson from Virgin Atlantic, which is also hosting its red-light therapy experiences at its stores in Merry Hill, Trafford Centre, Bluewater, Meadowhall, Lakeside, and Liverpool, said: "Travelling with us is an exciting and energising experience – from our charismatic cabin crew to the unique touches we offer onboard.
"The Red Spirit Retreat gives Londoners a mood boosting experience and a taste of how it feels to fly with us before experiencing the real thing on their next holiday."
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