There’s a luxury oasis hidden in Sydney International Airport that not many people know about – and yet anyone can visit, even those travelling on an economy ticket.
Swiss skincare brand La Prairie recently opened a facial lounge in the new Heinemann luxury shopping precinct.
The skincare spa, named the La Prairie Art of Beauty Lounge, is located in a far nook to the right of Heinemann Duty Free that is so discreet, it’s easy to miss.
But this space is fast becoming the place to visit when passing through the busy transport hub.
La Prairie, known for using premium ingredients in its products such as the iconic white caviar, has a cult following – and for good reason.
Its products are proudly at the very expensive end of the skincare price range thanks to the high concentration formulas, packed with active ingredients – some even contain gold.
The products often take years to perfect and only hit shelves after going through a complicated process that includes independent clinical trials.
As a result, the brand is widely approved by leading dermatologists and skincare experts, who state the extensive scientific research behind every product along with the feel, smell and results make the high price point justifiable.
Following the success of a pop-up facial lounge in the Sydney airport back in 2019, the brand has now set up permanently in Terminal 1, with high-end neighbours such as Balenciaga, Prada and Saint Laurent, to name a few.
And it’s the perfect place to relax before jumping on a cramped, often uncomfortable flight.
It’s not just the products that are seriously swish – the entire spa is a sight to behold.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a stunning, chic interior and are instructed to sit down on a cosy chairs that is so comfortable, it feels as if you’re melting into it.
You’re also given a glass of champagne, which really elevates the airport experience, bringing a touch of first class even if your ticket doesn’t match in status.
After a consultation with my La Prairie beautician, we opt for the “Platinum Haute-Rejuvenation” facial, the brand’s top service.
It’s not cheap, priced at $450 for a 45-minute treatment, but there are also more affordable options available.
The cheapest service is the “Caviar Indulgence” which comes in at $270, while the “Caviar Illumination” is priced at $350 and the “Gold Radiance” has a $370 price tag. There’s also a series of “express” treatments on the menu for those short on time.
I’ll be the first to admit, the prices make me a little sweaty, but if there’s ever a time to YOLO and treat yourself, it’s on holiday.
The treatment room was super spacious and after slipping into a towel robe, I clambered onto the facial bed, which felt like a warm hug.
My 45-minute facial went by so quickly, probably because I was so relaxed I had a little nap. But afterwards, my skin was positively glowing, and I felt ready to face my long-haul flight.
One of the things I really loved about the service was how it kept my skin hydrated throughout my entire eight-hour trip to Singapore – a detail that definitely wasn’t an accident.
The La Prairie facialist ended the treatment by slathering me in the brand’s $650-a-pot “Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask” which helped fight off the dehydrating conditions on board.
When I landed, and for several days after, my skin was bouncy and plump. I was thrilled.
I wish I could tell you the expensive treatment was excessive or hard to justify, but honestly, I feel like the $350 facial was worth every cent.
Like many people, my confidence had taken a little hit during the pandemic, but the treatment left me feeling relaxed and refreshed – not to mention the skin compliments I received for days afterwards.
While I appreciate $450 is a heck of a lot of money, especially in this current climate, it is easily something I’d treat myself to again – especially to kick off a special holiday.
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The writer was invited to experience this treatment by La Prairie