London’s commuters were treated to a scientific ‘holiday glow’ – without having to leave the city.

Set against the backdrop of the Southbank’s Observation Point, Virgin Atlantic’s multi-sensory experience offered passers-by an energising boost – complete with pre-flight drinks, destination-inspired scents, and a revitalising dose of red-light therapy.

This combination has been curated to promote the same emotional and physiological responses felt when going on holiday, including a sense of excitement, elevated mood, reduced stress levels, and a boost in emotional wellbeing.

Guests were welcomed by cabin crew and invited to unwind in a Clubhouse-style bar before sinking into a plush Premium seat for a 10-minute light therapy session.

Designed to mimic the mood-boosting, glow-enhancing, 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.

Accompanying the glow-up was the soothing hum of jet engines – a surprisingly powerful trigger for wanderlust.

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.

“We all need moments to reset, and that’s exactly what the Red Spirit Retreat offers.

“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 touched down just in time, after research of 2,000 adults revealed 49 per cent are yet to plan their 2025 holidays.

Many are craving the thrill of trying new things (57 per cent), meeting new people (20 per cent), and soaking up different cultures (44 per cent).

With 22 per cent saying their favourite pre-holiday sound is the hum of a jet engine.

In fact, 45 per cent said cabin crew make them feel more comfortable, and 41 per cent claimed they even experience a wellbeing boost before arriving at their destination.

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.”