"Glowcations" Are Trending on TikTok — I Put it to the Test at Coachella

Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews Coachella conjures up a lot of imagery and not all of it is appealing: dry heat, clouds of dust, dehydration, endless crowds. But what if I told you it actually could be restorative? After attending the festival a record seven times, I have plenty of tips to not only enjoy your time in the desert, but to make it rejuvenating and relaxing (yes, I'm serious). For me, self care and skin care are intrinsically linked: my 10-step routine is precious time that I use daily to care for myself, why should that stop just because I'm at a music festival? This year, I decided to take it a step further. I heard about "glowcations" on TikTok, a 2026 beauty-meets-travel trend where you turn a trip into a skin-care oasis; I'm talking spa treatments, yoga, facials, and more. While a popular glowcation destination is Seoul, Korea (for the K-beauty boom), what if I brought my Korean skin-care products along with me, no matter where I go? And used them at the busiest festival of the year? Stay with me. From poolside tanning to a facial to a VIP guest pass with Marriott Bonvoy, keep scrolling for how I turned Coachella into a "glowcation." Experiencing Coachella With a "Guest Pass" For One Marriott Bonvoy Point Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews I'm not going to sugarcoat this: turning Coachella into a "glowcation" or any kind of relaxing experience starts with your ticket. I was able to experience the festival with a guest pass, which is like VIP, plus a few impressive perks: an artist compound with a peaceful lake, the ability to ride between stages in golf carts, and a spot right in front of the stage. No, I don't have Sabrina Carpenter on speed dial or endless funds to secure a ticket — I got it for one point as a Marriott Bonvoy member. You've probably already heard of Marriott Bonvoy's Moments program, where members can use points to experience exclusive events like concerts. This is also how I was able to see Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour last year; it's the gift that keeps on giving. They're now introducing a 1-Point Drops series where you can get exclusive VIP guest-pass access to select festivals from AEG Presents, including Coachella, Stagecoach, London's All Points East, and Paris's Rock en Seine, using as few as one Marriott Bonvoy point. These perks paid off big time once my stress level hit its zenith as the crowd ballooned during Justin Bieber's set. I simply slipped away, headed to the artist compound, and laid by the lake as his performance of "Yukon" filled the air. I even took the time to hydrate with a free bottle of water. That level of access is critical in keeping the relaxing vibes going, even at one of the most-attended Coachella shows of all time. Poolside Tanning Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews I swear the sun is different in Palm Springs. Something about the desert heat is just mesmerizing (see: everyone's golden-hour pictures). But it's also one of those great natural wonders that you have to enjoy responsibly. I'm talking SPF. I slathered myself with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen with SPF 70 ($10, originally $13). The brand was giving it out like candy at the Marriott Bonvoy activation on the Coachella grounds (and Marriott Bonvoy members or American Express card members can pick it up on Sunday during Weekend Two). I love that it's water-resistant for 80 minutes and contains a lot of vitamin E, which locks in moisture, protects skin from UV rays, and soothes inflammation. After applying, I started each day lying poolside at our Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy rental, Mostero House at Old Las Palmas. Not only was it a way to rest my body between long festival days, but my skin was quite literally glowing from my tan. The key was to replenish with plenty of moisturizer (and again, hydrate!). Skin-Care Routine During and Post-Festival Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews OK this is my favorite part. As I've said before, I have a 10-step skin-care routine and on some busy days of working, tending to my nephew, dealing with the stress of owning a home, and just adulting in general, that process is the one thing I do for myself all day. When I'm going through the movements of cleansing my face and applying my moisturizers and serums, it feels like a mini getaway every day. I literally feel the weight of the day fading away with each step. So, turning that precious me-time into a full-blown glowcation makes sense for me. For this trip, I decided to lean into my K-beauty obsession with products from Medicube. Marriott Bonvoy gifted the Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Daily Facial Spray ($10) at the activation (also available on Weekend Two) to soothe and calm the skin. After days spent in the desert sun with wind and dust hitting my face, I needed it. I also ordered a bunch of products from Medicube to try out every day, but especially the day after the festival ended. Each morning, I brought my skin back to life while I was getting ready with the Medicube PDRN Pink Caffeine Collagen Eye Patches (which are launching soon). In addition to salmon PDRN DNA (yes, salmon sperm), collagen, and retinol, they're infused with caffeine to reduce the look of puffiness and under-eye bags — very much needed after long nights of dancing to Diplo's DJ set. Over the weekend, I noticed my lips were super dry even though I wore a KN95 face mask while traversing the dusty walkway to the festival entrance. And I forgot my Ami Colé lip oil at home (quelle horreur). This is where the Medicube PRDN Lip Sleeping Mask ($15, originally $19) really saved me. It softens your lips overnight with shea butter, collagen, and salmon PRDN DNA. I hate having dry lips, so that extra step in the desert heat was a game-changer. On the last day, I pulled out all the stops to restore moisture. I used the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro Mini Plus ($176, originally $228) for enhanced absorption after applying the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask ($10), which comes highly recommended from our editor, and following up with the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm ($19) and Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Glow Jelly Mist Serum ($20, originally $22). All three products are super hydrating with salmon PDRN DNA and hydrolyzed collagen to achieve that glass-skin effect. I felt like a new woman.Spa Treatment With The Estate Yountville Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews Not only did I do Coachella as calmly as I know how, but I booked a spa treatment right after the festivities. Whether you plan to stay in Palm Springs or travel to a nearby destination (may I suggest Napa Valley or even Los Angeles?), I'd highly recommend it as a way to destress and rejuvenate. One of my favorite spas in Napa is the spa at Estate Yountville, which incorporates champagne into its services for the ultimate indulgent treat. I got the 90-minute Veuve Facial with a gold collagen mask, then spent time in the eucalyptus-infused steam room before relaxing by the heated whirlpool (note: the spa is now closed but will reopen in summer 2026, email to book in advance). It's the perfect way to cap off a glowcation — and any vacation, to be honest. Final Thoughts on My Glowcation Image Source: PS Photography / Jessica Andrews Glowcations are my new favorite thing and I'll be indulging long after the trend fades from our TikTok feeds. Was it ambitious to try it at Coachella? Absolutely yes. But by merging two of my favorite things — skin care and travel — I felt like I was truly treating myself and, honestly, we deserve. I would be curious to try a traditional glowcation to Seoul and maybe bring along a few skin-care-obsessed friends to really lean in — but I'm not mad at this unorthodox approach. At a music festival where your skin is constantly battling the elements and a maniacally busy schedule, a glowcation is needed more than ever. Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She's appeared on "Good Morning America," NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Marriott Bonvoy for the purpose of writing this story.