I Tried the Glowcation Travel Trend at Coachella 2026

Coachella conjures up many images and not all of them are attractive: dry heat, clouds of dust, dehydration, endless crowds. But what if I told you that it can actually be a return? After attending the festival a record seven times, I have many tips to not only enjoy your time in the desert, but to make it refreshing and relaxing (yes, I mean it). For me, self-care and skin care are intrinsically linked: my 10-step routine is the precious time I use every day to take care of myself, why should that stop because I’m at a music festival?

This year, I decided to take it one step further. I heard about “shining” on TikTok, which is the 2026 trend of meeting beauty when you turn travel into a place for skin care; I’m talking about spa treatments, yoga, facials, and more. Although the famous hotspot is Seoul, Korea (for the K-beauty boom), what if I brought my Korean skincare products with me, no matter where I go? And use them at the busiest festival of the year? Stay with me. From poolside tanning to facials to VIP singer passes with the Marriott Bonvoy, keep scrolling to find out how I turned Coachella into “shine.”

Experience Coachella with an “Artist Pass” for One Marriott Bonvoy Point

I’m not going to sugarcoat this: making Coachella a “glocation” or any kind of relaxing experience starts with your ticket. I was able to enjoy the festival with an artist pass, which is like a VIP, and several interesting things: the combination of artists with a quiet pool, the ability to ride between stages on golf carts, and the area in front of the stage. No, I don’t have Sabrina Carpenter on speed dial or endless ticket security funds – I got it with one point as a Marriott Bonvoy member.

You’ve probably already heard about the Marriott Bonvoy’s Moments program, where members can use points to experience special events like concerts. This is also how I could see Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour last year; it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Now we’re introducing a series of 1-Point Drops where you can get exclusive artist VIP access to select festivals from AEG Presents, including Coachella, Stagecoach, All Points East in London, and Rock en Seine in Paris, using a few as one Marriott Bonvoy point.

These benefits paid off big when my stress level peaked as the crowd got a balloon during Justin Bieber’s set. I just slipped out, headed to the singers’ area, and lay by the pool as his song “Yukon” filled the air. I even took the time to soak up the water with a free water bottle. That level of access is essential to keeping the relaxing vibes going, even at one of the most-attended Coachella shows of all time.

Pool Tanning

I swear the sun is different in Palm Springs. Something about the desert heat is amazing (see: everyone’s golden hour photos). But it’s also one of those great natural wonders that you have to enjoy responsibly. I’m talking about SPF. I paired them with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen with SPF 70 ($10, originally $13). This product was given away as candy at the Marriott Bonvoy concert at Coachella (and Marriott Bonvoy members or American Express card members can pick it up on Sunday during Second Weekend).

I love that it’s waterproof for 80 minutes and contains lots of vitamin E, which locks in moisture, protects the skin from UV rays, and soothes inflammation. After applying, I started sleeping by the pool every day at our Marriott Bonvoy rental, Mostero House in Old Las Palmas. Not only was it a way to rest my body between long days of festivities, but my skin was literally glowing from my cold. The key was to top it off with plenty of moisturizer (and again, hydrate!).

Skin Care Cycle During and After the Festival

OK my favorite part. As I mentioned before, I have a 10 step skin care routine and on some busy days I work, take care of my niece, deal with the stress of having a house, and just growing up in general, that routine is one something I do to myself all day. When I go through the motions of cleansing my face and applying my moisturizer and serums, it feels like a small daily commute. I literally feel the weight of the day disappearing with each step. So, turning that precious time of mine into full light makes sense to me. For this trip, I decided to lean into my love of K beauty with products from Medicube.

Marriott Bonvoy is giving away Medicube Hypochlorous Acid Daily Facial Spray ($10) when it runs (and available on Second Weekend) to soothe and calm skin. After days spent in the desert sun with the wind and dust beating down on me, I needed it.

I also ordered a bunch of products from Medicube to try every day, but especially after the festival. Every morning, I brought my skin back to life while getting ready with Medicube PDRN Pink Caffeine Collagen Eye Patches (launching soon). In addition to salmon PDRN DNA (yes, salmon sperm), collagen, and retinol, it’s infused with caffeine to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags – much needed after a long night of dancing to Diplo’s DJ set.

Over the weekend, I noticed my lips were very dry even though I was wearing a KN95 face mask while walking across the dirt road to the entrance of the festival. And I forgot the Ami Colé lip balm at home (quelle horreur). This is where the Medicube PRDN Lip Sleeping Mask ($15, originally $19) really saved me. Moisturizes 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 improved absorption after applying the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask ($10), which comes highly recommended by our editor, and following the Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Volume Multi Balm ($19) and PDP’s Pink Collagen Serum ($20, originally $22). All three products are super-hydrated with salmon PDRN DNA and hydrolyzed collagen to achieve that glass skin effect. I felt like a new woman.

Spa Treatments by Estate Yountville

Not only did I do Coachella as calmly as I could, but I booked a spa treatment right after the festivities. Whether you plan to stay in Palm Springs or travel to a nearby area (may I suggest Napa Valley or Los Angeles?), I can highly recommend it as a way to de-stress and rejuvenate. One of my favorite places in Napa is the spa at Estate Yountville, which includes champagne in its services for the ultimate indulgence. I got a 90-minute Veuve Facial with a golden collagen mask, then spent time in the infused steam room before relaxing in the hot whirlpool (note: the spa is now closed but will reopen in summer 2026, email to book in advance). It’s the perfect way to turn off the lights – and any holiday, to be honest.

Final Thoughts on My Light

Glowcations are my new favorite thing and will be entertaining long after they disappear from our TikTok feed. Was it a desire to try it at Coachella? Yes indeed. But by combining two of my favorite things – skincare and travel – I felt like I was really treating myself and, honestly, we deserved it. I’d be curious to try the traditional glow in Seoul and maybe bring a few skin-conscious friends to really lean on – but I’m not mad at this unusual approach. At a music festival where your skin is constantly fighting the elements and a busy schedule, light is needed more than ever.

Jessica C. Andrews (she) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently serves as PS’s senior style director, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With over 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Before 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 has appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York and has spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

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