Clinique La Prairie

This spa is made up of two halves – a daring old dowager and a dashing young blade. She, traditional and grand but inviting; he, sleek, shiny and reeking of the future. Together the two make up Clinique La Prairie. For more than 70 years, popes and popstars have come here in search of the elixir of youth – known as CLP Extract – a serum based on cells taken from unborn sheep. While it may sound off-putting, this magic potion (once introduced to your body via a needle the length of Bond Street, but now taken orally) is believed to slow the ageing process and bolster the immune system. The programme lasts seven days and includes a full medical check-up. If you’ve been very sick and have run out of traditional options, save up and come here. The converted swear it’s worth every penny.