For those in the know, London-based Dr David Jack is synonymous with subtle, less-is-more anti-ageing and rejuvenating tweakments. Scottish-born and NHS-trained in plastic surgery, burns and dermatology, he now has clinics in Belgravia, Harley Street and the City (as well as a new spot inside Liberty London) each resplendent with bespoke furnishings and antiques. Here, he shares his take on luxury...
"My biggest indulgence is chartering a boat with my family – and a chef"
I usually escape from London on the weekends to my house in Wiltshire, but I don’t cook. We sometimes bring in an incredible cook who understands flavours. There’s no need to watch the clock and you can have all of your favourite food and plenty of champagne, then walk upstairs to bed.
My favourite meal is white truffle tagliolini, whether eaten in London at Harry’s Bar or in Rome. It is an exercise in restraint, relying on exceptional ingredients and precise execution.
I have some Italian heritage, so I’m drawn to Italy above other places in Europe. The rich culture is woven into daily life and there is deep appreciation of beauty without the British tendency to judge, meaning that pleasure does not need to be over-explained.
My biggest indulgence is chartering a boat with my family – and a chef. It’s an objectively excessive, and somewhat indecent, way to be together, involving a level of organisation and planning that far outweighs its apparent simplicity.
Family holidays in fancy hotels – or on a boat – are my favourite things, particularly if the breakfast is good. Gleneagles in Scotland probably has the best hotel breakfasts. When comfort, space and thoughtful service are taken care of, everyone relaxes more fully.
Japan is my ultimate long-haul destination: the precision, respect for craftsmanship and attention to detail are an aesthete’s dream. From architecture and food to service and etiquette, everything feels deliberate and well-judged without being dull.
My last splurge was on a traveller jacket from Loro Piana. I like it because it’s suitable for daily life, rather than something reserved for specific occasions. To anyone else, it probably looks like a fairly sensible jacket, which is part of the appeal.
With skincare, my strategy is consistent and restrained. I use my own daily trio – Good Morning, All Day Long and Good Night – because I know skin responds best to routine, rather than constant experimentation. In winter, I add Skin Cushion to support the barrier when environmental stressors increase, and also use my new eye cream, Stellar.
Travel-sized versions of my daily skincare trio and a trusty pair of Tod’s Gommino shoes are always in my travel bag.
My Rolex Datejust 41 in steel and yellow gold, bought for my 30th birthday, was stolen shortly afterwards from my locker in the gym. It disappeared for seven years and eventually resurfaced with a reseller in Germany before making its way back to me via the Metropolitan Police. That period of absence makes it far more meaningful than its material value alone.
A bit of Scottish cashmere, usually the cardigan variety, elevates a cosy night in. It implies that I have my life in reasonable order and possibly a sensible opinion on household matters, although nothing is further from the truth.
Luxury is time, ease and thoughtfulness – things that last, environments that support and nourish you and experiences that remove friction and add joy to your daily life.
