With such a wide range of spas in dubai, the opportunities for pampering are endless. in this special report, First Class reviews some of the best retreats in town.
Assawan Spa, Burj Al Arab
Housed in the iconic and opulent Burj Al Arab hotel on the 18th floor, the Assawan Spa offers an indulgence of the senses for those who appreciate the finer (and more expensive) things in life.
Adorned with brightly colored décor, grand furniture and rich aromas, you’ll know you’re about to be truly pampered when you enter this lavish spa. The treatments on offer are expansive, while the onsite facilities include an indoor swimming pool with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf.
For indulgence, relaxation and invigoration all at once, we recommend the Qahwa package, currently AED 1200 (normally AED 1600). The rich treatment includes a full body scrub with coffee, salt and frankincense to boost circulation and improve the complexion.
After a shower, the treatment continues with an aromatherapy massage and a touch of reflexology, just heavenly. This is the spa to visit if you only like to dabble in the best of the best.
Guests can also bask in the quiet ambience of the wet areas, consisting of separate ladies’ and gents’ saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and a choice of the mixed or ladies-only infinity swimming pool.
Tel: +971 4 301 7338, www.burj-al-arab.com/spa/ H2O, Emirates Towers hotel
The H20 male spa in Emirates Towers offers the full works for the modern man who likes to be pampered and preened. Softly lit and warmly decorated, the atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury.
The signature treatment is the floatation tank, a treatment that gently floats you above a shallow pool of warm water. The spa assistant claims that one hour’s sleep in this pool is the equivalent to eight hours normal sleep.
“While that maybe the case for someone who suffers from narcolepsy, I found that certain parts of the anatomy remained above water, which I’m sure any man will agree can be somewhat unpleasant,” says our male tester.
But the H20 EXCLUSIVE 4 u massage offers a truly relaxing 45 minutes, where every part of the body is given careful and thorough attention. This spa is one of the few male spas in Dubai and one of the best – a favourite choice for macho manicures, paternal pedicures and fearless facials.
Tel: +971 4 3198181, www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com Softouch Spa, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
This spa offers pure relaxation, tranquility and a touch of ‘India’ in the form of its trade mark Ayurveda treatments. The decor reflects the spa’s mantra of fusing all elements of nature together (Rock, Water, Fire, Air, Music) to create a harmonious environment. The spa has a clinic licence and offers thorough consultations prior to treatment.
Ayurveda treatments form the spa’s nucleus and, in addition, the spa maintains an air of authenticity because each therapist is native to the country the treatment originates from.
With over 50 treatments available, you are bound to find one that suits your needs. Sumptuous Caribbean (St Barth) products, exclusive to the Softtouch spa are used; exotic oils and fragrances of the Caribbean tiare flower, fine lily or the essence of pure bourbon vanilla pamper the senses.
Recommended for a truly indulgent experience is the ‘Tranquility’ massage, unique to Kerala, India. It’s 75 minutes of pure bliss and well worth the 750 AED. But if you’re just after an express pick me up, seek out the ‘Ayurveda neck and shoulder massage’, perfect after those long haul flights.
Tel: 04 4095909, www.kempinski.com Timeless Spa, Harbour Hotel and Residence, Dubai Marina
Timeless is a small but well equipped operation offering a number of delicious treatments. In addition to treatments, the spa offers a sauna, steam room, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fully-equipped gymnasium, set against a tranquil and natural environment.
The spa offers an exclusive range of natural products, designed especially for Emirates, using natural indigenous ingredients. The Spa aims to truly represent the international nature of Dubai, by fusing healing practices drawn from cultures around the world.
Numerous treatments at The Timeless Spa draw on the mineral-rich healing properties of the sea, using seashell exfoliation and massage products on deeper layers of the skin. The Sea Creation facial is a treat not to be missed, over an hour of zone-out time, leaving your face feeling fresh, clean and positively glowing.
Therapists at the spa are well trained, thorough and, best of all, smiley.
Tel: +971 4 319 4000, www.emirateshotelsresorts.com The Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah
During your visit to the Talise spa, expert therapists will take the best treatments from the oldest cultures and combine them with a selection of international techniques to treat your individual needs.
Expansive facilities include hot and cold plunge pools, saunas and steam rooms and the chill out room. What’s more, the resort’s array of tranquil gardens adjoined by secluded waterways offer the chance for a relaxing post or pre-treatment stroll.
Our top recommendation is The Finger Print massage. With your personal wellbeing in mind, this therapeutic massage ensures that you receive the perfect touch therapy.
After a thorough consultation, your therapist will help you select from balancing, toxic cleanse, serenity and vitamin rich massage oils to provide you with a soothing and deeply healing massage experience.
Beautiful décor, relaxing ambience, professional and well trained therapists ensure your experience at the spa is an enjoyable one. To complete your experience, the spa offers delicious cuisine at its Magnolia restaurant, located alongside the treatment rooms of Talise Spa. SensAsia Urban Spa, The Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road
This exotic Eastern-style spa for women boasts unique treatments that help to set the chain apart from the competition.
What’s more, the service is warm but refreshingly informed and low-key.
The outfit is small but perfectly formed, with minimalist décor and an ultra-modern feel.
The two hour cocoa butter hot stone massage is to die for – the expert techniques of the Thai masseur are near-trance inducing and well worth the time and money.
This quirky outfit offers some the most unique treatments in Dubai, including a coffee cream body wrap, fennel colon cleanse and the traditional Japanese lulur elixir of eternal youth.
Tel: +971 4 349 8850, www.sensasiaspas.com
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