Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
By Chiranti Sengupta | Features Writer
Despite adhering to a proper skincare regimen, I often suffer from acne. The problem has become worse this summer — heat, humidity and frequent application of sunscreen and make-up not only clogged skin pores but also led to severe breakouts around the T-zone. To heal my acne and expedite recovery from the current damage, I headed straight to Talise Ottoman Spa at the Luxurious Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. My therapist took me for a quick tour of the spa, which has 42 treatment rooms, eight hydrotherapy rooms, steam rooms, saunas, snow rooms, floating baths and two thalassotherapy pools. There’s no limit to the number
of ways you can treat yourself at this spa. After assessing my skin condition, the therapist adviced me to opt for its cleansing facial, a restorative treatment designed to protect and balance the skin. The 60-minute treatment started with a gentle exfoliation to get rid of impurities, followed by a lymphatic massage that drained toxins out and stimulated blood circulation. The therapist used products of the organic skincare brand Shiffa to boost my tired and dehydrated skin. An extensive extraction came next, where she removed my whiteheads and unclogged the pores. I was also given a foot and hand massage while a purifying green clay face mask dried. She completed the treatment by applying a healing balm. Did the treatment live up to my expectations? The extensive cleansing facial was an experience that left me feeling rejuvenated. I left the spa looking polished with my skin glowing.
Cleaning facial: Dh485
Duration: 60 minutes
Amara Spa, Park Hyatt Dubai
By Gareth Kurt Warren | Features Writer
Since times are changing and we have been forced to familiarise ourselves with kitchen and supermarket aisles, why not take it further with spa days too?
I’m not a spa kinda guy. I took years to muster up the courage to venture into a salon for a mani-pedi, and now it’s a regular fixture in my grooming calendar. So when I had the opportunity to visit the Amara Spa at the Park Hyatt Dubai, I was worried I might like it a little too much. I was right.
Since they refer to their treatments as exotic rituals and require visitors to surrender to the Amara experience, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. However, once you enter the spa, everything from its ambience and décor right up to the spa’s lovely receptionist sets you at ease. You are then introduced to your therapist, who talks you through the entire procedure. I was lucky to be paired with the ever-patient Jana, who endured through a lengthy inquisition of what exactly was going to be done. Regulars at spas across the city know their treatments and have their favourites, however, for those men experimenting
with the pampered lifestyle, I recommend the Hommage Immersion. The ritual includes a back and face exfoliation treatment, and a back massage. I can’t say much about the exfoliation treatments, but what I can admit is that it left me feeling as one would after said treatments (softer, younger and brighter). On the other hand, the back and shoulder massage was incredibly intense yet invigorating. The entire treatment was surprisingly relaxing and since I tried a package, I would love to try their individual treatments during my next few visits. Will spa days now slot into my grooming calendar? Well, I don’t think a trip every month or two would hurt.
Homage Immersion: Dh650
Duration: 90 minutes
