Of course you want to feel pampered and relaxed. But a day at the spa needn't be an ordeal where you book a treatment at a five-star hotel three weeks in advance, valet your car at the entrance and navigate through the grand lobby as you try to find the elevator to the spa.
Maybe you've had a crazy week and need something a bit more low key — perhaps something more convenient that's less fuss and less expensive. Enter Zen Asia Spa in JLT. Don't be fooled. What looks like a simple day salon with your regular, run-of-the-mill services such as manicures, pedicures and waxing, also offers full-body treatments.
The spa salon is located in JLT's JBC 5 and is easy to find from the free undercover parking area. Once you enter JLT you have to loop around the entire development before you get to the building but the towers in JLT are clearly marked.
Do not disturb
I was there to try the 90-minute Do Not Disturb! Pamper Me treatment. I was welcomed to the spa salon by a friendly receptionist who asked me to take a seat while I filled out a contact form. My therapist then came over to ask me if I wanted to try the body mask or the body scrub. I had never tried a body mask before, so I chose that option. I was led beyond a sliding door down a dark hallway away from the chatty mani-pedi area into the treatment room, which was dimly lit and had a light smell of incense.
The treatment surpassed my expectations. I lay on the treatment table covered with a towel as my therapist covered my eyes and began to massage the Thai mask into my body. It was much lighter than I expected and didn't feel oppressive at all. After she finished, she wrapped by body (except my head) in plastic, which allowed the mask to do its work — moisturise, exfoliate and replenish the skin.
I lay there for what felt like ten minutes and although I felt very relaxed I couldn't help but be distracted by some people calling out to each other in the hallway outside the room. But it didn't last long and as soon as it was quiet again, I was able to focus on the relaxing music and lose track of my thoughts.
Once my therapist came back, she guided me to the shower room, which was right next door. After a hot shower, my body felt refreshed and my mind, at ease. I slipped into the robe and slippers and shuffled back to the treatment room for the second half of my service.
Going strong
Next, my therapist asked me if I wanted my massage to be soft, medium or strong. I was feeling brave that day so I went for strong. For those who prefer modesty, although there is a towel covering your lower half and chest, the therapist will ask if she can remove the towel to massage your stomach and upper chest area. If you prefer modesty, let her know that you prefer to keep the towel on at all times. The therapists are very professional and kind, so do not hesitate to explain your preferences.
The massage was excellent — never before have I had a therapist kneel on my body with her hands and legs. It's something I've seen in the movies and always thought it would be something akin to torture, but my therapist did it and I am a convert. By the end I felt like putty, yet strong. A strange combination, but a thrilling sensation.
If you're in the area, it's definitely worth a visit. And if not, it might even be worth the trip if you fancy some serious pampering without the bells and whistles that go with a five-star hotel spa.
The details
- JBC 5, lake level adjacent to the Tiffany Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers. Call 04-457 2374/04-457 2375.
- Price: Dh250 for the 90-minute Do Not Disturb! Pamper Me treatment
