Bab Al Shams Relaxed Couple spa review: Stay in, unwind

Dubai’s not short on little havens of comfort and relaxation. But if you want to truly want to say goodbye to a week’s worth of stress — and enjoy some downtime with your partner — head to Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa for a cosy day-long staycation.

The venue:

It’s tough to not feel peaceful walking into Satori Spa; it’s a short meander from the main resort entrance. Bab Al Shams’ quiet old-school buildings; clean walkways, with the calming sound of water trickling down stones; and the one-off guest in a bathrobe with eyes-half closed, headed to the pool or lounge areas, scream luxury. They also lull you into a stupor of comfort. The gusts of lavender that exit the spa’s doors cocoon you as soon as you enter — the treatment begins before you’ve even seen the massage table.

The treatment:

The 50-minute Balinese aromatherapy treatment, which is part of the couple’s promotion, is tweaked according to your answers to a questionnaire — about problem areas, pressure and medication — filled out as soon as you enter. Next up is the gentle guiding to the massage rooms — you can choose to be slathered near your partner, or in another room — with tepid oil that teases your muscles into giving up those horrible knots. Exit stage right, huge grin on your face. But it’s not over yet. You get a short shot of ginger-honey tea. Then refreshed, head to the pool for a dip or to lounge.

What we liked:

The oil was warm and relaxing, and the pressure employed to kneed the painful knots into submission yielded happy results.

What we didn’t like:

The 50-minute massage seemed a bit hurried; 10 more minutes would have allowed for a soothing wind-down.

Go for:

A romantic getaway and to reconnect with yourself.

The details

The Relaxed Couple promotion, which includes a massage at Satori Spa, the lunch buffet at Al Forsan restaurant and camel ride and falconry experience, runs until May 23. Cost per person: Dh700.