Manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, body wraps, body scrubs and more.
To many, a spa means an afternoon, a day or even a weekend of luxury, relaxation and serenity. It's a place that makes you feel rejuvenated and look great. Spas are all about indulgence of the mind, body and soul.
The spa industry in Dubai has grown with force in recent years, offering residents and tourists ample choice for pampering.
"Our day packages are popular as we are outside Dubai, and people want to get away from the city. The spa has its own private beach and is a boutique spa with five unique themed rooms," said Michelle Reynolds, Spa wellbeing consultant, IMAR Spa Facilities in Umm Al Quwain.
"The day packages are discounted and prove good value for money. We have packages such as Beautify Me, Calm Me, Comfort Me and Purify Me. Our detox programmes are also very popular. We offer supervised detox programmes. The clients are not tempted to indulge in naughty treats as we organise their food for them," said Reynolds.
There are many different types of pamper packages ranging from manicures with pedicures, facials with hot stone massages and body wraps with body scrubs.
Hot stone massage
"Massages such as a Royal Thai herbal or hot stone massage, anti-time and firming care facials, slimming treatments are all very popular packages with our customers," said Soula Eid, Spa Manager, Aroma spa, Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa.
"These packages allow the clients to rejuvenate themselves while gently shedding away the stresses of modern day living. Clinical research has shown that a massage is effective in caring for a broad range of ailments, and can be more effective for chronic back pain than other complementary therapies. It can help alleviate the perception of pain and anxiety in cancer patients, it can stimulate the brain to produce endorphins."
The recent boom in Dubai's spa industry can be attributed to many things, Michelle Reynolds explains why she believes spa treatments have become so popular. "Spa treatments have become more popular for two reasons. One, the power of press. If you look at any magazine, beauty features and spa features they (the press) are breeding awareness of our industry to the public, and two, stress!
It is great for our industry. As the pace of life increases, people feel a need to have some pampering, and again through press and word of mouth individuals realise that visiting a spa and getting treatments make you look and feel great."
It is not only women who like to indulge in a little pampering, men are also realising the overall benefits of spa treatments and pamper packages.
"There are a number of reasons for male cliental increasing in Dubai and at Aroma Spa," said Eid.
"Firstly, men are more conscious of their appearance now, this is obvious through the increasing number of men's health and fashion magazines. Secondly, there are more day spas, making it possible for men to experience their services without getting on an airplane and devoting a week's vacation to it and finally, greater attention within society to diet and have a healthy lifestyle.
During 2007 the male cliental has been increased at Aroma Spa. This is because we provide a variety of male treatments, such as; facials to reduce shaving irritation; facials with vitamin-rich treatment geared toward smokers and frequent travelers and massages to help manage and relieve pain."
Ellen Kang, General Manager at Feet First (popular centre for reflexology massages) agrees that the demand for male treatments has increased over the last few years. "Our male packages are very popular, especially at our Ibn Battuta Mall branch. We have more male than female customers."
