Bab Al Qasr is one of the newest five-star properties to open its doors in the capital. Located next door to Jumeirah Etihad Towers, directly opposite Emirates Palace, the hotel features a spa, Ayana — meaning beautiful flower — that offers guests an extensive treatment menu, including Arabian traditional wellness and Ancient healing practices. We take a look inside and test out their Soothing Sapphire Ritual.
The treatment experience:
As the name suggests, the idea of this treatment is to sooth and relax. There seems to be a lot of spas focusing on sleep and relaxation treatments at the moment, and rightly so with so many of us leading hectic lives.
After a long week at work, this is right on time for me. Before the treatment starts I am assured by my therapist Lee-Anne that by the end of the two-hour session I will be feeling relaxed and balanced. After changing into my robe and slippers and putting my valuables into my dedicated locker, it’s down the hall to the treatment room, one of 7 the spa has.
The ritual begins with a cleanse using an Arabian rose incense. After that the body is polished (scrubbed) with an organic brown sugar and frangipani product. This smells super sweet and preps my skin for the white clay body mask that comes next. The camomile and lavender in this mask again does its work in relaxing my body, and I start to breathe deeper.
I’m wrapped in plastic sheeting, and while the mask is on Lee-Ann massages a relaxing hair oil into my scalp. This oil is designed to promote relaxation and assist with my evening slumber, she says, something I know I can do with since I don’t sleep well.
As the time slowly ticks away, it’s hard to believe it when it’s time to wash the body mask off, as I do I am impressed by the texture of my skin. Not being one to have scrubs often, my skin feels smooth and supple.
I often have difficulty relaxing, but this treatment certainly did its job, because once the final step in the ritual is completed — the soothing sapphire body oil application — I’m ready for my a quick nap, a sign of a good treatment.
The spa itself:
Just as the hotel is, the spa is new and set over two floors. The reception area and men’s spa area is located on level 4, while the women’s-only area is one floor up. It features a spa and sauna space (men’s and women’s), a spacious changing room and toilet/shower space that includes benches with mirrors, cleansers and hairdryers. Each floor has its own vibrantly lit relaxation lounge. There are seven treatment rooms in total, four in the women’s area (including a couple’s room) and three for the men.
What we loved:
The colourful interior decor and the thorough, friendly staff.
What we hated:
That the lockers in the changing room tend to swing shut and lock while I’m changing. The locking device is operated by a plastic watch so easily opened again each time, but I could do without the frustration of it just before a treatment.
Duration, price:
The Soothing Sapphire Ritual is a 120-minute treatment costing Dh1,000, including taxes. Book at the Ayana Spa at the Bab Al Qasr hotel by calling 02 205 3090 or e-mailing ayanaspa@babalqasr.com. During April there is 20 per cent discount on treatments. Use the code APRILFEVER to avail the discount. The spa is open daily from 10am-10pm.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
mhealy@thenational.ae
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