Rebecca McLaughlin-Duane
Given the glowing reputation Four Seasons’ spas enjoy around the world, my expectations were high as I stepped inside the hotel’s newest property on Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Road.
The Pearl Spa doesn’t disappoint. The vast space is elegantly appointed with gold mosaic walls, heavy, brushed-oak lockers, and vases full of white orchids. Thoughtful touches abound, such as the superior hair and skincare products and top-of-the-range straighteners provided in the dressing room.
But best of all are the dressing gowns. Unlike the flimsy, waffle robes found in most spas, the ones at Four Seasons are oversized, made of silky cotton and boast fluffy linings.
Before you head into one of the 10 treatment rooms, try out the spa’s Jacuzzi, ice room and the sensory shower – which is a semi-secluded pod-like space where you can set the controls to the ambient sound, smells and light that suit your mood – I loved the rainforest setting, with green and blue lights, birdcalls and torrential rain soundtrack.
For my treatment, the therapist combined massage with reflexology, using the traditional Thai technique of a rounded wooden stick to administer pressure to the key points of the body. It seemed to have a more intense effect than the use of thumbs and knuckles. A complete body therapy, it included a relaxing hand massage as part of the tailored package, with a head massage as a surprise add-on.
Afterwards, my therapist took time to share tips on how to relieve headaches, fatigue and insomnia by pressing on key points of the face. She also had plenty of herbal-remedy suggestions for cleansing the body and restoring energy levels, which I pondered as I sipped spicy ginger tea and nibbled on a selection of dried fruit in the relaxation room.
On the way out, the little boutique at the reception is worth a visit. Look for the designer bikinis, jewel-encrusted kaftans and vibrant, silk beach wraps (prices from Dh2,000).
Adding to the Zen feel of the spa, the shop also sells jade bangles and pieces of polished rose quartz to help improve your energy (and that of your home). Very pretty and something of an investment, but then, who can put a price on peace and harmony?
• Massage prices start at Dh550 for 50 minutes. For appointments at The Pearl Spa at the Four Seasons at Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, call 04 270 7777 or visit www.fourseasons.com
rduane@thenational.ae