I am a creature of habit. I have been going to the same spa for facials for years. Whenever the only therapist I trust is out of town, I break out in zits from the anxiety of seeking out a new skin expert. So when I came across The Dalouk Spa at the Sharjah Ladies Club, the fact that it had won the Best Thalassotherapy Pool and the Best Luxury Spa and Wellness Centre in the Middle East Pool & Spa Awards last year was reassuring. I didn’t doubt the two hours of lavishness that I’d be exposed to – the question was what treatment would work best for my combination, and highly sensitive, skin.
Attached to the fitness centre in the club, the spa’s relaxation zone has bright light streaming in from floor-to-ceiling windows, with lounge chairs and sofas for customers to sit and sip on a ginger-lemon infusion while they wait for their therapists.
When I scheduled a consultation, I was asked to arrive 30 minutes early for a complimentary session in the thalassotherapy pool. The overflowing pool of warm seawater, with hydrotherapy jet streams, is said to help unknot tight muscles and assist joint articulation.
The brief session in the pool helped to alleviate some soreness I had from a previous gym session and prepared me for some more pampering.
After drying off, I changed into a robe and my therapist, Joanne, took me through a consultation form, filling in details about concerns, medical history, current medication and injuries.
Given the level of stress and sun damage to my skin, she suggested the Blissful Facial from the Ila range of natural skincare products. Ila, which means Earth in Sanskrit, is a spa range made from plant-based and mineral ingredients. The products claim to improve circulation and stimulate the free flow of energy to cells to rejuvenate the skin. This particular facial also uses healing crystals, essential oils and a marma massage (pressure-point Ayurvedic massage) to calm the senses and even out skin tone.
Joanne began by cleaning my skin with rose water and then applied a blackcurrant and honey exfoliator, gently massaging in circular motions to get rid of dead skin. Once my skin was prepped, the healing aspect of the treatment began, with a rose-quartz crystal placed on my chest and a white one rubbed on my face. Used as an ancient technique to amplify energy, the quartz is used to help centre the body, reduce inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
This was followed by an Ayurvedic massage with a heady concoction of damascene rose otto (rose essential oil), sandalwood and argan oil that put me into a light, peaceful slumber.
I awoke to a chilled seaweed mask being lathered on my face for 20 minutes, during which the therapist massaged my head and neck. After removing the mask with a warm towel, she finished off with a non-greasy rose day cream and mineral sunscreen.
I was delighted with the face that looked back at me from the mirror after the treatment. My skin didn’t feel like it was drowning in creams and seemed visibly fresher and evened out.
Some areas of hyperpigmentation had lightened, too. The effect lasted for a week. I will try this again, the next time my trusted therapist is out of town.
•The Blissful Facial at Dalouk Spa in Sharjah Ladies Club costs Dh500 for 60 minutes, with a complimentary 30-minute session in the thalassotherapy pool. Call 06 506 7880 or visit www.slc.ae
aahmed@thenational.ae
