Meso-dose thermotherapy, Ritz Carlton hotel in JBR
While many body-sculpting treatments promise results after the first session, few deliver. That’s why the meso-dose thermotherapy at Dubai’s Ritz-Carlton hotel in JBR deserves a mention. I tried the spa’s 60-minute signature slimming treatment, geared towards breaking up fat cells and reducing the appearance of cellulite, and it worked. Not to be confused with mesotherapy, which involves homeopathic and vitamin injections, this spa treatment was non-invasive. While a course of up to 13 sessions is recommended, after a single treatment I noticed that my skin was smoother and my jeans looser, not least through the loss of water retention.
Before commencing, I had a consultation with a therapist and decided upon an area of the body to focus on. Common “problem areas” tend to be the thighs, stomach or arms. Once inside the treatment room, she started by applying body thermogel to my legs, which acted as a conductor for the creams to be applied next. Made with turmeric, cinnamon and ginger oil, the product smelled like freshly baked biscuits and glided on smoothly before gently heating the skin. The warmth was a blessing because next to be applied was a cold, thick slimming serum called meso-contour.
The ultraconcentrate contained green algae, caffeine, mango and shea butter and reacted swiftly with the thermotherapy gel below it to stimulate circulation. Acting as a detoxifying and sculpting mask, the wrap was left to work for 15 minutes while the therapist massaged the rest of my body. This time she used another slim-contour cream by Natura Bissé, rich with brown algae and caffeine. Once the wrap had been peeled away, it was time for a vigorous leg massage to get the blood flowing and flush out the toxins.
This treatment is one of many under the banner of Detox and Cleanse at the spa and you can choose whether you’d prefer to focus on slimming, lifting or re-contouring the body upon each visit. I instantly noticed my skin was hydrated and my silhouette refined rather than drastically altered, but who’s to say what another 12 sessions might yield? With a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, the therapist assured me that a full course of the thermotherapy would continue to help the body produce collagen and retain its elastin. It’s also suitable for those who have varicose veins and want to stay away from light, laser or electric-current treatments, which some argue worsen the symptoms.
If you’re looking for a relaxing spa experience, this intensive one probably isn’t for you. It’s geared towards getting results, fast. However, if you’re embarking upon a new gym and nutritional regime and want a morale boost from the get-go, this treatment should probably be on your list.
• The Signature Meso Sculpting treatment costs Dh550 for 60 minutes at the Ritz-Carlton JBR Visit www.ritzcarlton.com
Slimming specials
1. Votre Slimming Spa, Dubai
Total body lipo-massage, 35 minutes. Fifty per cent discount for August; Dh175. Visit www.votreslimmingspa.com
2. Amaryllis Clinic, Abu Dhabi
Endosphere AK55 therapy with lympho drainage, 20-45 minutes. Each session costs from Dh300. Visit www.amaryllisclinic.com/spa.aspx
3. Oxygen Spa, Dubai
Stretch-mark reduction therapy, 60 minutes. Free consultation, sessions start from Dh800. Visit www.oxygenspadubai.com/bodytherapy.html
Stay Liquid till Lunch by Detox Delight
One way to embark upon your new health regime this month is with a quick juice cleanse. For newbies such as myself, one of the easiest programmes to follow was the three-day Stay Liquid till Lunch box set from Detox Delight, not least because of the door-to-door delivery in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. My package contained six bottles of green juice and six bottles of super-green juice; their ingredients included everything from spelt grass and coconut water to leaf spinach. The programme did exactly what it promised and provided me with vitamin-packed liquid drinks until around 1pm, after which time I opted for a protein-rich lunch and dinner. Far from leaving me famished, the juices left me full and surprisingly flat-stomached. After three days, I was able to substitute the green juices for cold-pressed homemade alternatives. Which, if you haven’t yet mastered your kitchen gadgets, can be ordered from Detox Delight (organic apple, pear, ginger, Swiss chard, courgette and fennel). For longer-term detoxes or complete overhauls, there are full menu options of soups, detox teas, protein meals, gluten-free snacks (and vegan options) available online.
• Flexible daily packages start from Dh370. Visit detox-delight.ae
Kaya’s Kitchen Detox
If you want to learn how to shop and cook nutritious meals, sign up for a private home visit from the health and lifestyle expert Kaya Peters. For Dh1,495 she will help you demystify food labels, arm you with staple shopping lists alongside ingredients for cooking and a cookbook. Call 050 344 6832.
rduane@thenational.ae