The SPA at the five-star Palazzo Versace Dubai property recently opened its doors. We took a look inside and tested out one of the signature treatments.
The experience:
For those of us who work or have a family, finding the time to spend two hours-plus at any spa is a luxury most can’t afford, at least not regularly. But, when I flipped through the The SPA’s treatment menu the 120-minute Pearl, Jasmine and Amethyst Ritual stood out. There were plenty of other options, sure. I could have opted for the 120-minute 24K “Palazzo Versace moments” treatment (a full body 24 carat gold dust massage, wrap, scrub and facial) or the Gold and Caviar facial, but it was the description that sealed the deal: “This amazing pearl and jasmine Himalayan salt crystal scrub has the immediate effect of restoring vitality and energy levels, mental clarity, well-being and strength”. And who doesn’t need some extra vitality in their life right?
Being one of the newest five-star luxury spas in the region, I’m interested to have the whole spa experience, so I do what is suggested and arrive at least 30 minutes before my treatment to enjoy the facilities (see spa section below for details) — the Jacuzzi puts me in the right mood for what is to come.
The therapist, a friendly Kenyan woman by the name of Ruth, collects me right on time and takes me to the only couple’s suite, which has a private Jacuzzi and shower cubicle. They use this suite for so as to avoid having to take me to another room, mid-treatment, to shower and bring me back again.
A foot ritual kicks things off — this involves a sea salt and eucalyptus scrub and a relaxation mist. From there it’s on to the massage table, where for the next 45 minutes or so a pearl and jasmine scrub is applied to my body from head to toe, followed by the Himalayan salt, Argan oil, jasmine and pearl scrub — its job is to reinvigorate and reenergise my skin by restoring my body’s salt levels.
This is followed by an amethyst body wrap which is cooling as it’s applied, and after being wrapped in a towel for 25 minutes, it’s time for my facial, which involves the usual cleansing, toning, exfoliating (using a blackcurrant scrub), massage, and mask. I always find facial’s more relaxing that massages most of time so I enjoy the sweeping motions and the warm towels. Once we’re done, it’s time to feel the smoothness as I wash the scrub and gel off in the shower, feeling all dreamy while I do it. Finally, the jade body cream is applied in a massage motion, before the final serums (eye and face) are applied.
The finished product is a smoother, brighter complexion and a sleepy disposition.
The spa itself:
Located on the ground floor of the west wing of the Palazzo Versace hotel, the spa takes up 1,000 square metres and offers guests generous changing rooms, along with dedicated male and female thermal suites — each containing a spa pool. There's also a sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge with warm beds for after-treatment reclining, and a luxury Moroccan hammam suite. There are seven treatment rooms in total, three male therapists and five female therapists and their skincare product range includes brands like Neom, Ila and Dr Bergener, a renowned Swiss beauty brand.
Being Versace, the spa is opulently marbled and tiled with that Neoclassical palatial feel.
What we loved:
The state of my skin afterwards. It’s been a while since my skin was so smooth and felt so bright. My therapist Ruth also rates a mention, she’s one of the best I have had in the UAE.
What we hated:
The lack of proper massage, I feel like it’s a necessity in any spa treatment, and during this session it felt more like a rubdown than anything substantial.
The duration, price:
The 120-minute Pearl, Jasmine and Amethyst Ritual at The SPA, Palazzo Versace Dubai, costs Dh1,200. For the month of March, the treatment is just Dh600. For bookings email spa@palazzoversace.ae or call 04 556 8750. Visit www.palazzoversace.ae for more details.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
mhealy@thenational.ae