Spa review: Iridium Spa’s hammam experience is a relaxing and luxurious affair

The Iridium Spa at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort has recently opened its new hammam suite. Courtesy St Regis

I usually need at least 90 minutes in any spa to feel the benefits. So when I book in to the Iridium Spa at St Regis Saadiyat Island to try out its 90-minute hammam experience I am not sure how it will go.

I had tried a hammam before, in Turkey, but the St Regis offering is new, so I am keen to see for myself how well this version of the treatment performs when it comes to ­rejuvenation.

As I walk into the spa, I’m greeted warmly, and the first order of business is to fill in the obligatory disclaimer form.Then I am directed to four small pots placed atop a tray on the bench in front of me.

I choose the fleur d’oranger, which I am told will be applied to my body at the end of the ­treatment. I am running a little late and so have to pass on the sauna and Jacuzzi, which is where the ­relaxation journey usually ­begins.

The hammam suite is beautifully lit and the sparkling gold tiles give it a luxurious feel. I am taken by the warmth of the space and the mist as I walk in.

My therapist, Carmen, is from South Africa. The treatment starts with the application of a black soap – a concentrated olive soap infused with Argan oil– which will soften my skin, Carmen says, and the ensuing 20 minutes in the steam room will open my pores.

I only last about 15 minutes – the heat is too much for me. Then it’s exfoliation time, so I climb onto the stone slab, which is true to hammam experiences of generations past, and wriggle around trying to get ­comfortable.

It has been a while since I have had my whole body buffed and scrubbed, and at times I feel that slightly stinging feeling when water is swooshed over me after the Kesse mitts have vigorously ­removed the dead skin cells. Next is the 100 per cent natural clay body mask application.

As soon as it is applied, I can feel it working on my tired, dull skin thanks to its remineralising and restorative ingredients.

After coating me in the ­Silica-rich rhassoul mud, which is left on for 15 minutes, I’m in a deep state of relaxation. As Carmen moves to my face and washing my hair, I’m starting to feel pleasantly light- ­headed.

The varying textures, sweeping motions and scents, combined with the intimate lighting and steam, make for a complete ­sensory experience. I am happy to say that when I step out of the shower at the end, I emerge totally refreshed, and my chosen scent is still ­lingering.

The session concludes with a tray of dates and a cup of laban. I may be sitting on a comfortable chair, but I feel afloat.

• The Iridium 90-minute hammam ritual is available for Dh650 until the end of August. Visit www.iridiumspaabudhabi.com for conditions and more details