The Royal Spa at Rixos The Palm Dubai offers a taste of Istanbul, with mosaic lanterns throwing light and colour on the walls, complimented by beaten metal artwork and Turkish lute music.
I was served a zesty welcome shot of freshly squeezed lemon and mint before being given the grand tour.
The spa is compact and cosy, with heavy velvet curtains shielding the well-appointed relaxation spaces from the midday sun.
The treatment rooms are simple but stylishly decorated, with sage towels, Turkish lamps and the occasional wooden sculpture providing a reminder of the hotel’s origins.
The jewel in the venue’s crown however, is its Royal Spa hammam room, complete with gleaming marble floors, walls and ceiling.
The spa’s appointment book was full of requests for the traditional Turkish scrub, which is carried out on a heated stone bed beneath an ornately decorated ceiling.
I was booked in for a luxurious Ottoman Massage, which involved several stages. First, the therapist used warm herbalised oils and a light massage to relax me. Much like an Abiyanga massage – an Indian ayurvedic therapy – the treatment was an immediate stress-buster and encouraged a feeling of overall well-being.
After that, the massage pressure intensified and the therapist worked the major muscle groups, moving on to reflex points in my hands and feet.
My treatment then concluded with an oil-free head massage, geared towards increasing energy levels and restoring balance to the body.
The products used for signature treatments at Rixos are Thalgo, the indulgent French range of thalassotherapy creams and cosmetic applications.
I particularly liked the citrus-infused Indocean oil used for the massage, and although it was not available to buy at the spa, other Thalgo products were, including the brand’s bestselling body masks and Sweet & Savory scrubs, from around Dh500.
With my 90-minute session complete, it was time to take advantage of the venue’s ice fountain, steam room and Jacuzzi. And as I changed in the dressing room to leave, I was treated to views of the resort’s private beach and lush gardens. They proved well worth a wander around.
If you have the time post-treatment, I also recommend dipping your toes into one of the hotel’s three swimming pools.
The multiple waterways and aqua features of the property cater to serious swimmers and paddlers alike.
It is pretty good value, considering that day access to the beach, pool, water sports and sun loungers averages Dh250.
The Rixos Royal Spa was equally cost effective, with massages starting from Dh375, making a leisurely afternoon spent there something of a Turkish delight.
• Rixos The Palm is located on the east crescent of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. The Royal Spa is offering discounts and deals this summer season. For appointments call 457 55 55 or go to www.rixos.com
rduane@thenational.ae
