DRIFT AWAY
Making its mark on the local spa scene is The Extra Hour Spa, perched on the 6th floor of new hotspot, 25hours Hotel One Central. Luxury comes in different formats, so while it may not be the gilded opulence Dubai spa-goers might be used to, it certainly delivers in service and style. The minimalist reception and white interiors are almost Nordic in their vibe, and the spa menu is equally no-nonsense. Divided into six ‘zones’, the menu offers services from longer massages to focused experiences as well as express treatments for people pressed for time. There’s even an organic zone, as well as one specifically aimed at men.
I opted for the hour-long anti-fatigue massage (sorely needed!) meant to stimulate the lymphatic system with a sweet orange massage oil. Entering the treatment room, I sink into the massage bed to find the music is another point of difference. With unexpected chillhop/lofi beats softly creating a zone of relaxation, it’s easy to slip into a soporific stupor. Muscles and tendons were massaged in rhythmic, undulating waves and before I knew it, an hour had passed by. It’s one of the rare times I nearly fell off to sleep during a massage and felt wonderfully limber after the session.
Linger on if you like, either in the salt therapy room or the sauna. If you’re up for it, relax in the outdoor garden, surrounded by leafy greenery. We can confirm that it’s more than an extra hour you gain through the experience.
Anti-fatigue Massage: DHS 365 for 60 minutes; extrahourspa.com
REST AND REJUVENATE
Cocooned in the West Wing of the opulent Palazzo Versace, The SPA is an abode of tranquility with seven treatment rooms, two Moroccan hammams, a plunge pool, sauna and steam rooms. The latest treatment on its extensive menu is the Cryo Revive, which promises to leave the recipient completely invigorated. Intrigued by that claim, I opted for it.
It begins with a citrus infused foot ritual. I dip my feet into a large copper vessel fi lled with soothing warm water and fresh slices of grapefruit. The therapist rubs grapefruit halves on my legs from the knees down paying special attention to the soles of my feet. After a quick rinse, I hop on to the bed ready to be exfoliated from head to toe. A mixture of sea salt and green coffee oil is used to scrub away rough and dead skin using gentle circular motions. This is followed by a quick shower to prepare my body for the massage. An aromatic blend of detoxifying juniper berry oil, revitalising grapefruit and rosemary oils are applied in deep, long strokes, which lulls me into dreamy bliss, but this doesn’t last long. As stated,
this treatment is meant to refresh and invigorate. That is exactly what happened when the therapist began massaging my legs with an ice-filled sphere to boost circulation. Any lethargy I may have been feeling instantly vanished. This massage delivers on its promise – I emerged from the spa feeling light and energetic.
Cryo Revive; DHS 820 for 90 minutes; palazzoversace.ae
