Perfect for downtime and beauty over-hauls, see our edit of Dubai’s latest treatments ready for Valentine’s month.
Best for: The woman in search of a spa journey, not just a treatment
Iridium Spa, St Regis, Al Habtoor City Dubai: Time for Me
The lowdown: Exclusively for Valentine’s, the Time for Me treatment offers a 60 minute massage and 20 minute scalp treatment, both using a combination of calming aromatic oils in order to moisturise skin and relax the body and mind. We recommend requesting medium pressure in order to feel the results of a traditional deep tissue massage, without missing out on the calming, sleep inducing benefits. The deeply enjoyable and stress reducing massage aside, the true luxuries of Iridium lie in the spa itself which is a small but peaceful haven perfect for some down time whether visiting alone or with a partner. Tip: Allow yourself at least an hour prior to the treatment start time to enjoy the spa’s facilities, especially the themed showers which take you from a tropical storm to a Caribbean down-pour. Gimmicky but surprisingly effective and experiential.
Best for: The woman who most appreciates home grown wellness
The Ritz Carlton Spa, DIFC Dubai: The Desert Reviver
The lowdown: Tailor-made to meet the specific requirements of this luxury hotel’s prestigious guests, and inspired by the city of Dubai, The Desert Reviver treatment is extremely energising with its main aim being to revive skin from head to toe. The spa’s eager staff are both knowledgeable and welcoming, offering guests blended juices and cold towels on arrival. After a short wait in the relaxation area, the 2-hour long treatment starts, beginning with a full body sand exfoliation that smooths and enriches skin. An impressive hot stone massage follows, gently incorporating the heat of Dubai, and is one of the best we’ve experienced regionally. A refreshing and revitalising cooling balm is applied towards the end, which slowly reawakens us from a truly compelling experience.
Best for: The fuss-free woman in need of a holistic approach to beauty
Tips and Toes, Dubai: Luminous C and Sea Lift-off Mask and LVL
The lowdown: Tips and Toes is known and loved regionally for its accessible and inexpensive approach to beauty solutions. We spent just over three hours in the salon for a pre-Valentine’s overhaul with the aim of pristine nails, revitalized skin, fresh looking eyes and most importantly, complete relaxation. Firstly, the new luminous C and sea lift-off mask treatment – using the Pevonia range – which lasts 75-minutes and includes a deep clean and combines a high potency vitamin c cream with a freeze-dried seaweed mask with the aim of rehydrating and illuminating skin. Results aren’t instant, but two days in and skin has more clarity and luminosity. In keeping the focus on the face, the new LVL service (lift volume and length) is a natural way of opening up the eyes by lifting eyelashes at the roots to create the effect of a longer, thicker flutter. Those with longer lashes will see more obvious results, but regardless, its an easy way of avoiding the daily lash curling tool and helps to widen the eyes with, or without makeup. We recommend their classic mani and pedi during the LVL (in view of using the time wisely…), and ending with a neck and shoulder massage ensuring that you leave the salon feeling completely relaxed and revitalized. Tip: If you’re not one to sleep through treatments, (particularly LVL which requires an hours shut-eye), download podcasts to keep you preoccupied.
Best for: A couples experience
Heavenly Spa, The Westin, Al Habtoor City: Romancing the Stone Experience
The Lowdown: Its superior scale positions The Heavenly Spa as one of the largest spa’s in Dubai, offering a range of experiences within 20 treatment rooms across separate male and female areas. While you might fear that this could take away from its ability to provide a personalised service, this fortunately just isn’t the case. From the spa’s friendly staff to its flexibility in creating bespoke and customised treatments, targeting individual needs and preferences is key at Heavenly. The Romancing The Stone Experience starts with a warm foot soak in rose petal water, with soft lighting helping to transport you to a state of ultimate relaxation. From there a soothing hot stone massage follows, working to loosen your muscles and free your mind. It’s perfect for anyone with muscle pain as the heated stones help sooth the body from within. We recommend heading to the spa 15-minutes early to enjoy some time in the steam room, helping to lift toxins before the massage begins.
Also see our tips for wearing red for Valentine’s week, here.
