Promising to reduce cellulite, fluid retention and drop inches, is the Shrinking Violet body wrap treatment at Anantara Spa The Palm the perfect pre-party treatment?
By Natalie Trevis
Walking through Anantara The Palm at dusk on a rare blustery day amidst the swaying palm trees and ominous sky, the Thai-inspired spa offers sanctuary from the elements with its calming water features and cheerful welcome. A pampering foot scrub in the functional treatment room continues the escapism, the reverie only broken when the therapist produces something not traditionally associated with an indulging spa retreat: a measuring tape. The Shrinking Violet body treatment isn’t just about relaxation, it’s aimed at results – reducing cellulite, combating fluid retention and losing inches - and so I stand while my smiling therapist makes a careful note of my measurements before rubbing me from shoulders to toes with a tiny cupful of Shrinking Violet oil, containing active ingredients lavender and ginger.
Then comes the cling film, in which each limb (and midriff) is individually wrapped before my entire body is enveloped from shoulder blades to knees, arms pinned to my sides. The oil is said to penetrate the skin when heated, targeting cells in the fatty subcutaneous layer underneath and converting them into fatty acids that can be excreted. Failing miserably in channeling a Nineties Kate Moss in that sheer Liza Bruce ‘cling film’ dress as I squirm up onto the spa bed, I can only hope the fire alarm doesn't choose this moment to go off. While the oil works its magic, the therapist gets to work on a firming and hydrating facial using Elemis products, soothing away the stresses of the day with a face and head massage. Then comes the big reveal. After being snipped out of my mummified state, the repeat measurements show a full centimetre lost from the waist and two and a half from each thigh. Whether water weight or something more (my therapist advises not eating a large meal that night in order to retain the wrap’s impact), my skin feels firmer, smoother and rejuvenated. As a relaxing preamble to a big event or part of a new year cleanse, the post-wrap glow feels like a mini-detox without any of the denial.
Anantara Spa, The Palm, Dubai, +971 4 567 8140, [email protected]
