11.33 PM Thursday, 12 December 2024
  • City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
  • Dubai 05:32 06:51 12:15 15:12 17:34 18:53
12 December 2024

Gold treatment for a new you

Published
By Maha Obeid


 

December has been a big month for gold sales, with people shopping for Eid Al Adha and Christmas, so it is only fitting that Ritz-Carlton Dubai offers a 24-carat-gold treatment at its spa.

 

The spa has created its own gold oil, using a combination of satin-smooth body oil and 24-carat gold dust. Although the spa focuses on Balinese treatment, it uses Swedish massage. The treatment begins with a revitalising and stimulating exfoliation to soften and rejuvenate the skin. The emphasis is on the classic style of Swedish massage, which starts on the back using stretching and pressure points and can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. It is designed to ease any tension in the muscles and the body oil can be varied, depending on your preference and skin condition. The treatment is ideal for Dubai’s tourists and business travellers suffering from jet lag, as it also eases tiredness and fatigue.

 

Behind the glitzy gold there is a health element. The spa believes the gold works to purify the body and mind. As a natural element, it can be used to balance the body. According to the spa, gold can be used to treat blood, skin, neurological and heart disorders. Gold is believed to be an energy generator and remover of blockages with the power to strengthen, amplify and conduct energy in the body to aid healing towards aches and pains, tiredness and fatigue. The treatment lasts for 80 minutes and costs Dh695. It is most popular with women, who enjoy the shimmering after-effect of the gold dust, which becomes an instant fashion accessory.

 

Like so many of the luxury spas in Dubai, the Ritz-Carlton’s has been designed as a sanctuary – with water trickling over pebbles, ancient wood carvings and mystical artifacts. It is a haven of calm and tranquillity, offering luxurious pampering to restore your balance. The spa features eight treatment rooms, dry sauna, whirlpool and eucalyptus steam rooms. It also has two women-only rooms for privacy. It uses natural skin care ranges such as Bella Lucce and Carita.

 

The purpose-built spa has a Balinese influence – most of the furniture and artwork have been imported from Bali. The décor features earth tones, with soothing colours of ivory, cream and pale yellow contrasting with the natural wooden floors. Exclusive designs are used for sarongs, robes and body wraps and incorporated into the Balinese style uniforms of the staff. The treatments also have a Balinese theme and the team of seven highly skilled male and female masseuses can recommend specific treatments. These include the Balinese Boreh massage and the Javanese Lulur body ritual.

 

Spas and specialised treatments are becoming a drawcard worldwide for tourists, with Conde Nast Traveller magazine including a category of Spa Awards in its 2007 Travel Awards, which are voted for by the readers.

 

Dubai’s spas featured in the top 25, with Assawan Spa & Health Club, at the Burj Al Arab Hotel, ranked at number 10. The spa is decorated with mosaics and has breathtaking views of the Gulf.

 

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa boasts one of the largest spas in the UAE. The spa overlooks the Arabian Sea and has nine treatment rooms, a salon, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish hammam and steam, fitness and aerobics rooms. It embodies Hilton’s philosophy of ‘putting back a little of what life takes out’.

 

Imar Spa, located in Umm Al Quwain, takes the expression ‘getting away from it all’ even further, with accommodation and spa packages. Located just 50 minutes from Dubai, Imar Spa is exclusively for women and offers a range of treatments ranging from Ayurveda to facials and detoxes. It also features guest suites, so you can combine your pampering with a weekend away.

 

For more information about the 24-carat gold massage, call Ritz-Carlton Dubai on 04 399 4000.