‘Elevated’ is the word that keeps popping into mind when it comes to an afternoon spent at the Waldorf Astoria Spa\. On a very literal level, the Spa is located on a high floor, giving a voyeur’s view overlooking the sleek Dubai International Financial District. Thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows, the reception is bathed in natural light, with the blue skies and radiant sunlight almost making you feel like you’re leaving your troubles in the lobby of Burj Daman as you check-in. The ceilings are tall; the attention to detail in the elegant décor is prominent; the service is high quality. Everything about the experience is, well, elevated.
It should come as little surprise. Across the world the reputation of the Waldorf Astoria brand is one of elevated quality, but it’s also one that always looks to go that extra step. The Spa at the Waldorf Astoria DIFC takes that step, upwards.
Rather than attaching itself to a particular cultural theme (or ‘journey’ as they like to call it in spa speak), the Spa offers a selection of modern and very specialized ‘suite’ options including isolation treatments inside a personal floatation tank; a modernised Hamman treatment on a custom-built shower table; and a couple’s room for those who prefer pampering with a friend.
Our day unfolded with a session within the Grooming Suite, which focuses on beauty treatments that can be added on to a standard menu of massages.
In another sign of that elevated service we’re banging on about, the Spa has even taken the forethought to ease its guest’s decision-making process by offering a shorter menu of treatments in order not to overwhelm them with choices. It carries the same mindset through to its pricing where all the signature treatments are priced at AED675 for 90mins and AED950 for 120mins. While we are saved from having to flick through reams of various massage type, we are left with the rather surreal decision of either having a Diamond Scrub (in which crushed diamonds are made into a pasted and then rubbed over your body), or a Meteorite Ritual (basically, the same but swapping out the earth rocks for space rocks). The diamonds win out this time.
Due to their immense popularity, excellent spas are not a rarity across the GCC. Rarely will a five-star property be unable to knead and soothe away the strains of modern day life from your body, and therefore it is the small additional considerations that make a big difference. The quality of the sheets and robes. The selection of hydrating teas. The privacy of the changing rooms. The assured confidence of the staff. Waldorf Astoria DIFC does it all, and at a level that is elevated.