The Facial – Mandara Spa, The H Dubai
The time when facials were just the expensive pursuit of bored housewives is long gone, and in this brave new metrosexual era in which we modern day gentleman now exist, facials are not just accepted, but encouraged.
To that end, you’ll do well to locally find a more comprehensive, indulgent facial experience than that offered at the Mandara Spa in the H Dubai, an institution that evidently prides itself on creating as authentic an Asian spa experience as possible. The entire staff are Balinese, and are as clued up in their art as anyone in the field, each undergoing over 500 hours of training in everything from light pressured exfoliation to mastering that often overlooked art of customer service.
All in all, suitably trustworthy to be left lathering a baffling number of creams on your face for an hour and a half. Though we can’t speak authoritatively on the relative elixirs that each of these ointments offer, the finished job will have even the most taut-skinned, brow furrowed of individuals feeling like a new man.
Men’s Elemis Facials start at Dhs615
The Scrub – Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Palm Jumeirah
With Dubai seemingly housing more spa spots than shawarma joints, for the un-initiated, picking the right pampering haven or most beneficial treatment for your needs can be an arduous task.
So if you find yourself in this particular quandary, we recommend going a little bit esoteric and opting for the exotic sounding Willow Stream Desert-Sand Hammam, one of the latest men’s treatments on the menu at the expansive spa housed in the Fairmont, Dubai Palm.
In this 90 minute nod to indulgence, you begin by lying in a marble-lined steam room as warm water is poured rhythmically over your body, before a comprehensive, head to toe exfoliating scrub with warm desert sand – which is a lot more forgiving on the skin than it sounds. The process is then capped off with a Vichy rain shower, leaving you smoother than an Alaskan seal.
After that comes the really good part, a complete and finely tailored body massage in the Fairmont’ s adjoining spa quarters, which are both comfortable and – unlike some local spa resorts that host treatments in almost crypt like environments – boast a refreshing amount of natural light, as well as great views of the Palm.
While 90 minutes may seem a tad lengthy a treatment for some, if you, like us, take a little longer to unwind than most, then this Hammam session should prove to be just what the doctor ordered.
Willow Stream Desert-Sand Hammam: Dhs705
The Rub – Sensasia, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai
If you need a rougher touch to really work out those tensions and knots, the deep tissue massage at Sensasia in the Emirates Golf Club could prove just what the doctored ordered. The Knead it Massage lasts 90 minutes, and gives you the option beforehand to outline on a piece of paper exactly the spots you’d like attended to, or indeed, avoided. From then on you’re at the mercy of the establishment’s skilled masseuse team, and while it is supposed to be a slightly ‘harder’ treatment, they still go to great lengths to ensure the pressure is to your liking, so don’t be afraid to speak up if at any time if you need a little more, or little less rigour.
While a venue famed for its sloping fairways and carpet greens may not be the obvious choice when selecting a pampering package, Sensasia has more than proved its spa speciality over the years, and in 2014 is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Meaning you’re not only in experienced hands, but you can also take advantage of some special birthday offers. SO next time you’ve had a mare on the neighbouring 18 greens, make this your 19th hole stop-off for a change.
Knead it Massage – Dhs440 (When bought with spa’s Best of 10 promotion)