The ultimate guide to pampering for a city oozing with some of the finest Spas in the world.
One and Only Spa, Palm Dubai
http://thepalm.oneandonlyresorts.com/default.aspx
+971 4 440 1010
Best for: Extreme luxury and total privacy
Down points: If you have the money - no down points!
If your seeking a special occasion experience, then look no further then the One and Only. There are so many luxury hotels in Dubai all offering a total indulgence but what sets One and Only on another level is their location and their highly rated treatments including the Rhassoul Experience for couples, here you are given your own private couples suite equipped with private scrub area, double showers and tubs, and private relaxation area. The Rhassoul Experience is 2780 AED for two - a bit steep but worth it for an extra special treat. Otherwise the huge selection of other treatmentsare not badly priced for this luxury hotel. As a guide, their 1 hr swedish massage is 490 AED and their 25 min body scrub is 215 AED. All these treatments give you access to their private spa facilities which are truly amazing. The location feels so secluded you have to get to the spa by private boat!
Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah
http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Hotels-and-Resorts/Destinations/Dubai/Madinat-Jumeirah/Spa--Healthclub/
+971 4 366 6811
Best for: Oodles of luxury, greenery and space
Down points: Not cheap, but for the extra spa facilities you could bypass the price tag!
A huge spa with impressive outdoor features aswell as indoor. Space is ample here at Talise Spa so if you want total serenity and an exit from downtown Dubai head to Madinat Jumeirah. They have a large variety of treatments on offer; their massages start from 495 AED for 60 mins and body scrubs start at 550 AED for 1 hour. Bit pricey, but of course all treatments give access to spa facilities which are beautiful - an outdoor pool which is exclusive to the spa only, a refreshing indoor plunge pool and steam/sauna. Couples rooms are also available. Talise's signature treatments are the Hot Stone therapy with seaweed, hugely popular with the regulars and additionally, Talise recently opened a Wellbeing Centre focussing on alternative therapy treatments such as hormone assessments, liver functioning etc . Be sure to keep an eye out for promotions advertised on their website as prices are pretty reasonable during offer time.
The Spa, The Address
http://www.theaddress.com/en/section/spa-4
Downtown Dubai, +971 4 436 8751
The Palace - Old Town, +971 4 428 7888
Dubai Mall, +971 4 438 8888
Dubai Marina, +971 4 436 7777
Angsana Spa at The Montgomerie Dubai, +971 4 390 5600
Best for: Sheer elegance, understated style and centrally located branches
Down points: Not as large as some Dubai hotel spas, lacks pool but is centrally located if you are in the heart of Dubai
The Address chain of hotels is relatively new and currently have 5 branches in Dubai all elegantly decorated in a minimalist design. We especially love the branch at Downtown Dubai because of its central location and amazing views of the Burj Khalifa and Fountain from their relaxation rooms - truely exceptional! The Spa focusses on oriental healing techniques which can be found in all their treatments and they use ESPA products. All five branches operate independently in terms of the treatments and prices they offer ( they will all differ, so enquire first). However, on visiting the Downtown Dubai branch we found the cost of an aromatherapy/swedish massage is 475 AED for 50 min and a body scrub is 250 AED for 25 min. The Spa run a range of treatments including the unique Diamond Exfoliation which is a 30 min body polish using tiny crushed diamonds that can leave your body glittering - wonderful for weddings, not badly priced at 350 AED. Spa facilities include an Aroma Room which can also be booked in for couples and an Ice Cave. Complementary drinks and snacks available. We found the price to be a bit steep for a small/medium spa but when you chill in the relaxation room with amazing views of the Dubai Mall Fountain 13 stories below - its almost worth it!
SensAsia Urban Spa
www.sensasiaspas.com/
The Village, +971 4 349 8850
The Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 422 7115
Mall of the Emirates, +971 4 354 9228
Emirates Golf Club, +971 4 417 9820
Best for: Trendsetting experience
Down points: Bit pricey for what it is
This hip and trendy chain of Spas is quite a hit with fashionistas, golfers and mummys-to-be as they have a huge variety of treatments on offer. The theme is based on the popular trendy spas in Thailand and the founder has recreated a calm yet sleek theme with the interior, treatments and services it offers. If you like pressure, don't be afraid to ask and likewise if you are a petal, be sure to mention you like it gently as standard massaging techniques involve a good amount of pressure. Surroundings are tranquil and their robes are the fluffiest around. Price wise, it is one of the dearer spa chains in Dubai, but SensAsia regularly do special offers and recently have been doing half price promotions on some treatments on a Monday. We advise to look online for more info or call them direct and ask before you book.
Amara Spa, Park Hyatt Dubai
http://dubai.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/about/features.jsp
+971 4 602 1660
Best for: Luxury surroundings at a downtown hotel
Downpoints: Could do with being reasonably priced especially with the fierce competition from all the new beach hotels.
Even though this spa is set in the heart of Dubai's city centre its amazing that you can't hear the usual Dubai chaos. This place is proper relaxation and the interior is themed Moroccan style, with elegant marble hallways and calming fountains all designed in a mix of exterior and interior settings. Amara Spa has a 8 private treatment rooms and residential spa rooms all with outdoor access leading to a private garden with rainshower. The majority of Amara's treatments can be booked into one of these private rooms after which you have free access to use the beautiful spa facilities which include a steam, sauna, stunning pool and more. Book a couples room if coming with a friend or other half - giving you extra privacy to enjoy tea outdoors. Prices are a bit on the steep side with a 1 hr swedish massage at 450 AED, and a 45 min body scrub at 385 AED but Amara regularly do promotions so be sure to check website or call before booking.
Cleopatra's Spa and Health Centre, Wafi City Mall
+971 4 324 4356
Best for: Value for money in good surroundings
Down points: The spa is in a mall so not exactly high on the tranquil factor!
Cleopatra's has been in operation for many years and pulls in a regular crowd of customers who just go for that much needed massage or rasul cleanse. As its name suggests the decor is Egyptian themed, like the mall! And the size of the spa is huge with many treatments on offer. Its a shame the spa doesn't currently have its own website with treatment info, you will have to call for this. Price wise, a 1 hr European massage is 350 AED and a 45 min body scrub start at 265 AED. All treatments give access to spa facilities which include a wet area, jacuzzi and relaxing areas. Their Pharoah's Club pool is members only but free access is may be given during promotional offers and if a spa package is booked but please enquire first.
Zaitoon Wellness Spa at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel
http://www.zaitoonspa.com/index.php
+971 4 508 7520
Best for: value for money
Down points: unglamourous surroundings
The massages are rated highly here, and if you dont mind being in simple and somewhat slightly dated surroundings, Zaitoon offer some excellent choices and value for money. A swedish massage starts at 220 AED for 50 min treatment and their signature synchronised thermal massage with 4 hands is 400 AED for 80 mins. A 50 min body scrub is 250 AED. These days Dubai is all about five star glamour, but from experience, only a handful of places are really worth the steep prices they charge. Zaitoon Spa regular run promotions, so be sure to ask about these before you book or check out their website.
Signature Lounge for Men
http://www.thesignaturelounge.com/about_us.htm
+971 4 434 2110
Media City, Tower A Ground Floor, Business Central Tower (near Subway)
Best for: specialised men- only grooming and reasonable prices
Down points: Not a full on spa - mostly salon, steam bath available but no pool or sauna
With huge choice of ladies only and mixed spas in Dubai, a few men only spas are beginning to open due to increasing popularity for male grooming. Signature Lounge is one of those places men can head off to after work or whilst the other half is pampering herself. Unlike mixed spas, Signature Spa is decorated and kitted out in masculine colours and design and equipped with mod cons and facilities men just can't do without i.e mens mags, wifi connection, IPOD docs and more. The offer a range of men popular treatments such as massages, facials, haircuts, shave, mani and peds and even waxing! Who says men don't care about their appearances. Price wise, they are pretty reasonable plus run regular promotions, a 60 min european massage at 260 AED, a 60 min body scrub is 300 AED and a basic mani and ped is 130 AED, although we recommend to go for the 'Sportsman' mani ped which includes exfoliation and paraffin treatment ooh la la!