Hidden away on the wellness floor of the Oberoi is their spa, a serene space with a delicious scent of essential oils wafting through the wooden corridors. The spa manager Bimo has a particularly friendly, down-to-earth manner and explains the menu to me, suggesting the ideal therapy for my current mood. My treatment begins with a 15-minute welcome foot ritual – my therapist Hazel (who has magical hands) begins by washing my feet in a luxurious golden bowl before she expertly massages a minty, cooling gel (courtesy of a leading Italian foot brand called PMP) into the soles of my feet. She focuses on specific pressure point, so it is healing as well as relaxing. In the background traditional Indian chanting followed by piano jazz, transports me to a tranquil state, ready for my customised 60-minute signature massage (known as the Oberoi massage). So, I have a choice between three essential oils – from calming to relaxing and uplifting – I choose the latter; a divine blend of pure rosemary and lemongrass oil. The next hour was a blissful experience of rhythmic soothing strokes, releasing all the stress-induced knots around my neck and shoulder area and Hazel gave more attention to my feet and head (as requested). Throughout, she applied medium to firm pressure and intuitively knew how to send me into a blissful realm. There are many benefits of massage, but perhaps best of all it helps to eliminate stress by lowering your blood pressure, boosting your immunity and creating a sense of feel-good due to the release of happy hormones. My journey ended with me inhaling some essential oils (after the therapist dabbed some drops on my palms) before sipping a very gingery hot tea. The beauty of this spa is that you can stay in your treatment room for as long as you like afterwards and you’re invited to use the bath/shower facilities if you so wish. I took my time, read a magazine, then slowly got dressed before stepping out into the Arabian night, feeling rejuvenated to the max.
To make a reservation at the spa at the Oberoi in Dubai, call 04 444 1444
