With so many clinics and spas vying for your attention, knowing which health tests and beauty treatments are worth your dirhams can be dizzying. This month, we try out pre-natal spa treatments to determine which warrant the spend.
The treatment: Sensasia’s Luxe Mum-To-Be package
Who’s it for? Women in their second or even third trimesters who want an indulgent escape from pre-pregnancy worries and relief from the physical stresses of pregnancy.
The spa: Recently opened, the newest Sensasia Spa outlet is hidden upstairs on the mezzanine floor of Golden Mile’s boutique mall, fittingly, on a level of its own. Even in rush hour traffic, the drive is easy and the parking simple – two very important factors for a heavily pregnant woman suffering through Dubai’s afternoon heat.
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While I normally take a while to unwind from a busy day at work, I’m completely removed from everything on my ‘to-do’ list from the moment I step into the spa – a big tick from the outset!
The treatment: It’s clear from the outset that the staff at Sensasia are pre-natal treatment specialists, taking information on everything from pregnancy ailments to medical history before tailoring the treatment entirely to the individual.
My pampering starts with a foot exfoliation and soak for puffy feet while my therapist explains the afternoon to follow. The first hour is a dedicated to a personalised full body massage, and I am impressed with the pressure my therapist is able to offer, her confidence clearly indicating a level of expertise in alleviating discomfort rather than just encouraging relaxation.
The following lighter legs treatment is designed soothe and reduce swelling during the latter stages of pregnancy and it does – the effect is pleasantly cooling and the additional massage targets particularly swollen areas. After a drink of water, we move onto the renowned Elemis facial, and after a tailored exfoliation, cleansing, steam and deep moisturising treatment, my skin looks and feels visibly revived.
The verdict: I can see why Sensasia is widely regarded as one of Dubai’s best spas for pre- and post-natal treatments. The staff are clearly skilled and attentive to the specific needs of women in even the later stages of pregnancy – a rarity in a city where treatments are offered only before the third trimester. I felt entirely confident that I was in the hands of experts providing both myself and my bump with a medically safe treatment, and left feeling utterly revived. Which is no mean feat in my eighth month of pregnancy…
Cost: Dhs799 for a 135-minute pampering package
Sensasia Urban Spa, Golden Mile Building 6, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4227115. Taxi: Golden Mile Building 6. sensasiaspas.com
Lime Spa’s pregnancy massage: The lush surrounds of Desert Palm immediately make you feel a million miles away from the day-to-day stresses of city life, so with a day’s access to the resort’s pool facilities included, this treatment is a perfect option for a full day of mum-to-be R&R.
The treatment: My therapist begins with a bespoke consultation to identify key areas of discomfort and focus, followed by a foot exfoliation and massage, carried out while I eat lemon sorbet in my robe – this alone is complete bliss. A relaxing and soothing one-hour massage follows, with my therapist suggesting a number of safe positions to ensure key areas of tension are targeted and alleviated.
Why try it? An expert massage, full use of Desert Palm’s luxurious pool and spa facilities and frozen treats? Why would you not?
Cost: Dhs465 for 60 minutes, Dhs575 for 90 minutes
Lime Spa at Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Fri 9am on 11pm, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3238888. Taxi: Desert Palm. desertpalm.ae
Organic Glow’s Green Bellies Treatment: As the first dedicated eco-salon in the UAE, Organic Glow’s menu of pregnancy treatments is a no-brainer – after all, what mum-to-be doesn’t want to be pampered with completely toxin-free products? The lounge also offers home services for those who want to indulge in the spa’s services without leaving the comfort of their own four walls.
The treatment: The 150-minute session begins with a relaxing head massage, a relaxing hair wash and treatment (drastically needed as a working mum with a toddler at home) and a neck and shoulder massage, followed by a mani pedi with hand and leg massage and, finally, a blow-dry, all using the salon’s signature eco-friendly products.
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Why try it? If you want to feel like a shinier, more put together version of yourself, without compromising with chemicals, this is the treatment for you.
Cost: Dhs650 for 150 minutes
The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge, Oudah Tower, Jumeirah Village Circle 1, Dubai, Mon to Thurs & Sat 10am to 8pm, Fri noon to 7pm, closed Sun. Tel: (055) 2341429. Taxi: Oudah Tower. organicglowuae.com
This article was originally published in Good magazine
Images: Supplied
