Spa Sanctuary: The Oberoi, Dubai

As soon as the elevator doors open on the third floor, the fresh scent of frangipani raises your senses in anticipation of a luxury spa treatment that could totally change the rest of your day. When you meander in the facility, you know The Oberoi, Dubai takes its spa and wellness centre very seriously. With the facility spanning the whole floor, you can't help but notice their courtyard that hosts daily yoga sessions, state-of-the art gym facility, and their temperature controlled olympic sized swimming pool.

After a warm welcome from the receptionist, you will receive a menu where you can decide the spa treatment you would like to indulge in. Do not hesitate to ask for suggestions or how each treatment works, as the staff is extremely well versed with the treatments offered. Revel in the popular and gracious Indian hospitality that has become an ethos for every Oberoi hotel. You will be offered a menu and will be spoilt for choice. Besides offering popular massage techniques including Western, Balinese, and Thai; what this spa really excels in are its indigenous Ayurvedic therapies.

 One of its signature spa treatments that comes highly recommended is called 'Indian Magic', which is a two hour spa ritual that includes 'abhyangam', a soothing and relaxing therapy that regulates the circulatory and nervous systems via long strokes, 'udwarthanam', a herbal powder scrub to increase lymphatic flow, and a reenergizing herbal bath with prai, lemongrass, turmeric and camphor. The Ayurvedic rituals use a herbal medicinal oil chosen according to your body type, assessed via a quick questionnaire at the reception. A 'dosha' is a term given for the three energies that make up every individual, which perform different physiological functions in the body, namely: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. On determining your dosha, your massage therapist will guide you to one of the seven treatment rooms offered at the spa. There are seven dedicated private rooms for the various treatments, that feature a couple's massage room, a Shurodhara room, and a Thai massage room.

The staff who primarily hail from South East Asia are  well-trained, soft spoken and make sure you receive the royal treatment you deserve. All the spa treatments and massages are gender specific; if you are a male, you will receive treatment from a masseur and vice-versa. After they guide you to your very own private and exclusive treatment room, you are given your much needed time to yourself. Each treatment room has a private tub, steam, and shower facility. While you change out of your clothes, your massage therapist ensures you are given peace and quiet while shedding your inhibitions. Before your treatment, you are first required to soak your feet in lukewarm water. As you settle in on the warming bed, you will be asked a round of questions regarding the temperature of the room, music playing, specific focus areas and desired amount of pressure.  Relax and enjoy the rest of your treatment. Once you're done, you will be asked to spend some time in the sauna or alternatively take a herbal bath. Take as long as you like, there is no hurry. This is essentially you giving time to yourself, the much desired alone time without the noise and stress of everyday life. Relax in your private steam bath and let the herbal oils sink in, giving you added vigour and nourishing your body. 

After your shower, you will have a choice of green or herbal ginger tea to wrap up your treatment. Other recommended treatments include 'Anti-Stress Recovery' which involves a vanilla exfoliation, a Shiroabyanga massage, and foot rejuvenation, 'Sun Soother' body therapy to beat the Dubai heat, and the 'Mankind Facial', involving a Sodashi Himalayan salt therapy. Living life at your own pace has never been this easy after the spa experience at The Oberoi Dubai.

About the hotel: The Oberoi, Dubai is a five star luxury hotel located at Business Bay, giving it close proximity to the Burj Khalifa and all our Downtown Dubai residents. To make bookings at the spa, please call +971 40 444 1410. To view the spa menu, please click here. 

Images courtesy: The Oberoi, Dubai