Invigorate your senses

Located within the Desert Islands Resort & Spa, the Anantara spa is a sanctuary of its own. As your golf cart whisks you away to the spa, within just a few minutes you will be at an area of complete tranquility. A beautiful water fountain and various natural greenery will immediately surround you as you begin to automatically lull into a relaxed state of mind.

Enter the facility and you will be surrounded by smells that are classically Anantara in a pristine, soft environment. Your olfactory senses will be on overload (in a good way of course) as you treated to a large amount of scents- a hint of patchouli here and a smidgen of lavender, in addition to . As you sit by the friendly receptionist, you will be treated to a delicious ginger drink, aiming to help detox your body. You will need to fill up a form, declaring any ailments, concerns you have, areas where you would like to focus on and others. The spa consultant will then show you the lovely spa facilities they have on offer. It includes a steam and shower along with their changing rooms. As you slip yourself into your terry cloth robe post a ten minute spa session, head on towards your treatment room. The spa hosts four treatment rooms for adults, so make sure you slip in your appointment well in advance to avoid disappointment. If you happen to be staying at their Al Yamm resort and desire privacy, you can also choose to have the massage in the privacy of your own suite.

The treatment chosen for me was the Anantara Signature massage. I was led to my treatment room by my ever-smiling spa therapist who then sunk my feet into a soothing milk and honey bath that she says is a ritual before every massage therapy. After the soothing foot bath, I was escorted to the massage table. The therapists are keen to hear feedback on the pressure used during the massage to ensure maximum relaxation. What Anantara pays close attention to is playing homage to its Thai roots with a blend of traditional Arabic influences. The Anantara Signature massage encompasses a heady rush of their signature blend of balms and oils along with therapeutic movements on the body that involves wringing, kneading and stretching to promote a sense of deep relaxation, an improvement of circulation and restoring the flow of energy throughout the body. As I launched into a sort of limbo, I lost track of time and space. I had reached a completely new level of zen by the time the massage came to a close. Relaxed and rejuvenated was exactly how I felt at the end of this wondrous massage. 

The spa also offers a range of other services that may tickle your fancy if you are not keen on massages. They offer some incredible scrubs and exfoliation masks. Two of their recommended treatments include their Island Rejuvenation, which blends three treatments- an Arabian massage, an Elemis Brilliance Facial and Oriental Foot Reviver that lasts a good 2.45 hours to kickstart your journey towards restoring balance. They also offer two different types of couple treatments; the 'Togetherness' and the highly recommended 'Desert Islands Romantic Getaway' which involves an exotic Arabian rose oil massage by candlelight, Jacuzzi bath and all the roses included.

As their tagline says, some journeys need only to be felt, not told. This message ruminates throughout Anantara, and trust me, you will never be disappointed.

To make appointments at the spa, please contact 02 801 5400 or email [email protected]