USP A strong Arabian theme and locally sourced ingredients form the
basis of the spa products. Insecham, the signature treatment, is a milk and
honey bath, exfoliation with rose-petal crystals and a warm poultice
full-body massage using exotic spices to re-energise the body.
AMBIENCE Desert Palm claims to be Dubai’s first boutique hotel and is
everything downtown Dubai is not. Low rise, verdant, and elegant with an
avant-garde approach to Arabian design.
Gold features, but in an understated way. Natural tones and materials, merge
with rich chocolate hues. Retro patterns and contemporary art provide
splashes of colour. The total effect results in a chic design concept
running through all elements of the property, including the spa, creating a
relaxing environment.
EXPERIENCE After discussing my requirements with the therapist I opted
for colour therapy and one of the Realm packages which are designed to
nurture, heal and calm. The colour therapy aims to balance body energy and
involves inhaling the colour you feel at the beginning of the treatment
(aquamarine in my case), and the colour you want to be (gold, obviously) at
the end.
I was looking for revitalisation, relaxation and something to stop me feeling
old – in other words a miracle. The undaunted therapist chose the Oceana
Realm balancing an array of treatments that resulted in a two-and-a-half
hour pamper. The bristly, tingly, body brush, was followed by an Australian
clay and seaweed wrap, gentle body exfoliation and finished with a lemon-oil
body massage.
An intense facial focused on my wrinkles, and was topped off by 24-carat gold
lip balm. Head massages punctuated each treatment keeping me calm at all
times.
The Kunshu products are 100 per cent halal certified, organic and, in most
cases, vegan, making them incredibly rich and creamy. By the end of the
Realm my skin was soft as a baby’s, and while I didn’t look any different, I
was so relaxed, I didn’t care.
FOOD After the treatment a tray of local dates, dried fruits, and
flavoursome herbal teas from the Tchaba range was presented which I sipped
while watching an afternoon polo match on the field next to the spa.
I could have also chosen something from the juice bar which has a menu any
cocktail bar would be proud of. Rare, the meat and game restaurant, offers
organic options for those looking for something more substantial.
IN CROWD The estate was originally created as a haven for owner Ali
Albwardy, whose passion is polo. Within the hotel grounds are four polo
fields with stables for 300 horses, and an exclusive residential area.
Guests may find themselves chatting with Dubai polo team players, ex-pats
from all countries, or other guests just looking for a bit of respite from
the intensity of downtown Dubai.
WALLET WATCH Suites begin at €265 (£195) per night. We stayed in a
beautiful private pool villa available from €565 per night. The Realm
treatment costs €180. There are massages tailored to polo players for €125
and a spa experience for kids, where fingers and toes can be painted for
€40.
NEED TO KNOW Lime Spa (part of Per Aquum spa group), Desert Palm Hotel,
PO Box 103635, Dubai, UAE. (Tel + 971 4323 8888; www.desertpalm.ae)
reservations@desertpalm.ae
