Healthy indulgence
01-Apr-08
Led by client demand and fresh investment, the likes of Oman, Abu Dhabi and Jordan are joining Dubai as top destinations in the Middle East for those luxury travellers with a range of relaxation and wellness needs.
Susie Ellis, president of SpaFinder, says: "In the Middle East, spas have primarily developed in the hotel sector. Having said that, Cleopatra's with the Wafi complex is a very successful day spa in Dubai. One unique feature about spas in the Middle East is that men's and women's areas are always separate due to tradition. And the women's areas are only staffed by women."
While some traditions continue, the market is exceeding expectations by picking up on new trends. Ellis adds: "Like many things in the Middle East, there has been a trend towards impressive architecture and programmes that capture the imagination and confirm the 'over-the-top' luxury image of the region.
"However, when I visited spas in the area, I was surprised and impressed that the future will be in wellness programmes and not just spectacular visuals. I believe this trend is a huge opportunity for spas in the region to be known for not only a 'wow' factor but also leaders in the development of medical programmes and wellness."
Properties such as Jumeirah's Assawan Spa & Health Club at Burj Al Arab, Dubai, are making waves with spa fans, while the long-awaited Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan, is also causing a stir.
Guests at Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat, Oman, can enjoy a range of treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies before heading to the beach to observe Greenback and Hawksbill sea turtles nesting, laying eggs or hatching. www.shangri-la.com
Kay Fernandes, Middle East product manager for Kuoni Travel, believes modern clients now expect more than a simple treatment. "There are many new properties coming up in partnership with established spa brands, which complement each other and provide a consistent service level throughout," she says.
While Dubai continues to lead in spa innovations, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain are rapidly developing their spa industries, and are also expected to become spa hotspots.
SPA RESORTS
- Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort, Dubai
Overview: A conservation-based property, the sanctuary promises a wide variety of flora and natural landscapes. The spa boasts two double and two single massage rooms overlooking private gardens and dunes, and offers complete body massage treatments in a tranquil setting. All water from the resort is recycled and used for irrigation purposes.
Client fit: Nature lovers, honeymoon couples.
First impressions: The spa, set discreetly in a palm oasis, is integrated into the main swimming pool area, complete with bar and meal services.
Treatment range: Wide range of facial, massage and body treatments.
Top treatments: Timeless Signature Body Treatment (90 minutes) - an all-over body scrub, a Swedish deep-tissue massage and a soothing face and foot pack.
Hotel details: Al Maha recently added 10 luxury suites, bringing the total to 42. Personal pools beside the suites were also enlarged to 7.5m x 6.5m and all suites have been extensively refurbished. The 530sq m Presidential Suite features a large pool, surrounded by wooden decking and barbecue set-up, three bedrooms and private staff.
Contact: www.al-maha.com
- The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont, Dubai
Overview: The adult-only spa features a Jacuzzi area with Turkish hammam-inspired steam rooms, an ice shower and seven treatment and relaxation rooms. Health facilities include two outdoor pools and a fitness studio.
Client fit: Gym fans, or business people with spouses in tow.
First impressions: The spa has a luxurious, Romanesque feel. On arrival, guests are soothed by music, aromatherapy, fruit and seasonal flowers before being shown the facilities.
Treatment range: Range of signature treatments including deep-muscle and time-zone massages.
Top treatments: Willow Stream Signature Travellers Massage (90 mins) features a body exfoliation, circulation massage and soothing ice sheets. Ultimate Body Bliss offers three hours of scrubs, massages and facial treats.
Ask for: Spa manager Catharina Panjaitan or general manager Kamal Naamani.
Hotel details: The hotel has 394 rooms, including 128 suites and luxury penthouses. It is linked to the Dubai International Convention Centre by a covered walkway. The 548sq m Imperial Penthouse boasts two storeys, with floor to ceiling windows, a rooftop terrace and Jacuzzi.
Contact: www.fairmont.com
- Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman
Overview: Designed to reflect the typical Omani style, the resort opened in March. The spa has nine treatment rooms, three of which have outdoor showers, baths and relaxation areas. All treatment rooms have day beds built into wall recesses and mountain views. Each room includes a steam shower with garden views.
Client fit: Families, couples, food, sports or sun lovers.
First impressions: The entrance to the spa is a grotto-style tunnel where guests walk on stepping stones set on water to arrive at the subtly lit spa reception.
Treatment range: The spa's wide-ranging menu of regional and Six Senses signature treatments focuses on holistic and pampering therapies using natural products.
Top Treatment: The Signature Arabian Ritual - four-and-a-half hours of traditional treatments (£345pp) including an Arabian Foot Bath and Massage, Basil & Mint, Arabian Body Treat, Fusion Massage and a Ruby Rose Facial.
Special Touch: Guests can arrive by boat, road, or as a passenger with the Hideaway's professional paraglider.
Ask for: Spa manager Elaine Okeke.
Hotel details: The 82 pool villas and suites are located between the mountains and the 1.6km sandy beach. Top accommodation is the four-bedroom Private Reserve, located on a private beach. The master bedroom boasts a giant copper bathtub, plus there's a gym, wine cellar, both maids' and security quarters, and an infinity pool.
Contact: www.sixsensesspas.com
- Banyan Tree Desert Spa and Resort, Al Areen, Bahrain
Overview: This Middle Eastern-inspired resort opened last June in the heart of the Arabian Desert. The spa, located in its own dedicated wing, boasts 38 tennis courts. It features 12 spa pavilions, a garden hammam, hydrothermal garden, ladies' beauty garden, gentleman's salon, and extensive fitness and wellness facilities.
Client fit: Those seeking truly indulgent pampering.
First impressions: The spa's design, inspired by the Royal Arabian palace gardens, includes majestic iwans (arches).
Treatment range: Offers fusion of spa cultures with an extensive range of hydrothermal facilities and massages.
Top treatments: The Gui Shi Rainmist Massage: a holistic massage with warmed river stones and an intensive rain-shower experience promoting circulation. Top package is the 210-minute Royal Banyan session, including a Ginger Lemon Scrub, Royal Banyan Pouch Massage and a facial.
Ask for: General manager Sami Ayari.
Hotel details: The resort features 78 villas, including 22 two-bedroom Royal Pool Villas spanning 7,965 sq ft. Mixing Middle Eastern artistry with contemporary design, the villas feature private outdoor temperature-controlled swimming pools, infinity bathtubs, steam and shower rooms, private dining rooms, and a 24-hour villa butler service.
Contact: www.banyantree.com
- Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Overview: The resort's CHI Spa has an oriental style and features 10 single treatment suites and one couple suite.
Client fit: Families, couples and business travellers.
First impressions: The spa's external Arabic architecture contrasts with the Eastern feel of the reception area.
Treatment range: Specific treatments available for couples, and for men and women.
Top treatments: Signature treatments include CHI Journeys, allowing guests to experience a variety of treatments such as the Detoxifying Coffee Scrub.
Ask for: General manager Adrian Rudin.
Hotel details: Located on a private beach overlooking the strait that separates Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland, the hotel consists of 214 rooms and suites with balconies and six themed villas. There are also five outdoor pools and a health club. Top room choice is the Presidential Suite.
Contact: www.shangri-la.com
- Desert Palm, Dubai
Overview: There are six treatment rooms at Lime Spa, one being a double. All feature marble walls, stone floors, water and wood elements and earth colours. Facilities include an ice room, cold plunge and chromo therapeutic showers.
Client fit: Treatments are personalised to fit all types.
First impressions: The spa is located just below ground level with views overlooking the main polo field.
Treatment range: Kuush products, using only organic and active ingredients, are a key feature.
Top treatments: Lime Spa signature treatment features a warm milk and honey bathing ritual, a rose-petal salt-crystals body exfoliation, and hot stone massage.
Ask for: Spa manager Susan Yarbug.
Hotel details: Set amid an exclusive polo estate, Desert Palm Retreat offers 24 contemporary suites and pool villas. Top accommodation is the Villa Layali with Private Pool.
Contact: www.desertpalm.ae
- The Ritz-Carlton Sharq Village & Spa, Doha, Qatar
Overview: The Six Senses Spa is inspired by the ancient Arabian custom of physical rejuvenation. The 70,000 sq ft spa features four spa villages, offering a range of treatments. The 23 treatment rooms boast heated stone massage beds, mud baths and private majlis (meeting) areas.
Client fit: Those seeking a lavish, traditional experience.
First impressions: The spa villages feature traditional Qatari designs, and are linked by a labyrinth of pathways.
Treatment range: Traditional Arabian, Thai and Swedish therapies are supplemented by holistic offerings.
Top treatments: The 90-minute Sensory Spa Journey treatment, where two therapists perform a facial and body massage at the same time. The Holistic Dreams package includes two nights' accommodation, butler and treatments.
Hotel details: The 174-room resort, located in the heart of Doha, is inspired by traditional Qatari culture and architecture. Each room is intricately decorated.
www.ritzcarlton.com
INSIDER'S GUIDE - KAY FERNANDES, MIDDLE EAST PRODUCT MANAGER, KUONI TRAVEL
I predict the Middle Eastern hotspots for spa lovers in 2008/9 will include Dubai's Emirates Al Maha Desert Resort - it has a timeless spa offering relaxation and tranquillity using natural products. Also Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace, with the first Anantara Spa in the United Arab Emirates, offering rejuvenating treatments.
The Shangri-La, Oman, is designed to create a sanctuary of tranquillity. The spa features some of the largest and most luxurious private spa suites and villas in Oman, all within a secluded village-like setting in luxuriant landscaped gardens.
This area is a popular year-round destination with a warm climate and under six hours' flying time away, with deluxe hotels offering well known brand names such as Givenchy - One&Only. Some of my favourites are the spa at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, which leaves you feeling pampered from head to toe in luxurious surroundings, and the Emirates Palace, which offers the perfect relaxing ambience for luxurious pampering. www.kuoni.co.uk
INSIDER’S GUIDE - CASSANDRA CAVANAH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SPAFINDER EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
The phenomenal thing about the incredible growth of Middle East hotel and resort development is that it has been accompanied by a parallel growth in spa development – almost every new breathtaking build is accompanied by an equally amazing spa.
However, what’s really capturing the imagination of the spa industry is not what has happened in the past but what the future holds.
Some predictions say that by 2015 there will be more than 200 spa hotels in Dubai alone – the region that has spurred the initial growth – and it will become one of the top spa destinations in the world.
Dubai may be the ‘star’ today but countries like Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait and others in the region are also investing staggering amounts of money into their tourism industry – all of which spa is included.
Dubai will continue to be hot, while Abu Dhabi and Bahrain – and their exciting new developments will become more talked about destinations among spa goers travelling to the region.
The Middle East is a great place for spa lovers because each development constantly outdoes the last, meaning there is never any shortage of new, high-quality, luxurious spas to choose from. It is designed to be a spa lover’s paradise. Some of the over-the-top opulence may not appeal to everyone – but you would be hard pressed to find fault in any of the design, treatments or amazing facilities.
Some favourites include: The One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; Talise at Madinat Jumeirah; Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa Dubai.
www.spafinder.com
SPAS TO WATCH
- The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan, promises to house the Middle East's largest spa when the Anantara Spa opens on 1 May. www.kempinski-deadsea.com
- Starwood's Luxury Collection will open a 40-suite beachfront hotel and spa in Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth largest emirate in UAE, in 2011. www.luxurycollection.com
- Six Senses will open its Evason resort and spa in Jordon in October. www.sixesenses.com.
- The Movenpick Resort Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, is set to open at the end of 2010. It will feature 230 suites and villas, and include a spa and health club. www.moevenpick-hotels.com
- The Royal Golden Tulip Mirbat, Oman, is due for completion in 2008 and will feature more than 230 suites as well as a spa www.flamingo-hotels.com.
- SeeSpa Collection 2008, enclosed with this issue of Luxury Travel, for more inspiration.
