Birthday celebrations are tricky.
And if you are over 30 like me, you are likely to have exhausted all the cool and quirky options (couple’s retreat: check; girl’s trip: check; fancy dinner: check) out there.
But this year on my birthday, I stumbled upon the most dazzling way to ring in my special day.
An afternoon that gave me room to indulge for an entire afternoon with my close pals. Say hello to the Ladies Spa Day at the Fairmont Hotel Dubai that takes place every Tuesday.
The treatment/experience: The team at the Fairomont Dubai spa welcomed us with a detox juice made of ginger and grapefruit. Once we were acquainted with our lockers where we deposited our bags and changed into our swimsuits, we were ushered into the restaurant by the pool. So all we needed to do was take a dip, enjoy the Dubai skyline and tuck into the healthy snacks.
We were told that we will be served snacks, but the crispy salmon, the caprese salad with mozzarella and the fruit skewers were filling.
After a lazy lunch, we geared up for our express treatments. Each guest got to choose two 30-minute treatments. I chose a facial for my dry skin and a head, neck and shoulder massage.
My masseuse, the soft-spoken kneader Halala, used a eucalyptus, lavender and pine oil. The pine oil was to de-congest my stuffy chest, she told me after she read on my form that I filled that I had occasional wheezing. She then undid my tense knots with ease. Both the facial with the caviar cream and jojoba extract exfoliator, and the quick massage is perfect for all those who prefer succinct, but effective spa treatments. Our group took turns to finish our treatment and that gave everyone a chance to enjoy the hot tub and sip some detox tea. Next up was the yoga class. Our instructor gave us a crash course on surya namaskars. There’s also a gym on the same floor for all those who aren’t into yoga.
One of the best parts about Ladies Spa Day is also its timing. It’s offered every Tuesday, the day that also happens to have a ladies night at the Cavalli Club at the ground floor of the hotel. After a relaxing day at the spa, it isn’t a bad idea to let your hair down at the glitzy nightclub. I would recommend this for anyone who’s looking for a celebratory gig.
What we liked: The warm service (they even whipped up a cake when they realised it was my birthday) and great value for money.
What we didn’t like: I loved every minute of my time spend there. I wish the spa would adopt me.
Go for: Bonding with your girlfriends, me-time and to catch up on gossip, current affairs… mostly Trump,
Details: Dh350 per person, Fairmont Dubai, Shaikh Zayed Road.
