Guerlain Spa Dubai at the One & Only The Palm Dubai

The outdoor relaxation room at Guerlain Spa Dubai

I must start by apologizing for my short disappearance. The reason behind missing a post last week was a not so great Abu Dhabi staycation. It was in fact so bad that I’ve decided not to write about it. Instead, I will be writing about my spa experience at that hotel, which wasn’t too bad. But first, let me tell you about a newly opened spa at the tranquil beachfront Dubai property – One&Only The Palm.

Nestled in the peaceful gardens on the secluded Palm resort, Guerlain Spa Dubai has opened on December 8 of last year, as a result of the re-branding of the previous ESPA at the hotel.

I had visited the classy hotel a few years ago when a friend’s sister was visiting town. We took the boat from the sister property the One&Only Royal Mirage. We dined at 101 restaurant and lounge which was memorable. However,  I never got the opportunity or made the effort to go back.

Today’s spa treatment made me think that I should spend more weekends going to beaches and exploring Dubai’s nice hideaways.

However, I have a couple of cool getaways planned in the near future. Interning at an international luxury travel magazine makes you want to explore every single spot on this earth! it truly makes you want to just spend your life visiting all of those beautiful and unique places with stunning views and unmatched landscapes. So stay tuned to this blog for a report on a couple of these places throughout this year. I think I will go on a luxury travel craze once my internship ends.

Guerlain Spa Dubai was interesting. I opted for the one-hour hot stone massage, which aims to melt tense muscles, improve blood circulation and enhance complexion with the use of hot stones. My Indian therapist – Diki – was highly professional. Her strong massage pressure was actually strong! unlike many spa therapists, she did the massage in a pressure that I could firmly describe as strong. Since I spend long hours in front of the PC – typing away – at the office, my shoulders and upper back are quite stiff. With the use of soothing hot stones and a Guerlain massage oil, the end result was perfect. It was very relaxing and my muscles felt less tight.

There were two things that I thought were awkward at the spa:

1. There was no soap or liquid hand wash in the ladies’ locker/washroom. It felt like I was in someone’s home and there was no soap or hand wash in sight! Considering that the spa has been operational for about three months, this is indeed weird.
2. The receptionist who guided me to the changing room told me that I can’t leave my stuff in the locker as some other guest will be using it. And that I should take my belongings with me to the treatment room. Of course after telling her that all spas allow guests to keep their stuff in the lockers, she couldn’t say anything and I kept my stuff in there anyway. I also explained that I have a DSLR camera that needs to be kept in a safe place. My thoughts: this is a very inappropriate thing to tell a client of a spa at the standard of the Guerlain Spa, where spa treatments cost from AED 630 (think foot reflexology) and reach AED 1,990 (a three-hour face and body signature treatment if you’re wondering). Again, very awkward. Even more so when I didn’t see a single lady at the locker room or the spa throughout the time that I was there! LOL

After making the payment at the cash counter, the receptionist asks you if you would like to sample the Guerlain perfume range. At first, I said that I wasn’t interested (to which I was confronted with a surprised face). Then, I decided to freshen up with a few spritzes of the unisex sweet and floral scents. There’s another strong and oriental perfume range to choose from too.

With a highly trained therapist, a relaxing spa playlist, the sounds of the birds chirping in the surrounding garden and a beachside and marina setting, I am definitely making another visit to the Guerlain Spa at the serene One&Only The Palm, Dubai.

Note: you can take the boat from the One&Only Royal Mirage to the Palm property and back. It’s an enjoyable 30-minute (I think) ride, which I missed out on this time. The Dubai International Boat Show was going on and therefore the boat service was suspended. This makes for the perfect excuse for me to go back and try another rejuvenating treatment.

Honestly, visiting the One&Only The Palm gave me the sense that I had left Dubai for the day. It was the perfect escape from the busy city life. In fact, it was the most effective and relaxing hot stone treatment I’ve had.

One-hour hot stone massage for AED 700, oneandonlyresorts.com

Tip:

For a complete spa day experience, enjoy a wide selection of international tapas like Spanish omelette, falafel, hommos and moutabbal at 101 lounge, an overwater dining concept with stunning Dubai Marina skyline views.

A new spa that’s worth a trip to the Palm – Guerlain Spa

Modern, airy and bright locker room at the Guerlain Spa Dubai

A garden with fountains is the setting for the Guerlain Spa Dubai