Working in front of a computer screen all day translates into a much-needed massage treatment at the end of the week. I feel like I can never get enough massages, body scrubs or foot reflexology therapies.
Today’s spa inspiration came to me while I was fact checking a piece for the magazine that I’m interning at.
The One&Only Spa at the One&Only Royal Mirage is the epitome of luxury and has a very strong majestic feel to it. The lavish spa is located in a separate building at the residence and spa property of the hotel. Spread across two floors; the first floor has the spa with its treatment rooms, relaxation area, sauna and steam room. While the lower ground floor has its own changing rooms, Hammam treatment rooms, massage rooms and indoor relaxation pool.
Being a huge fan of sitting in a Jacuzzi or hot tub, I had to go for a quick dip in the indoor pool before my treatment at the spa. Sadly, the water temperature wasn’t warm. This was disappointing, but it was a good way to relax before the treatment.
Indoor pool at the One&Only Spa at the One&Only Royal Mirage
This time, I opted for a 25-minute body scrub, followed by a 50-minute deep-tissue massage. There are two options for the body scrub: a rough sea salt scrub and a gentle exfoliating body polish. The latter is suitable for sensitive skin and is an ESPA product. That was the one that I went for and it was the perfect choice. The exfoliating body polish has a strong peppermint scent and a rich, moist texture. What made the experience even better was my therapist’s pressure. It was just right; not too harsh and not too light.
After applying the body scrub all over my body, my therapist asked me to rinse my body with warm water in an in-room shower. The warm shower was so invigorating and relaxing at the same time. I honestly felt like staying in there forever!
As always, I requested a deep-tissue massage to help release some of the muscle tension and soreness. Since I chose a deep-tissue massage, my therapist recommended the fitness massage oil. The oil helps warm the muscles to ease the tension while doing the massage.
Again, the massage pressure was just right. I felt relaxed and rejuvenated throughout and after the treatment. I would certainly go back and I would book a similar treatment with the same therapist. Yes, that’s how happy I was with the entire spa experience.
They currently have a promotion on all treatments booked for the mornings – until 1:00 pm I think. I went after that time because Fridays are the only days when I don’t have to wake up early and rush to be somewhere. That’s why I couldn’t book in the morning and I decided to have my treatment at 2:30 pm.
What is the one thing that I wasn’t pleased with? when I was in the Hammam area (lower ground floor) and while I was taking pictures of the (empty) pool for this post, I was told by the supervisor at the Hammam that I shouldn’t be taking pictures as the guests will be passing by. Of course I wasn’t going to take pictures of any guests wandering around in their bath robes or towels (it’s a men and women area). I was only taking pictures of the space including the indoor pool and a close-up of the chess board on the mosaic-tiled table. I replied that I will stop and apologized immediately (despite not taking any pictures of guests).
What bothered me was not the supervisor’s words, but her attitude and the way in which she asked me to stop taking pictures. She could’ve said the same words in a polite and positive tone. But she didn’t. Her tone was aggressive and she was the complete opposite of friendly. As I made my way out, she even told me where the exit was. Now if that’s not rude behaviour, then I don’t know what is.
To be honest, I was going to consider booking a Hammam treatment at the spa, but after the incident, I changed my mind. I will be visiting another spa for a Hammam treatment next weekend. The spa manager seemed Moroccan. I’m not a racist person, but I do believe that Arabs in service roles tend to be less efficient than other nationalities. It’s an observation that I found to be very true. I would advise that you visit the spa (located on the first floor), but not the Hammam section (lower ground floor). Unless you don’t mind the Arab way of doing business – which I don’t agree with.
I felt like I’m this intrusive blogger/journalist when I was actually doing nothing wrong and I had paid a total of AED 1,020 during my brief visit to The One&Only Spa
Anyway, this is the price that one must pay for being an authentic writer and blogger. This is what I have to go through to bring you honest, reliable and accurate reviews and stories 🙂
Stay tuned for next week’s spa review – most likely a Hammam treatment. Location will be revealed in the next post.
Unwind Body Scrub (25 minutes) for AED 295, Fitness Massage (50 minutes) for AED 510, ESPA Exfoliating Body Polish (200ml tube) for AED 215; oneandonlyresorts.com
Tip for my Indian therapist (Fanai): AED 20
Saudi Diva signing off XXX
Royal treatment and colourful mosaic tiles at the One&Only Spa at the One&Only Royal Mirage
4 Comments
Hi Diva , I also sadly agree with you that Arabs tend to be less efficient than other nationalities in customer service !!
To receive such rude service from a One And Only staff is surprise for me. I’ve been to One & Only Resorts in so many countries (of course for fam trips) and that’s one thing that I have noticed about their staff, they’re all very friendly, happy and helpful. I understand how that one incident can leave such a bad taste in the experience.
In this day and age when everyone, even those who doesn’t have a blog can write reviews in so many websites – how in the world did that staff think she can get away with such rude behavior? She’s representing a very well-known brand. She should know better.
Thank you for the spot-on comment Noemi. I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts on this. Straight to the point and so true.
Hi! Thanks for the review, so useful. Any Moroccan hammams in Dubai that you do recommend?