‘Bong’ sounds the singing bowl as my spa therapist Chart gently taps and caresses a wooden stick against the bronze alloy exterior of this unique instrument of percussion. Signalling the beginning of my experience, the rich resonant tones drift through the air to my ears, where these gentle notes seemingly switch off my thoughts and more importantly, worries and stress. With a clear mind, I’m ready for the next 90 minutes of indulgence at Palazzo Versace Dubai’s The SPA.
Hidden away from this property’s vast neoclassical lobby, where guests float around in colourful summer dresses and elegant white linen, The SPA’s alluring treatments beckon you down a long white corridor, away from the hive of activity to a serene space. Spanning almost 1,000 square metres, this wellness boutique conjures up images of Roman Baths during the heyday of the Empire, with gorgeous mosaics adorning the walls and marble floors of Granito Nero Assoluto. It’s dark yet sleek, thanks to black and grey degraded mosaics, offering a perfect contrast to the rest of the hotel, which showcases bright whites and gold accents. There is certainly a subterranean feel about the place even though we are firmly on the ground floor.
There are seven luxurious treatment rooms alongside a spa suite that comes replete with its own private Jacuzzi, monsoon rain shower and changing facilities. Segregated into dedicated male and female thermal suites, each with their own sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge and Moroccan hammam, however the Jacuzzi is the real eye-catcher. Circular in design and illuminated by four submerged spotlights, the Jacuzzi sits directly underneath a ceiling reminiscent of a clear night’s sky full of twinkling stars. As with everything else in the venue, a white mosaic cradles the body of water, showcasing an intricate motif of blue cornucopias interlaced with small seashells and curlicues. For a moment, I glide towards it like a moth drawn to an irresistible flame, however, I catch myself, remembering that I’m still fully clothed.
Signature treatments include a collection of HydraFacial experiences, the Platinum & Rarity Journey that harmonises your seven chakra points with hand-picked precious stones to leave you with a skin full of radiance and vitality, and the newly introduced session, The Oil Ceremony, where guests enjoy enveloping massage protocols, stretching movements and kneading strokes to release tension, using the eco-friendly luxury cosmetics of KOS PARIS. However, for me, The Sleep Ritual is too tempting to pass up with its promise of a slumber-inducing spa experience using a blend of sound therapy, soothing scrub and a massage.
After a quick change into a cosy robe, I find myself face down, allowing the singing bowl’s vibrations to wash all over me. A 90-minute experience, we begin with deep breathing exercises before moving onto the full body exfoliation that sees salts that contain pure magnesium which are sourced from the ancient Zechstein Sea. Next is the full body massage where Of The Islands Golden Glow magnesium gel and body butter are lathered all over me to complete this physiological rejuvenation. Utterly at ease—and offering an intoxicating aroma—I drift off to sleep before a final ‘bong’ of the sounding bowl cues the ending of my slumber and my time at The SPA.
Palazzoversace.ae
