When the professionally beautiful need a little spa time, this is where they go…
It once claimed to be the world’s first ‘seven star’ resort, and the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is every bit as over-the-top luxurious as you might expect.
Where else can you be massaged with diamonds, pearls and caviar, have a gold leaf facial, or spend a day in your own private hammam suite, complete with an ice cave, heated marble and Jacuzzi?
It’s no wonder that everyone from supermodels to sports stars (and WAGS) and even international royalty has checked into the hotel and made use of its exclusive spa facilities. And we really mean exclusive…
The spa’s signature treatment is the 90 minute Palace Massage, which features three separate massage therapies using a range of high-end bespoke ingredients.
The Harmonizing Palace Massage features a 24-carat gold oil, which promises to rebalance the mind and body; the Energizing Palace Massage claims to restore vitality by using diamond oil (yes, that’s oil infused with actual crushed diamonds); and the Deeply Relaxing Palace Massage uses a caviar oil which will help you prepare you for that lavish state dinner or A-list soirée later on.
The Emirates Palace Spa is famous for its use of gold (the Emirates Palace Hotel even has a gold-plated vending machine in its lobby, which dispenses gold bars) – one of its most popular facials involves 24-carat gold leaves being massaged into the face and neck, using an Ultra Sonic Nano mist.
Fans claim that this leaves the skin glowing like nothing else, and you can legitimately pretend to be a Bond villain for the rest of the day.
If gemstones are more your thing, there’s the Precious Pearls treatment, which features a pearl body wrap and a pearl shea butter massage, in tribute to Abu Dhabi’s famed pearl industry.
And of course, the diamond-infused Energizing Palace Massage is also available as a single treatment.
Men in the know will already be members of the Gentlemen’s Tonic Exclusive Club, which offers access to a range of special treatments such as the Emirates Palace Royal Shave – a ‘full works’ treatment including hot towels, a traditional wet shave and premium cleansing, toning and moisturising products.
The Male Executive Facial will also be worth a try, as it includes a foot ritual, scalp massage and hand treatment, as well as a skin-brightening facial.
The spa also offers some relatively straightforward treatments such as customised facials by Forlle’d, Thai massages, and hand and feet therapies.
But let’s face it, you don’t come here for a straightforward time. You come to the Emirates Palace Spa to push the boundaries of decadence, and experience ‘seven star’ treatment, with all the diamond oil and pearl wraps that entails.
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