Can an hour and a half in the spa really help to firm up those jiggly bits? If you want to minimise the wobble before hitting the beach, we’ve tried three of the most promising-sounding treatments in town.

Anti-cellulite treatment at The Address

The claim: This treatment promises to banish cellulite (‘hydrating and smoothing the skin’) and plenty of other stuff, including ‘improving your metabolism and energy levels’.

The experience: After five minutes in the steam and sauna rooms, the treatment begins with body brushing to wake up my skin. Next comes a deep-tissue detox massage targeting stubborn areas of cellulite, which luckily isn’t deep enough to be painful. I’m then wrapped in freshwater mud to tone the skin – thankfully I don’t feel chilly – while I’m given a foot reflex pressure massage to encourage toxin release. Then we get to the slapping. All over my thighs. It hurts so much I have to clench my teeth not to shout. I’ll admit, I feel silly. But it only lasts a few (long!) minutes, before it’s back to massaging.

The results: I smell of, among other scents, pink grapefruit, sweet orange and green rosemary – the aroma lifts my mood and energy levels and I feel perky, yet sleepy (it’s 9.30pm). I’m expecting bruises, but don’t find any. While it’s difficult to tell if this one-off made a difference, the treatment is so thorough that regular visits probably would (they recommend ten). Becky Lucas
3/5
Dhs450 for 50 minutes. The Spa, The Address Dubai Marina (04 436 7424).