The spa
Separated into two distinct sections for men and women, this small spa is tucked away down the side of the Radisson Blu hotel in Media City – if you didn’t know about it, you’d probably miss it. Inside, there’s a no-frills, no-nonsense approach to decor, and you’re whisked straight off to your treatment room.

The promise
I’ve opted to try Solo Tre’s signature ‘Asian fusion’ massage, which can either be an hour long, or a more indulgent 90 minutes for media executives not rushed off their feet. It claims to use the best massage techniques Asia has to offer – a combination of shiatsu, Thai and reflexology.

Step by step
Though the spa menu says this massage is done without oil, my therapist, Leah, recommends oil for a more relaxing experience. After choosing a lavender oil in the spirit of all things relaxing (apart from the reflexology element, which I’m a little apprehensive about), I undress and get comfortable under a towel on the table. It’s a little chilly at first, but once Leah eases down the air-conditioning, I find myself un-tensing.

Five minutes after she starts work on my legs, I realise Leah is an absolute master. As she works through knots with firm yet soothing pressure, bending and stretching my limbs into a variety of positions, I feel tension evaporating from every muscle.

As we finish the massage, Leah asks if I’d like to do more stretching and, once I agree, she guides me through a series of difference positions in the style of a Thai massage for my back, legs, arms and torso.

The results
On my way out of the spa I feel loose and limber; when I go for a swim later, my strokes feel much more fluid. I’m pleased to report the feeling lasts – until two days hunched over a desk gets the better of my back.

Pros
• Leah is a miracle-worker – it’s one of the best massages I’ve had in Dubai in months.
• Treatments are a little cheaper than at some other spas in nearby hotels.

Cons
• Treatment rooms can be a little chilly – a thicker blanket instead of a towel would have been nice.
4/5
Signature ‘Asian fusion’ massage Dhs300 for 60 minutes, Dhs400 for 90 minutes. Solo Tre Spa, Atlas Building, next to Radisson Blu valet area, Dubai Media City (04 452 7774).

Also try...

Beauty Centre
This Korean spot offers massage treatments including ‘hot stone of the back’.
Dhs290 for 60 minutes. Ladies only. Asiana Hotel, Deira (04 238 7777).

Dr Jason’s YinYang Spa
Traditional Chinese medicinal treatments are offered here, including the meridian shiatsu massage, which claims to improve general health and relieve stress.
Dhs700 for 120 minutes. Various locations including Village Mall, Beach Road (04 385 5155).

SensAsia Urban Spa
A funky chain with outlets around town, offering a range of services. Try the Balinese massage.
Dhs350 for 60 minutes. Various locations including Emirates Golf Club (04 417 9820).