The Norwegian Detox Treatment

A 90-minute treatment consisting of a body exfoliation, detox mask and full-body massage, this treatment claims to release toxins, smooth the skin and rejuvenate the mind.

The experience: The treatment begins with a long, thorough massage that concentrates mainly on applying a great deal of pressure to key points. It feels as though several litres of oil have been poured over my body, but it leaves my joints feeling supple and stress-free. Next up is an extended (and slightly disorientating) stint in a steam room, where the two main treatments take place. Lying on a bed, the body exfoliation feels a bit like having industrial-strength face wash rubbed the length and breadth of my body. Once this is rinsed off, a seaweed mask is doused all over, leaving my skin tingling. Note that potential customers will need to be comfortable with being treated (and touched) all over, which may deter more conservative guests.

The result: I leave feeling clean, relaxed and de-stressed, although I’m not sure how much internal detoxification took place.

Reviewer: Rob Garratt.
Dhs350 for 90 minutes. Chocolate by Jelena, Al Das, Shoreline Building 10, Palm Jumeirah (04 437 6001).

The Ultimate Detoxification Therapy

This three-stage treatment offers a detox exfoliation and body wrap, which promise to restore the skin’s pH balance and ‘coax away toxic impurities’. This is followed by a comprehensive full-body massage to aid lymphatic drainage.

The experience: The initial exfoliation, using chunky, minty salt, is surprisingly wince-inducing and abrasive (note to self: don’t shave legs before a body scrub). The therapist administers an efficient, enthusiastic buffing to ensure all dead skin is banished, then soothes my chafed limbs by applying a tingly mint-infused mask to draw out more toxins. As I’m cocooned in a plastic sheet, my skin feels as though it’s coated in Vicks: a strange minty chilliness envelops me and I’m left almost shivering. After jumping in a blissfully hot shower to rinse away the mask, my therapist spends up to an hour massaging away my aches and pains until I fall into a gentle slumber.

The result: After the treatment I find I’m surprisingly sprightly: my skin is softer and smoother, my complexion more radiant, and I feel less lethargic.

Reviewer: Rebecca Milford.
Dhs975 for 120 minutes. The Spa at The Palace, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai (04 428 7805).

Antioxidant Tea Massage

Beginning with a soft brushing to stimulate the lymphatic system, an antioxidant black tea balm soothes while a massage aims to banish toxins and reduce fluid retention.

The experience: My ‘tea-tox’ begins with a foot scrub in warm water using black tea and sea salt. Then, as I inhale the scent of black tea, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, my skin is brushed thoroughly, followed by mild kneading, flicks, strokes and knuckle-pressing. The warm black tea balm, which is also infused with fiery spices, heats me up then cools me down, wreaking havoc with my body temperature. It feels odd, but is ultimately refreshing and soothing. Then it’s into the relaxation room to drink a pot of black tea with blended spices.

The result: After the treatment I find myself sweating profusely and struggling to sleep. I’m assured that the quantity of caffeine in the oils is too minimal to affect the overall body systems, but this is definitely not a massage to have just before going to bed.

Reviewer: Melanie Smith.
Dhs450 for 60 minutes, Dhs650 for90 minutes. Ahasees Spa and Club, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha (04 317 2333).