Gentlemen’s Facial, Saray Spa, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Being the tallest hotel in the world, the JW Marriott Marquis is obviously popular with tourists. So as I was squeezed against the wall of the lift by a horde of rowdy American sightseers on my way to Saray Spa, ‘relaxed’ wasn’t exactly how I’d describe my mood. But the moment the doors opened to reveal a secluded hall with shining marble floors, opulent silk curtains adorning the walls and chilled-out music playing softly, I had a feeling that relaxing wouldn’t be a problem.

I was met in the spa’s reception by my therapist, who invited me to start with a soak in the candlelit jacuzzi. After a few minutes I called my therapist, who led me into the private treatment room, asked me to lie on the super-soft bed and wrapped me in fluffy towels.

At this point I should mention that this was the first facial I’d ever had, so I was expecting a few nice-smelling creams to be rubbed on my face and then perhaps a little massage. However, when my therapist explained that he’d be using, amongst other things, a rotary brush for deep exfoliation; natural cranberry and watermelon enzymes to remove dead skin; and a high-frequency electrode to build collagen and kill bacteria, I was a little daunted.

But I was soon put at ease as my therapist lulled me into a state of relaxation by massaging my head, neck and shoulders. Next a cream including lemon grass essential oil and sugar for exfoliation was applied to my face. So far, so relaxing. But then it all changed…

The electronic rotary brush drowned out the soothing music as it dug deep into my pores, scraping out any impurities. This was followed by the fruit enzyme cream, which stung slightly, then my face was zapped with the highfrequency electrode.

I was finding it hard to relax during this part of the treatment, but perhaps my therapist sensed this because the electrode soon abated and he began to work his wonders again, applying a balancing moisturiser and toner to my face, then finishing with a head massage.

After the treatment my skin didn’t look much different, but it felt incredibly smooth – maybe the rotary brush and electrodes had their benefits after all.

If you’re looking for pure relaxation then this isn’t for you, but if your skin needs a boost after a tough Movember, look no further. 60 mins, Dh510. Website: www. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com, Tel: 04 414 6754.