Men’s Facial, Ahasees Spa, Grand Hyatt Dubai

Visiting a spa can be quite intimidating for a man – even for someone like me, who likes to pamper himself. I regularly go for manicures and pedicures and treat myself to a facial once every couple of months. But often there’s a token facial on the spa menu for men as if we’re an unwanted afterthought. Not so at the Ahasees Spa.

It’s huge, has a fully equipped gym and one of the largest indoor heated pools in Dubai. There’s also a vast array of treatments for men on offer, and I was made to feel incredibly welcome by the friendly staff, and not treated as though I’d accidentally wandered into the wrong place.

I’d chosen the Men’s Facial because it uses antioxidant-rich products that help to neutralise free radicals and protect the skin from environmental toxins.

Inside the treatment room, which featured contemporary decor and classical Arabian touches, I was asked which music I’d prefer during my facial. I went for jazz, my favourite, and smiled as the music began and I had the ‘foot ritual’.

My feet were soaked in warm water with minerals and bath salts while my therapist washed them gently. Feeling relaxed, I lay on the bed and smiled as my face was cleansed and a toner was applied.

My therapist then examined my skin through a magnifying glass to decide which treatment to give me – it varies depending on skin type and particular problem areas. My skin didn’t have any blemishes or breakouts, but it was what my therapist called combination – dry in some places and oily down the T-zone (my forehead, nose and chin), which isn’t uncommon in men.

That meant my skin was exfoliated using the June Jacobs Lactic Acid Pro Peel with Pomegranate Extract. The enzymes peel off all the dead skin while steam purifies the skin. After this a serum was applied containing vital vitamins to penetrate deep into my pores to plump and help renew skin cells.

My therapist explained the gentle strokes of the massage enhance the blood circulation and help the lymphatic drainage, which tightens the skin. All I know is that it felt really good – so good in fact I had to struggle not to fall asleep.

Next a face mask was applied, which felt cool and soothing. While that was left to work its magic and remove impurities for 15 minutes, I was given a scalp, hand and foot massage to relax those stressed-out muscles. Once the mask was dry, it was removed with a wet cloth, toner was applied, followed by an eye serum, and finally moisturiser.

I could have been sad it was all over, but there was still the relaxation lounge to, er, relax in. So while I sipped my jasmine tea, I took a sneaky peek at my reflection and grinned. My skin felt fresh and supple and it glowed.

I strutted out of the spa, confident. Thanks to my facial I’m more than ready for the festivities knowing that I look ho ho ho hot! 60 mins, Dh450. Email: spa. grandhyattdubai@hyatt.com, Tel: 04 317 2335.