The experience
Perfume or jewellery for Valentine’s? That’s such a personal choice it’s easy to go wrong. Chocolates? Well, why give a present you know will make us fat? The most thoughtful gift, as everyone in the fastpaced, stress-inducing, multi-juggling UAE knows, is something that will leave us looking younger and feeling relaxed. And if it can be a revolutionary treatment à deux in an award-winning spa, even better. But I wasn’t prepared for the AlphaSphere Deluxe at Talise Spa in Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah – the first place in the world you can try out the multi-sensory treatment created by Austrian artist and innovator SHA.
Billed as a “holistic journey of inspiration, relaxation and rejuvenation,” I had no idea what was in store for us. But after being led through the beautiful gardens at the spa we entered a private room, which was bathed in darkness, except for the two AlphaSphere pods. They are next to each other, separated by sheer curtains, and are space-age-style beds that we were helped on to.
Once we’d each decided what programme we wanted – there are four: basic blue, sensitive violet, intense red and energy orange, and I went for the blue, while my partner went for the – we lay back and were immersed in the whole body and mind experience, based on every sense.
The bed rocked, vibrated and emitted different sounds, temperature, colour, smells and touch. I had been cynical at first. How could lying on a rocking bed make me relax, but within minutes I could hear what sounded like whales crying, notes from a rock concert, interspersed with natural sounds, and a soothing light show to lower my heart rate, blood pressure and loosen my muscles. Stress evaporated as I lost myself in the experience, forgetting after a few minutes to even try to work out what I could hear, feel and smell. I simply enjoyed the overwhelming symphony of sensations, each one making my everyday niggles and worries seem inconsequential.
Once the 30 minutes were up, I was smiling, and looking at my partner. He had gone for the orange to stimulate his imagination and give him inspiration and all he could say was “wow”.
I was glad we’d experience this innovative treatment together as it’s hard to describe how good it made us feel to those who’ve never heard of it.
Feeling a little ‘trippy” we followed the therapist back inside to a couple’s room where my partner opted for a signature massage and I had a Margy’s anti-aging facial.
Using the products from Monte Carlo my face was stripped of make-up and everyday grime using a basic milk cleanser, and mild-action skin toner before an extra-rich firming mask was applied.
A near sleep-inducing massage followed, and then cream was applied to my neck and décolleté – an area a lot of women neglect to look after, but which is one of the first places to show your age – along with Prestige Triple Concentrate to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and a energising eyezone cream. The hour rushed by, but when I peeked into the mirror I looked totally rejuvenated with super-soft and younger-looking skin.
My partner floated out of the spa, still talking about the AlphaSphere. It was one of the best treatments I’ve ever tried, and the effects lasted for a couple of weeks. A massage and a ground-breaking relaxation treatment that really works – what’s not to love? 9am to 10pm
Call 04 366 6818 or MJtalise@jumeirah.com.