TreAtment of the month: The diamond dust scrub

A decadent exfoliation treatment at Atarmia Spa

Until now What’s On has only ever worn diamonds on a piece of jewellery. But the Diamond Magnetic Body Polish at Atarmia Spa in the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Saadiyat Island takes them from your neck and instead has you sporting flecks of the precious stones on your skin. The exfoliating treatment uses a micronised iron scrub that is rubbed on to the body and is then removed by magnets.

After a quick ritual foot scrub, the session begins with the therapist applying a very fine dark grey scrub made of micronised iron, lavender and ground diamond dust. Meant to insert positive energy into the body as well as slough off dead skin, the mixture is said to be hydrating and leave you looking luminous.

While the entire process is completely painless, be prepared to let your limbs shake and wiggle, as the therapist rubs the mixture vigorously back and forth on your body. What’s On couldn’t help but feel like an old piece of wood getting a good sanding, before being upcycled into something new.

When everything is scrubbed down, a small dirham-sized magnet, wrapped in tissue, is used to lift off the paste. It can be a little ticklish at first, but this removal process is much preferred to having to leave the warm table for a quick shower in a cold bathroom. Once you are dust-free, a light massage is done on your limbs for added relaxation.

While this decadent treatment is really only recommended for special occasions, there’s no doubt you’ll certainly scrub up well. Our skin felt smooth and supple, without being oily, and shimmered a little too.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 9pm, Dhs480. Tel: (02) 4071170. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com