The Ritz-Carlton Dubai Spa, JBR

This lavish spa has been an institution for spa-goers for years. We walked into the tranquil space for a relaxing 90-minute massage, a signature treatment from their menu. The calm passageway to the treatment room sets the tone for the massage, with water trickling down a fountain, and oils burning in the lounge as you walk through.

My Balinese masseuse commenced the treatment with a splash of rose water on my palms, to refresh my face with, followed by a camel milk footbath. The Arabia Felix treatment comprises seven natural ingredients sourced across the seven seas of the South Arabian Peninsula. Once feet are softened with camel milk, they are scrubbed with locally sourced sand and dead sea salt. The scent of bukhoor lends a musky wood aroma to the room, which the therapist tells me is burnt to dispel negative energies from the body. I lay face down on the bed and wait for the warm, rich and thick argan oil to sink into my skin as the therapist massages my body with medium to firm strokes – my preferred pressure. Knots and tension are relieved from the muscles, and I could feel my neck and shoulders becoming flexible again – almost like a load was instantly lifted off. It ends with an incredible head massage after which I slip back into my robe and head to the lounge for a cup of freshly brewed hibiscus tea and dates. I left the spa relaxed with super supple, moisturised skin, and hit the bed as soon as I got home.

Details: Dhs710 for 60-minutes and Dhs910 for the 90-minutes Arabia Felix treatment. ritzcarlton.com