One&Only The Palm Review: Why The Guerlain Spa Is The Ultimately Destination for A Tranquil Retreat

With one, but three new treatments the spa offers a triple threat when it comes to relaxing and re-energizing in between the chaos of everyday life

A far cry from Dubai’s ubiquitous skyscrapers, One&Only The Palm is a sprawling low-rise island-style retreat, inspired by the architecture of Andalusia’s Moorish palaces. Sandstone villas and mansions flutter their eyelids behind a swathe of golden sand with a tangle of shaded paths lined with frangipani, lemon and tangerine trees, and avenues of tall palms give the place an atmosphere of a smart Arabian country club.

In contrast to the grandeur of the hotel, the temple-like spa is an intimate sanctuary. White orchids, trickling fountains and pebbled walkways lead to nine treatment rooms, each with outdoor relaxation areas, while sauna and steam facilities are cloistered within a Moroccan-style courtyard. In collaboration with French skincare maven Guerlain, prepare to surrender to time-honoured Arabian customs and modern skincare innovations.

The spa has just expanded its already extensive offering with the launch of three new treatments. After being fascinated by the concept of a massage choreographed to a Guerlain curated playlist which promises to transport me to India, I was sold on the ‘Secrets Of India’ massage.

After changing in my spacious and bright therapy room my feet were soaked in warm water and exfoliated as my therapist explained the sensations which I was about to experience. An amber and vanilla-scented oil is predetermined for the massage as one can imagine the warm, cocooning scent being reminiscent of the Moghul palaces of yore which were steeped in pampering and opulence.

As my massage began my body was dry brushed with a Kabuki brush, giving me the sensation of brushing across peacock feathers in an Indian garden. The medium pressured massage had lulled me into a state of relaxation so far away from the reality of the cacophonous metropolis that I call home, that even the jubilation in the music which was coupled with the more excitable and energetic massage strokes couldn’t stop me from drifting away.

The artistic and musical composition focused on meditation, sensuality, joy, and energy, leaving my senses awakened and my body re-energized. Unfortunately, due to covid restrictions I was unable to continue my newfound Zen into the relaxation area as the spa doesn’t allow a shared space for this. The relaxation area is private for an individual or to be shared after a couples massage so be sure to book the area in advance when booking your massage to avoid disappointment.

Other new additions include ‘Face Sculpt’, a 60-minute treatment with a revolutionary lifting effect dedicated to restoring firmness, radiance, and youth to the skin for a long-lasting and visibly younger look; and ‘The 8’, an aesthetic massage which is an orchestration of Guerlain’s incredible ability to innovate while drawing from its long-standing expertise.

Designed to work on eighty muscles in the body and face, the treatment focuses on eighty targeted techniques applied to eighty pressure points. Every movement is tailored based upon your preference to set the mind and body at ease.

Through the alternating rhythms, carefully interwoven by the therapist which leave you feeling light, supple, relieved of stress and fully renewed with energy.

For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com.