Beach season is almost upon us again, so time to dig out your old bikini or trunks and hope they still fit. If not (don’t worry, it’s been a long, lazy, greedy summer, we’re all in the same boat) then just use this action plan to make sure you’re looking your best on the sun lounger.
Work out
Yep, there’s no way around it. If you want toned muscles, a flat stomach and a sprint through the waves without anything wobbling, then you’re going to have to do some exercise. Sadly, we can’t do this for you, but we can let you in on a little shortcut. Hypoxi is a high-tech training system that targets your ‘problem areas’ for a more efficient workout. For men, this involves stepping into a wetsuit-like one-piece that increases pressure around your belly, making your time on the treadmill more efficient. For ladies, the suit squeezes the bum and thighs, helping you shift the wobble while you pedal. You can give this time-saving regime a whirl at either Serenity Spa by Paris Gallery (02 667 8880) which just last month got in a spanking-new set of the latest equipment, or at Armed Forces Officers Club (02 4415 900), which also offers the technology. If you prefer working out the old fashioned way, visit our website www.timeoutabudhabi.com and check out our feature on the city’s best gyms – you’ll find plenty there to inspire you.
Fake a tan
Pasty white skin not seen daylight since last May, or thereabouts? You could cover yourself in cooking oil and lie spread-eagled on the roof one afternoon. Or just fake it (we like the second option better). You can get a professional to do the job for you if you visit The Lounge, which is just for gents (02 6677 377) or Madonna Spa for ladies (02 674 0666). The spray tan process takes about half an hour, and you can trust them not to give you a streaky orange look. If you want to save a few dirhams and are confident you can manage a fake bake yourself, try Clarins Delectable Self-Tan Mousse, which is surprisingly easy to apply and looks very natural. Use sparingly on ankles and elbows, and apply on consecutive days if you want a deeper colour. A cheaper option is Boots No.7 Self-Tan Body Spray, which is quick to dry and not too patchy either.
Clarins Tan Mousse Dhs175, available at Paris Gallery, Marina Mall (02 574 6565). Self-Tan Body Spray Dhs75, available at Boots, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7167).
Lose the fuzz
Finding yourself on the beach having forgotten to sort out unwanted body hair is the stuff nightmares are made of. (Really, it’s just as bad as the finding yourself naked in public dream.) So, make sure it doesn’t happen for real and book yourself in for a wax. Tips & Toes has numerous special offers and discounts (many of them throw in a mani-pedi too) and always do a thorough job. For sheer speed, we recommend Nails, although it can be quite hard to get an appointment because there is only one waxer. There might only be one of her, but boy is she fast, so if time is of the essence this is your best bet. For the boys, male-only spa Man/Age where you can get a full body wax (ouch) or just a quick back and shoulders job.
Full body wax, Dhs550. Man/Age, Marina Mall (02 681 8837). Full leg and bikini wax, Dhs100. Nails, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 4188). Full leg and bikini Wax Tips & Toes, Khaleej Al Arabi Road (02 445 8834).
