The classic massage
Occupying a tiny corner spot just off Electra Street (near the Honda showroom), Karisma Ladies Massage is rather difficult to find – perhaps in part due to the fact that the sign outside blends into a row of equally kitsch hairdressers and cafés.
Once inside, a staircase leads to a small reception desk where ladies can swap their shoes for the obligatory spa slippers (or in this case, a pair of bright blue fluffy numbers that were freakishly similar to a pair I got for Christmas when I was eight).
Properly attired in paper pants and dressing gown, I de-robed and lay face down on the table in the candle-lit treatment room. Kate, my masseuse, begins by cleaning my feet with warm towels before starting work on my legs. Pressure is firm but not uncomfortable as she moves on to the knots in my upper back (always a problem area) before asking me to turn over so she can get to grips with my arms, stomach, chest and finally, neck and head.
The main purpose of a Swedish massage is to increase oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Afterwards, I felt great – supple, relaxed and pain-free. Kate gave me a first-class massage that was pampering as well as therapeutic. Mission accomplished.
Karisma Ladies’ Massage, Al Markaziyah (02 673 5808).
Reader Offer: 30 per cent off a one-hour Swedish massage at Karisma (normal price, Dhs210) during July and August. Quote Time Out when booking.
Hair repair
It’s no secret that the UAE’s harsh water, extreme heat and humidity isn’t exactly hair-friendly – fighting the frizz to avoid looking like Aslan in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a daily mission for most. Thankfully, there are deep-conditioning treatments on offer to give moisture-starved locks a much-needed boost, such as Biolustre.
Hoping to convert me to the Biolustre-ways is Vicky Powell, owner of The Beauty Spot in Marina Village – a modern, slick salon offering waxing, manicures, self-tanning, eyelash extensions and, of course, all manner of hair services. With her background in events and numerous friends in the beauty business, Vicky is extremely clued up on what’s hot in hairdressing as she shows me the latest ‘stick-tip’ hair extensions she’s been trialling.
The treatment begins with a shampoo and blast dry, before the hair is sectioned, coated in the permanent, ‘restructuring’ solution and twisted into Bob Marley-style dreads. Left to ‘set’ under a dryer (I’m told we’re striving for rock-hard braids) for around 20 minutes, I’m then guided to the basin for a final rinse off.
A signature, bouffant blow-dry later and I’m good to go. Unlike at-home hair conditioning products that last until your next wash, Biolustre rebuilds each strand so that – in theory – your new commercial-worthy locks will remain luscious for the long-term. Two shampoos later and the wiry, pre-treatment mane has yet to make a comeback. Here’s hoping.
The Beauty Spot Salon, Royal Marina Health Club (02 681 8817).
Reader Offer: 30 per cent discount on Biolustre and 50 per cent discount on Tanagra hair repair treatments at The Beauty Spot Salon during July and August. Quote Time Out when booking.
The summer facial
I’ve never been one for bags (I prefer shoes) or facials – why spend time and money getting someone to slather layers of cream on your face when a bottle of Evian and 30 minutes in the sun will achieve much the same results?
Cynicism aside, I decide to give Kaya Skin Clinic’s ‘Glow Facial’ a try – having just shaken off a snot-ridden cold, my skin (and especially my red raw nose) could do with some professional TLC. First up, a consultation with a dermatologist, which reveals my skin is prematurely ageing (tell me something I don’t know), and that the best course of action for my tailormade treatment would be microdermabrasion followed by a fruit mask peel.
Predominantly focusing on serious skin concerns (scars, pigmentation, acne, dark circles…), Kaya is a clinic, not a spa (the clue is in the name), so don’t expect a candle-lit relaxation room, recliners or a Jacuzzi. Rustic colour schemes, candles and wicker baskets make way for plastic seating and sterile white walls. Kaya means serious skincare business.
Following a patch test, to ensure I won’t have a bad reaction to the treatment, and a thorough cleansing to remove all make-up, I’m given the green light and the microdermabrasion begins. A pen-shaped instrument, with what feels like sandpaper for a nozzle, is gently dragged over the skin in a circular motion – the sensation is pain-free and, in fact, quite relaxing. Looking as shiny as a new pin, next up is the fruit mask application. Once applied, I’m left to ‘set’ for 15 minutes before the mask is peeled off and a final cream application is applied.
This is a no-fuss, no-frills treatment that focuses on delivering results. Does it make my skin glow? Yes. ’Nuff said; I’m a facial convert!
Kaya Skin Clinic, Al Karamah Street (02 445 9923) and Al Raha Mall (02 556 2911).
Reader Offer: Buy a package of Kaya Glow facials (four treatments), and get one free during July and August. Available in all Abu Dhabi Kaya Skin Clinics. Quote Time Out when booking.
DIY
Swap expensive brand conditioners for good-old olive oil, or whisk a few egg whites together for the ultimate protein-rich hair repair treatment.
Spa up your street…
It’s not only the capital’s luxury hotels that offer all manner of services to pamper and preen – try these smaller salons out for size.
Valley Rose Beauty Centre, Al Corniche Street (02 627 7699)
Madonna Spa, Al Markaziyah (02 674 0666)
Jamasan Beauty Salon, Al Raha Mall (02 556 5370)
Corpofino Spa & Slimming Center, Airport Road (02 445 2800)
Beauty & More Day Spa & Wellness Centre, Madinat Zayed (02 632 0779)
Sharanis Wellness Spa, Khalifa City (02 556 2601)
Al Lulu Beauty Center, Rakbank Building opposite Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 5116)
