There are few things better than a visit to a spa when you truly need it. As soon as we entered the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island our excitement began to build because this was no ordinary treatment: we were going to be pampered with diamonds.
At Atarmia Spa you’re not just getting a treatment you’re getting an experience. And the experience begins as soon as you walk through the lantern strewn entrance – they pride themselves on giving you the best
in relaxation time and indulgence.
Spa manager Nichola Roche was quick to tell us how the treatment would revitalise our tired skin.
‘We use diamond stimulants because they are very beneficial for your body,’ she explained.
‘They heal and balance you and the products use gemstone extracts which make your skin glow.
The facial also uses a cold DNA serum that works to contract your muscles and gives your face a lifted look. The synergy massage uses movements that are similar to physiotherapy treatments.
We balance and realign your body while soothing you with a decadent diamond cream.’ We couldn’t wait to get on that treatment table.
The treatment
Our therapist, the lovely and very talented Janice, escorted us into the treatment room from which we emerged in a bathrobe and slippers. She asked us about the areas we’d like the massage to focus on, while treating us to a relaxing foot wash with mineral salts and a eucalyptus scrub. Atarmia is beautifully decked out in grey stone, gold mosaic tiles and minimalist décor involving some lanterns and stone colored sofas, all of which creates a theme of understated elegance.
We lay face down on the massage table and Janice started with the diamond synergy massage. Using the whole of her forearm, from fingertips to elbows, Janice worked out the terrible knots between our shoulders blades, soothing the tension in our back. She then massaged in the diamond cream and continued to massage the rest of our body, following with more of the cream. After we were thoroughly moisturised, Janice strategically stretched our arms, legs and back to in order to realign our body.
After spending 90 minutes massaging our frame back to a semblance of normality it was time for the diamond ice lifting facial.
If you are looking for luxury in a facial, frankly you can’t do better than this. Nichola told us that while they don’t use actual diamonds in the treatment, the ingredient is very close and the products are of high quality. During the facial, three diamond stimulants were placed on our chest in order to create balance for the body and mind, but what makes this treatment especially cool is most of the products used have been kept in the freezer. Our face was double cleansed, toned and exfoliated with chilled products – which made our skin feel instantly firmer and tighter – and then cold stones were used to massage our face and, at the same time, cleanse our chakra.
The icing on the cake for this treatment is the DNA. Of course it’s not actual DNA but rather ‘live ingredients’ for rejuvenating your skin. It comes in the form of two small sticks with frozen product on the end, looking like lollipops, and they began to melt as soon as they are rubbed onto our face. The whole treatment works to firm and lift the skin while also hydrating it.
The pros
The Kerstin Florian products used are really luxurious and you can instantly feel the difference in your skin. The spa is stunning and has a welcoming feel to it and the staff are super professional. You will be well looked after here.
The cons
The treatments are expensive but you get what you pay for and it is definitely worth the dirhams.
The verdict
A truly indulgent treatment that will have you feeling relaxed and renewed. Atarmia Spa guarantees you will have the perfect spa experience.
The 120-minute diamond ice lifting facial costs Dhs1,100 and the diamond synergy massage cost Dhs680 for 90 minutes. Open daily from 10am-11pm, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1170).
