The picture you see of the Turkish hammam room above is equally impressive in real life, with giant marble bowls, shimmering bronze tiles and a grand dome. But where are the treatment tables? Well, it’s that marble plinth right in the middle.
We wrap our red flannel towel over our unflattering disposable pants and have a quick steam then sauna. Skin suitably soft, we lie on the marble – which is surprisingly comfortable with the pillow and leg support cushion – in a very open space. And then, when we’re feeling at our most vulnerable, the scrubbing begins.
From head to toe we are scoured by our therapist with an exfoliating pad. Our body becomes slightly pink and covered with dead skin before copper jugs of hot water are sloshed over us, rinsing away the dirty cells like a snake shedding its skin.
Next, we are covered in soapy foam before a quick yet rigorous massage. Cue the jugs of water: the surrounding plinth and floor are now completely soaked. Like a fish out of water we attempt to sit up, ready for a dousing of honey, lavender and sesame oil and seeds. This process, we’re told, is great for skin recovery.
Several jugs of hot water clear our body of the honey mask before we’re told to brace for the cold water. Two ice-cold jugs drench us in a process designed to balance our body temperature and tighten our now incredibly smooth skin. It is flippin’ freezing. But we leave deep-cleansed and revitalised. A whole new us.
Dhs550. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, Sheikh Zayed Street (02 656 1000).
