The spa
Authentic and low-profile, this spa is part of the downtown Eclipse Boutique Suites complex and offers up a variety of styles for those who actually know the difference. ZenZu employs specialists from China, Thailand and India, all well-versed in the muscle-bending arts of their home country. Treatment rooms are a bit small, and a little rough around the edges, but lots of attention goes into making them feel warm and welcoming: oil burners, candles, and fresh flowers on the treatment table; so far so conventional. But you won’t notice these careful touches, not when the massive centerpiece shower grabs your attention. The thing is huge, large enough to fit you, the masseuse and probably the receptionist and spa manager too, should they be needed. The mechanical beast sports enough jets, nozzles, buttons and LED panels to beam you up into space, should you press the wrong button. Hands off!
Step by step
We’ve yet to visit a spa where negotiating the disposable underwear isn’t a hideous embarrassment: it’s too transparent, too tight or just plain horrible. ZenZu was no exception. The colossal pair of paper shorts they gave us found the therapist juggling some mighty scissors in a quick attempt at refitting. She was no tailor, and the result bordered on the obscene. But after temporary awkwardness came utter relaxation: lights were dimmed, music and room temperature adjusted, and the therapist gave us a quick run through her technique. After a quick body type analysis, she settled on a combination of Balinese and aromatherapy massage techniques. We lay face down – a solemn rendition of Ave Maria piped out of the speakers – and prepared to relax.
The massage began with Balinese strokes the likes of which we’ve never before experienced – firm and fast pinching of the skin, up and down the back. It was hard but not painful, and definitely got the blood flowing. Loving abuse made way for the soothing part of the massage – lavender aromatherapy oil was smoothed into the skin using quick, light strokes. It started a bit too light, but as soon as we mentioned this the masseuse adjusted her technique. Baby oil came last, and that was massaged into our face and scalp. Then it was time for the space station; and it really is the last word in luxury when someone prepares your shower, and lays a towel outside while you’re washing. After a good ten minutes washing off the oil (and trying to contact the mother ship) we got out, were handed a towel and served hydrating jasmine tea. The best part? No one rushed us out the door. The therapist even sat around with us for a friendly chat.
The pros
In some of the city’s other massage spots we’ve been a little put off by the overly-deferential manner of the staff, hushed voices and reverent rituals. The atmosphere at ZenZu was completely different – our therapist was confident and direct, knowledgeable about her work and refreshingly down to earth. Trained in Bangalore and with more than 12 years experience that really showed, we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxing, soothing session.
The cons
If you’re self-conscious about nudity, you might feel pretty uncomfortable. There’s nothing to screen the shower from the rest of the treatment room where the therapist waits while you wash, passing you towels as you emerge in your birthday suit. But if you’re comfortable with this, it’s perfectly okay to request that they wait outside for you. We also didn’t like the use of baby oil as it left our face and hair feeling greasy.
ZenZu Spa, Dhs150 for one hour’s massage, Liwa Street (02 626 8800)
