Anna McCormack tries out the rose hydrating cocoon treatment at The Spa at Radisson Blu.
The promise
Moisturising oils and creams using damask rose essential oil from Aromatherapy Associates renews tight skin during this exfoliating and moisturising treatment.
The experience
A busy schedule and trouble sleeping has meant that some of our regular skin-care routine has fallen by the wayside, to be specific: exfoliating and moisturising. With changes to our skin, our usual remedy of a good scrubbing session followed by some gloopy moisturiser just won’t do, so we jumped at the chance to try this gentle and nurturing treatment.
We were greeted at The Spa’s reception by our lovely therapist, Pond, who showed us through to the spacious changing room where we shed our outer layers and donned the oh-so-glam disposable underwear and slightly more comfortable robe and slippers.
Moving at a slightly sluggish pace, we shuffled into the very nicely appointed treatment room more than ready to have our tired body pampered a little. We hopped up onto the delightfully firm bed and, since the bump is now in the way, lay down on our back.
Pond began by giving us a lovely gentle scrub using Aromatherapy Associates exfoliating grains mixed with the Renew body wash. The Renew range is delightfully pink and smells softly of rose and evening primrose. First our limbs were exfoliated, making sure to leave our abdomen alone, then we rolled over onto our side so Pond could tackle our back. Then we hopped into the shower to rinse off the scrub (made easier because it was mixed with body wash) before we hoisted ourselves back onto the treatment table for phase two.
Pond covered us carefully in the Renew hydrating body gel – again with the subtle rose and evening primrose scent – before covering us up with a few towels so we wouldn’t get chilly. The gel was quickly absorbed, but we were allowed a wonderfully relaxing half hour or so of lying under the towels while Pond gave us a fabulous shoulder, neck and head massage using the Revitalising face oil also from Aromatherapy Associates. This was so soothing and tension busting that we’re pretty sure we nodded off.
Lastly, we were uncovered and smothered in the Renew body cream to give a final surge of moisture before we had to go home.
The results
We felt utterly relaxed and rejuvenated on the way home and for the rest of the day. The gentle treatment and gentle products worked wonders to soothe our mind and body.
Pros
The treatment itself is gentle but very effective. Our skin was wonderfully smooth after the scrub and the scent is so beautifully subtle there is no chance of it irritating sensitive noses.
Cons
We would have liked to feel the effects of the moisturiser for a little longer, but that is probably due to our own neglect meaning our skin was extremely dry.
4/5
Rose hydrating cocoon treatment is Dhs320 for one hour. The Spa, Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 2000).
