The promise
A full body massage that stimulates digestion, soothes the muscles and promotes relaxation.
The experience
On the third floor of the NMC Specialty Hospital, you’ll find Zari Spa, a lesser known Indian spa, affiliated with the restaurant Zari Zardozi. The warm, dimly lit space is dotted with bowls of floating flower petals and votive candles, giving the corridors a welcoming ambiance.
The spa isn’t fancy or particularly glamorous, but the staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the lack of pretentiousness is refreshing, even charming. The treatment areas are separated by screens, and so there is a sense of openness to the room. The dim lighting and soft music provide the calming atmosphere you expect in a spa.
The treatment table is large and comfortable, and a small water bowl filled with rose petals and a candle sits directly below the face opening, providing a calming focal point. This attention to detail demonstrates the care with which Zari Spa treats its customers.
The massage starts with a gentle back rub, and it feels as though the masseuse is searching for the places that carry tension. Then, for the actual treatment, she uses warm oil, which is nice and light – a welcome alternative to the slathering of lotion that spas often use.
The technician clearly knows what she is doing as she moves our arms around in different directions to target specific muscle groups. We requested medium pressure, and she proceeds gently but effectively. For most of the hour, we’re not quite sure where the slimming part comes in: although wonderful, the massage simply feels like a very enjoyable version of most massages we’ve received.
When we are flipped over, however, it’s evident that this is the signature portion of the treatment. The masseuse concentrates on our stomach for about five minutes, massaging and pressing – presumably to promote digestion and facilitate detoxification. It feels nice, if a little strange.
Then she moves on to our hands and, finally, the best part of the treatment: a long, incredibly relaxing scalp and face massage that leaves us feeling anxiety-free.
With a warm washcloth, she gently rinses the oil off our body and leaves us refreshed and ready to continue the day.
The results
We left with soft skin and a clear, calm disposition. And while we don’t quite feel like a supermodel, there’s definitely an improvement in our circulation, and we’re feeling so healthy and at peace, we don’t want to ruin it with anything unhealthy.
Pros
It was an incredibly enjoyable massage delivered by a well-trained professional who really listened to our requests and sensitivities.
Cons
Barring the short focus on out stomach, we’re still not sure what sets this ‘slimming’ treatment apart from a traditional Swedish massage.
4/5
Slimming Massage, Dhs250. Open daily 9am-9pm, NMC Specialty Hospital (02 617 9150).
