We put our best face forward, thanks to the state-of-the-art treatments.

Visiting a new facialist always feels like a risk. First world questions go through my mind, from if I’ll have a breakout to an allergic reaction. It’s not like you can hide the results, as it’s, well, your face. When I visited Anantara Spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, however, I had nothing to worry about, as I was in tech-tastic, trustworthy safe hands.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is located on the far eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah. The more you drive, the more you escape the city. Since the spa is located away from the main hotel, you feel like you are entering a retreat. Walk down some steps, over a bridge, passed a lake and into the secluded space.

The spa recently launched its new onsite clinic, Serenity Clinic. The clinic offers state-of-the-art body and face treatments, which sound like services for an A-lister. We’re talking EmSculpt’s muscle tightening, PG’s lipo massage and Ultherapy ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen.

Despite the new launch, the site could do with a refresh. The waiting room feels like a doctor’s office and the changing room feels like a gym. Nonetheless, there are unique touches – in order to make your way to the relaxation area, you have to hop between stones above water.

The therapist is running ten minutes late, but I don’t mind, as I make the most of the welcome drink: cinnamon with lime and honey. So many spas are located underground and lack natural light. When the therapist collects me, I’m whisked into an airy, light room with windows looking onto a lake. She asks: “Would you like to keep the curtains open? Nobody can see inside.” For me, it’s a no-brainer – curtains open, facial on.  

The 90-minute facial includes a 60-minute Phytomer facial, and a 30-minute Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask treatment. A Phytomer facial combines advanced massage techniques to promote relaxation and visible results. The Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask has multiple benefits: it ensures that products penetrate 12 times deeper; and improves the appearance of acne, hyperpigmentation, pores and wrinkles.

The treatment begins with a foot wash, and then the 60-minute facial. The creams are applied with care, massaged into my face and removed with hot towels. Plus, my arms, head, neck and shoulders get attention.

The highlight (and challenge) is the Cellreturn Platinum LED Mask. The mask feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, and has different settings that create different results. We opt for the blue mode, which uses blue wave lengths to treat acne and blemishes, and control oil and sebum production.

The hardest part is just keeping my eyes closed. The mask doesn’t just beam but blazes, and feels like a torch shining right into my eyes. After about 20 minutes, I’ve had enough. When I take it off and look in the mirror, however, I can see visible results. The before and after is real – my skin is well and truly glowing.

Throughout the week, my skin continues to shine – and I wonder what it would look like if I had kept that mask on longer.

GO: Visit www.anantara.com for more information.