The spectacular, sprawling spa creates an air of exclusivity.
A visit to a spa can often feel like prescribed relaxation time. Whether you’re in the mood or not, you must – starting now, for the next hour – unwind. It can be tough to get into that headspace, especially when you know the routine: breath in, back massage, turn over, front massage, gong, job done. At Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa, however, that is not the case. Spoiler alert: I had one of the best massages in Dubai.
At Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa, the attentive experience starts from the moment I pull up to the grand entrance. A member of staff leads me through the five-star hotel, with its crystal chandelier, gold touches, high ceilings, towering pillars and a twinkling pianist, all the way to the spa.
Given the palatial proportions of the hotel, make sure you get there early. As you walk down the long, luxurious corridors, away from the bustling streets, it sets the scene for you to – the magic word – relax.
Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa’s state-of-the-art treatments include Celliss (cellulite treatment), Gharieni Welnamis (vibrational therapy), Ko Bi Do Royal Regenerating Facial Massage and the MLX Quartz Bed for Psammo (hot sand) Therapy. Spread over 3,000 square metres, the spa has 23 treatment rooms, two private spa suites and an indoor pool. Plus, there are VIP spa suites, two traditional hammams, a fully equipped gym and a yoga studio, resulting in the biggest spa in Dubai.
While the hotel lobby boasts Arab opulence, the spa oozes French elegance. Sure, there are touches of gold but they’re offset by the white, beige, and cream hues. The changing area is vast, boasting the latest mod cons, a steam room, and a relaxation area. Plus, thanks to the maze-like design and curved corridors lined with candles, which lead to the treatment rooms, you have no choice but to get lost in the experience.
Raffles The Palm Dubai’s Cinq Mondes Spa’s menu includes body treatments, facials, massages and wellness experiences. I booked a Traditional Oriental Massage (AED 550 for one hour), which is a full-body massage. Cinq Mondes pride themselves on their natural, petrochemical-free products, and this treatment uses Argan oil in slow, deep movements.
The treatment begins with a refreshing foot wash, followed by a massage across the back of my body and front of my body. Every request, from a change of pressure to temperature, is swiftly met.
Most full-body massages end with the face and head, and even though the therapist has kneaded out the knots in my shoulders and neck, she goes one step further at the end. She sits me up, continues at a different angle and is determined to release the tension – and it works. I can feel the benefits, especially the next day.
Following some time in the tiled steam room and after enjoying a few laps around the indoor swimming pool, the experience ends in the relaxation area. There’s an air of exclusivity, as there are only a handful of beds nestled into the walls, all with net curtains and all empty. I settle into a soft bed. Phone-free, it’s perfect for some me-time. And, of course, that chance to fully relax.
As the winner of the ‘best’ Spa Brand in Dubai and the ‘favourite’ resort spa in Dubai at the FACT Spa and Wellness Awards UAE 2023, this sprawling spa is one you don’t want to miss.
GO: Visit www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com for more information.
