Relaxation is something we never get enough of these days. If you need a break too, head over to the Ghaya Grand to indulge in an hour long massage at the Spa & Wellness Center.
Recently, I was asked to review their services and give my loyal readers a rundown on how it went. On arrival at the hotel, I found myself amid a throng of tourists in the lobby on a rather busy morning. The hotel is surely popular. I proceeded up the grand, main entrance staircase to the first floor and turned left for the pool and fitness area. Crossing the outdoor pool deck, I entered the spa area to be greeted by a friendly hostess. I was invited to enhance my treatment by starting with a steam and sauna. The hammam was an immaculate white space with steam pouring into the room from both sides. I was glad to see the steam vent was not located under the seat as you find in many poorly designed spas. Then I tried out the dry sauna much to my delight. After 5 minutes in each, I donned the plush robe and padded off behind Leo, my lady masseuse. Unfortunately, the inviting Jacuzzi was not operating as they feel the noise disturbs the clients. You’ll have to go between 7 – 10 in the morning or the evening to avail of a warm, bubbling tub.
I must admit that I’m quite the massage aficionado. My all-time favorite was the energetic and body twisting massage I had at Wat Po temple in Thailand. My most memorable massage story was a visit to an authentic Turkish bath in Istanbul some years ago. This time, I’m at the Ghaya Grand, where Leo did not miss a muscle. She worked her way from my tired toes to my tight neck and even ironed out my face muscles and smoothed away some wrinkles leaving me feeling (if not looking) a few years younger! It was an invigorating and relaxing experience in which I nearly snoozed off by the end. I left feeling like a chocolate bar as she tried out their special cocoa cream on me. The cocoa is an antioxidant and provides nourishment and moisture to the skin. As I had no desire to wash away the yummy scent, I was happy that I opted to start my massage session with a cleansing shower after those heat treatments. Even later that evening, my husband picked up on the chocolaty fragrance from earlier in the day.
After the massage, I was tempted to stay on for lunch but I had an early afternoon appointment to get to. Instead, I sipped a steaming ginger tea in the relaxation room to further augment my zen attitude. It’s a shame this space is outside the spa area in between the reception and the gym. I suppose it’s fine if you’ll spend some time also lounging by the pool, but I would have liked to unwind and rest after my session on a recliner listening to the enchanting spa music and even the whirl of the Jacuzzi. The only negatives I’d point out are the high school style, metal lockers which are positioned on the platform next to the Jacuzzi and the rather antiquated sliding door system for the changing rooms. By and large, the mood is calming, serene and relaxing but the changing area and relaxation space seem to have been after- thoughts which surely detracts from the overall positive experience.
Nevertheless, I’d return in a heartbeat as the staff is polite, welcoming and skilled, the hotel pool offers the chance to relax for longer and the location cannot be beat for those of us living in JVT!
Currently you can avail of the Spa’s Festive Season Glow Package:
Experience the regeneration of your skin cells via a full body exfoliation that leaves the skin feeling cleansed and hydrated whilst detoxifying the body. Concluding with an application of body hydration to leave your skin glowing during the Festive Season.
Book Now: 04 429 3300 and quote the JVT Blog! Price AED249 (valid until Jan 2017)
Even better, there’s a 50% discount on any spa treatment when purchasing gift vouchers over the festive period – valid till Jan 2017. Don’t miss out !
Jumeirah Village Triangle 