There’s something emblematic about the winding pathways of One&Only The Palm’s gardens, which lead me to the Andalusian-Moorish exteriors of Guerlain Spa. The stroll to the trickling fountains and pastel pink walls of this temple of tranquillity, past gently swaying trees, home to kaleidoscopic, singing birds and guests bronzing themselves at the edge of the swimming pool, represents a transition to a more peaceful state of mind. Each step I take, moves me further away from all the stresses and strains of everyday life. As I enter through the doors, I am already feeling relaxed.
Imagined by the House of Guerlain, the venue was the French fragrance brand’s first dedicated spa in the Middle East when it opened its doors back in 2016. There are nine treatment rooms, each with outdoor relaxation areas, while the sauna and steam rooms can be found within a Moroccan-style courtyard. An Aegean blue swimming pool beckons guests to savour Dubai’s endless supply of sun alongside refreshing dips after their treatment. However, on this mild winter morning, temperatures are a little too low to be stripping down to my swimming trunks.
In the lobby, I place myself on a stone-coloured sofa, where an intoxicating aroma immediately wraps itself around me, causing me to slip into reverie. It’s all soft woods and gleaming marble floors, with a selection of the brand’s latest and beloved scents that spa goers can sample and purchase at the end of their experience. There are even two dressing tables, where those that are inclined can touch up their make-up.
As I complete the standard formalities, a refreshing glass of orange juice and a cold towel, infused with one of Guerlain’s signature scents, are presented to me, alongside the spa menu that opens with the headline, ‘Wellness is an art’. The spa’s programming is said to be where Arabian wellness rituals meld with centuries of French beauty expertise, and it is here you find a selection of Dubai signature treatments including Désert d’Orient Hammam Ritual, One&Only Solar Evasion and Dubai Harmony. For those searching to rejuvenate their skin, there is the Orchidée Impériale Age Reverse collection including Ultimate Black Orchid and Aura Nobile that can be experienced over four or eight pampering sessions. Today, it’s the Imperial Relaxing Massage for me with therapist Prasad.
Brightened by gentle lighting and candles, the interiors of my treatment room pay homage to the orchid, with the walls adorned by the delicate flower. A large massage bed, where I will spend the next blissful hour, takes centre stage with a soft chair to the left and the adjoining changing room to the right. After donning the Guerlain Spa attire, my feet are soaked in warm water before I make the selection of rose and jasmine oil for my massage. I’d like to tell you all about the massage, however, Prasad’s skills on my neck and shoulders send me to sleep within about 10 minutes, the ultimate sign of a good massage. The hour disappears in an instant and after some advice from Prasad on hydration and taking care of those troublesome pressure points, I redress and return to that wonderfully scented lobby once more.
A haven of exceptional beauty, wellbeing and indulgence, Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm showcases that it has mastered the art of wellness. From its enchanting aromas and exceptional experiences to its architecture that evokes thoughts of the Andalusian-Moorish baths of yore, guests are immersed in a spa journey that will have them wanting to return again and again. I for one will be booking another session as soon as the opportunity arises. Dreamy relaxation awaits.
