Anyone who lives in the UAE knows how much the weather and work stress can take a toll on your skin.

For the past few weeks, my skin has certainly not been my biggest fan, as I haven’t had much time to treat it too much of anything aside from the quick cleansing and moisturizing that I do every morning before I apply my makeup and, in the evenings, once I remove it.  So, when I heard about a facial that claims to be ‘haute couture’ for your skin, I just had to try it in an attempt to rekindle the love between me and my face.

 The Spa

Located in the Park Hyatt in Dubai, Amara Spa, is one of those spas that you just have to stop for a moment to admire the way it looks from the outside and snap a couple of photos before walking inside. Located separate from the hotel, spa guests first walk into a garden filled with the chirping of birds and the sounds of running water. The Mediterranean décor almost made it feel like I wasn’t in Dubai a short distance away from home, but rather like I was galivanting somewhere in Greece.

Amara Spa, is one of those spas that you just have to stop for a moment to admire the way it looks.

Upon walking inside, I was warmly welcomed by both my therapist and the receptionist, who quickly took down my info and walked me inside to the locker room where I changed into my bathroom and slippers- and I couldn’t help but notice that even the state of the locker room was pristine. Upon walking outside, my therapist then took me to my room, which was like no other I had seen in Dubai.

The room itself was small and cosy, but what drew my attention most was the natural lighting coming from my private, outdoor garden which also has an outdoor shower. The therapist first sat me down outside in the garden, and, as she washed my feet in a cute basin filled with rose pedals, she asked me to choose my music preference from a menu that had quite a few choices. I chose Mediterranean which seemed quite fitting with the rest of the vibes.

I then walked inside and lay down for my facial. She asked me if I wanted to keep the garden door open for some fresh air, and I of course agreed, as there is nothing more relaxing to me than the sound of birds chirping gently outside.

 The Facial: Anne Sémonin

Created in France over 30 years ago by leading therapist Anne Sémonin, capturing the powerful benefits of trace elements blended with the highest quality natural essential oils, minerals and marine ingredients. The Anne Sémonin range is dedicated to providing made-to-measure skincare and body care for luxury spas, in recognition of the fact that not every skin type is the same. My facial was meant to moisturize and provide some anti-aging ingredients.

The facial (most of which I slept through because of how incredibly relaxing everything was) included a variety of different products. My face was cleansed, toned, scrubbed, then had a series of masks, serums and moisturizers applied over 90 minutes, all of which smelled quite soft and pleasant. It also included an interesting technique of gently passing ice cubes over the face, which helps in toning and firming the skin as well as tightening the pores.

The comprehensive collection, much of which is available at the Park Hyatt Amara Spa in Dubai, features face cleansers, toners, serums, ‘Intensive Complexes’, masks and moisturisers, as well as a selection of bath, hair and body products for use at home.

Once I was done my facial, I was escorted back out into the garden for some Moroccan tea and dates along with cold glasses of strawberry and cucumber-infused water, while I lay down on a giant bed overlooking a small pond. I just lay down thinking of all the other treatments I wanted to do since the spa offers such a vast variety of options including couple’s treatments, bridal parties, and private gathering spa sessions for ladies.

Overall: the facial and spa are definitely not something you want to miss!

Once I was done my facial, I was escorted back out into the garden for some Moroccan tea and dates along with cold glasses of strawberry and cucumber-infused water, while I lay down on a giant bed overlooking a small pond, and thought of all of the treatments that I wanted to do as the spa offers such a vast variety of options including couple’s treatments, bridal parties, private gathering spa sessions for ladies, a pool, and a gym.

If there was one spa I wish I could live in for a few days, this would definitely be the one.

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