Ramadan relaxation

 With Ramadan firmly underway, what could be better than the opportunity to experience a spa treatment specifically designed for the Holy month?

What: Signature Luxury Hammam treatment

Where: Dalouk Spa, Sharjah Ladies Club, Sharjah

When: Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 9pm; Friday, 3pm – 9pm

The promise: “An intensely detoxifying body treatment, designed to draw deep impurities out of your face and body. It will leave your skin illuminated and hydrated and boost collagen production in the luxury of a private treatment room.”

Did it deliver? Met with a subtle wave of incense, a warm welcome from the staff and a fresh lemon-mint juice, it was clear that Team TMN were going to experience luxury as we arrived at the Dalouk Spa, set in the cornice of Sharjah Ladies Club. In keeping with its coastal surroundings, the interior attained a sense of tranquility you’d expect of somewhere far off and exotic, and we automatically felt removed from the hustle of the city.

After a quick consultation, we were led through to change, passing the therapeutic thermal pool which the spa offers as a pre-treatment relaxer – a seriously tempting feature to take advantage of should you want to submerge yourself into total relaxation – just ensure you come in ahead of your appointment time.

Robed up and ready to go, the private candle-lit treatment rooms were complete with soft lighting and mood music to achieve a Zen-like ambience. Our Red Flower Hammam treatment began with a coffee blossom and olive stone scrub, followed by a full-body clay mask. A thin layer of rhassoul clay felt light on the skin, a pleasant surprise as it was nothing like the product-heavy treatments we’d occasionally experienced. While comfortably cocooned for 15 minutes, we received a cleansing facial massage from our therapist Gilda, who used an illuminating rose essential oil to help boost collagen.

With a quick shower and feeling thoroughly detoxed, we returned to finish the treatment with a warming deep-tissue massage. A refreshing orange quince steam mist sprayed over the table soothed the senses, and cardamom amber oil was used as Gilda’s skills as a masseuse were demonstrated. Once the treatment was completed, we were instructed to leave the oil on for two hours to ensure the maximum benefits and we left feeling rejuvenated from head-to-toe.

The verdict: An intensely therapeutic experience, the 90-minute treatment is a perfect fix from the stresses of city life, and a great way to keep yourself relaxed during the day if you’re fasting. While it might be more of a trek for those living in other Emirates, the quality of both the spa and the treatment will prove it’s worth the AED 550 price tag – we certainly won’t be waiting until next Ramadan to return!