Take it to the Thai...

... and yes, that applies even if it is a swedish massage. you see, the hands do all the talking

Classic tip: Do not underestimate the strength of a Thai woman. Typically demure and petite, the average Thai woman often looks like she could be beaten, hands down, in a bout of arm-wrestling. But having been kneaded and ‘un-knotted’ at the skilled hands of yet another Thai therapist — this time at the Sheraton Fitness spa at the respectable Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers in Dubai — I’m not so sure about that anymore.

There’s a reason why, when you go to most spas around town, you’re almost guaranteed to meet a smiling Thai masseuse who’ll be “attending to you” for the next hour or two. The power of these unassuming women seems to lie in their forearms; add to that an ever pleasant personality and it’s no wonder they set the industry standard.

But I digress. Let’s backtrack to… well, the beginning.

Going ten months without a relaxing spa treatment tends to do things to your body and mind (both start creaking) when living in a city constantly pushing you to stay on the run. And so it was, by way of apology to my tightly wound self, that I accepted the offer of a classic Swedish massage from said hotel spa.

Situated on the lower lobby of the hotel, the walk to the spa itself is one you want to take slowly and enjoy. If it can be helped, ignore the pinging elevators and take the winding staircase that snakes around the water fountains cascading into the mini pool below (no jumping, please). It’s a sensuous treat (this without even reaching the spa) and mentally, you’re already preparing to be pampered — so kudos to whoever thought of this one.

The classic Swedish massage is a firm but gentle pressure massage designed to improve the circulation, ease muscle stiffness and tension and improve flexibility. The sensitivity to pressure involved is what reportedly makes it an ideal way to ease stress away. Using sweet almond and lavender massage oil, my therapist set about using a combination of strokes, rubs and taps to hit the spot. Such was her skill that despite constantly imagining the treatment was about to wrap up — as all good things must — it simply went on and on and on... It did come to an end, of course, and there was warm green tea to bring you floating back down to earth afterwards, with the option of using the sauna, Jacuzzi or shower room as well.

People always complain their spa visits get over too soon. For this particular experience, however, I have to disagree. It was all of 50 minutes but for some strange reason — and this is not a complaint — it felt like hours. The result? You walk out, feet firmly on the ground, but ready to take on the world.

Also, not to stereotype — for the argument leans quite heavily in one direction and you’re welcome to test the theory yourselves — but if you want it done like it should be done, you’d best take it to the Thai.

karen@khaleejtimes.com