In sound company

A stillness treatment at the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont The Palm has been perfected through the use of auditory and other relaxation techniques

by

Anamika Chatterjee

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Published: Fri 27 Jul 2018, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 27 Jul 2018, 2:00 AM

W hat could a meditative massage offer someone who has an attention span of a fly? The thought crossed my mind as I looked through the treatments offered under the State of One Stillness Package at Fairmont the Palm's Willow Stream Spa. "Just focus on yourself," assured Laura, co-founder of State of One, a lifestyle consultancy that has conceptualised the package. At the outset, the aim of every wellness ritual is to promote relaxation; it's the technique that makes the difference. The meditative massage goes a step further, incorporating the power of sound in an imaginative way. Minutes into my treatment, I found a combination of sounds - from the chirping of birds to the sound of Tibetan singing bowls (they're also kept on different pressure points at the back) to Laura's own deep and comforting voice - making the treatment a more immersive experience. I opted for a medium pressure massage, and this was one of the few occasions where, at no point, I found myself groaning in pain. By the end of it, I laid comatose. that is until Laura reminded me about the hammam that constituted the second part of the treatment. The hammam experience - comprising thorough exfoliation and moisturisation - is the kind of pampering that summer-torn skin needs. The process felt like renewal.
Therapy time
Meditative Massage: Following certain deep breaths, Laura tackled the sore areas while asking me to bring awareness to those parts. In the interim, she played Tibetan singing bowls that felt mentally restorative and even more elevating when the bowls were placed on my back. For that moment, there was no fatigue in my body.
Hammam: My therapist Joy led me to a steam room. After a thorough wash, she exfoliated my skin. Though a tad uncomfortable, the process turned out to be excellent for dead skin removal. A mask of clay was duly applied and after a wash, Joy applied copious amounts of moisturiser owing to my 'dry skin'.
What we loved...
This treatment, in many ways, opened my mind to the possibilities that sound offers in terms of wellness. Being guided by two exceptionally talented professionals - Laura and Joy - also made the experience memorable. Given the range and quality of treatment, it's pretty cost-effective.
What we didn't...
It is a fairly big spa. And despite an early guided tour by Laura, I found myself stranded for a couple of minutes after my treatment got over. The exit gates are not very clearly demarcated and, if unguided, you may find yourself landing at a separate section altogether.
State of One Stillness Package
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah - Dubai
Reservations Call: 044573545
Website: www.stateof-one.com
Cost: Dh615 for 120 minutes
Our rating: 4/5
anamika@khaleejtimes.com