Shine on you crazy diamond

I'm happy to note that Shine Spa at Sheraton Grand Hotel - in the World Trade Centre vicinity - is on the 52nd floor. Can't wait for the view to unfold... and I'm not disappointed... it's everything I'd hoped it would be, and then some. For those folks who say nothing beats the skyline in New Dubai, well, try this out. Out of the relaxation lounge - which I visit first - you get to see large expanses of Mankhool, Satwa and Jafiliya, plus you catch the SZR highrises (and obviously the Burj), and you are straightaway ushered into a cocoon of vigorous languor.  
Shine Spa is lovely; muted colours, lots of space, and a contemporary, linear design. I was running late, so had no time to check in on the wet facilities - but did check them out. They looked pretty neat. And the jacuzzi was particularly stunning. At the end of the treatment, I was feeling re-energised yet restful. A 15-minute sit-out in the relaxation lounge, looking down on creation, was a good wrap.
As an aside - and as I went through the spa menu - I need to say I'm absolutely raving curious about the Crystal Opulence Signature Facial (also an "aromatic" experience). It costs Dh1,255 for 90 minutes, and I really, really, really want to know what it can do to  my visage. Save my face perhaps? Some day...
Therapy time
After getting into spa gear, I go to the treatment room, where my therapist Kemi asks me for the kind of pressure I'd like. It's a massage that uses rhythmic movements (apparently, other than energising, they also release accumulated toxins from the lymphatic system), so getting
the right grip on me is key. As it turned out, I asked for "high" pressure, when I should have settled for medium; it was pretty intense! Kemi was
very effective (and strong!), and even though it's a single-agenda treatment, time went by really quickly. The oil used, however, was a letdown.
What we loved...
First things first: I was totally in love with the view from the relaxation area. You can see the Dubai skyline, and the glittering lights... It's beautiful! Spa facilities are top notch. Ambience boasts simple, clean lines, and it's quite a sight for sore eyes... you feel relaxed immediately! Good therapist.
What we didn't...
Even the treatment room had stunning views -  a little wasted when you are there for a one-hour session, face down. The spa seemed a bit deserted, and, by extension, a little out of action. Was it just me: the fact that the aromatherapy oil used didn't smell of any distinctive "aroma"?
Our rating: 4/5
sushmita@khaleejtimes.com