Simple kneads of life

Sushmita Bose visits Iridium Spa at The St Regis Dubai, Habtoor City, frazzled and needy, and realises nothing quite substitutes going back to basics for the ultimate relaxation kick

The extended Eid weekend - a three-day break in the life of a working journalist is a luxury - was too tempting not to have passed up on a travel score. When I returned to work on Monday, straight from the airport, I felt I was in little pieces. Plus, my back hurt, my head hurt, pretty much every bone in my body creaked. "You are too old for such youthful adventures," someone tsk-ed tsk-ed when I complained about my aches and pains.
"It's nothing I cannot fix," I responded resolutely. "I need a massage."
But of course.
I found myself at the very lovely St Regis' Iridium Spa, where I opted for a relaxation treatment: the Swedish massage. Was almost game for the 'sports' massage, but chickened out when I heard it's a bit "intense" and I may be needed to do "stretches". Some other time. For now, I wanted to be pampered.
My therapist was excellent (and non-Oriental for a change!). And the treatment itself was simple and homely (love the touch of a hot towel over massaged areas) - and very, very effective. For one hour - which, by the way, passed way too soon - I basked in the fact that no new-fangled experiments would be unleashed. Just old-fashioned cosseting.
Therapy time
It all started with the intake of a cup of delicate toffee caramel-infused drink; it's so good, I had that post-treatment as well. For the "bespoke" massage, you get an array of choices, and Swedish sounded the best for me. Nomfondo, my South African therapist, used long, firm strokes to knead away the muscle knots and the tension areas. There was a choice of oils as well: I opted for the eucalyptus and peppermint one, that promises deep relaxation. Didn't disappoint. Lower back and shoulders were given special attention. The jacuzzi, steam room and sauna looked amazing - will give them a shot next time! 
sushmita@khaleejtimes.com
WHAT WE LOVED
The stunning interiors; the jacuzzi (left) looked straight out of a Hollywood set. The treatment itself was relaxing to the core. My therapist was superb; she used her forearms for some kneads, and that was brilliant. Special mention of the toffee caramel drink... Lovely treats in the post-treatment lounge.
WHAT WE DIDN'T
Nothing, really. Except that Dh590 for a one-hour treatment could be a touch expensive (yes, I know, this is The St Regis). But on 'Winddown Wednesdays' - I went on a Wednesday - there's a 50 per cent discount on; you pay only Dh295. That, in my books, is fantastic value for money.