Some of us have to spend the Summer in Dubai due to work or other commitments, so I decided to create a little guide of cool places that will make you feel like you’re on a holiday…

The Spa: Spa Cordon, Dubai

I have never heard of Spa Cordon before, and recently headed out there for a massage treatment. Located in the luxurious Sky Gardens building in front of La Petite Maison, this was one hidden gem. Super private, and empty – it was a great change to the busy non hotel spas. As soon as I entered the spa, I was greeted by the lovely staff, and was welcomed with a chilled apple drink and towel, and was shown around for a tour. Everything within the spa was from the Philippines – everything from the uniforms, furniture and interiors – power to the Philippines!  Known for their bespoke oil bar where you pick a base essential oil like Grapeseed, almond or sesame oil followed by an oil or a combination to add on – I went with the almond oil and neroli. I loved the addition, and loved how you suddenly feel like you’ve created your bespoke massage. I didn’t get the chance to use their great facilities as I had to rush to a press luck, but made sure to check them out -The whirlpool, steam and sauna were compact but modern, clean and cosy. I was then taken by my lovely therapist, Suni to my massage room which looked like a cabin in a resort (note why this is in the staycation feature!). The Vitality massage was 60 minutes long, and was a mix in between deep tissue and sport. Post massage, I was led to the relaxation room with a menu choice of fruits, vegetables or popsicles with herbal tea. Off I left this retreat like spa, and on to the real world. For more details, click here

The massage: Pillow talk at Sensasia spa, Dubai.

Sensasia spas are definitely one of my favorites in Dubai, and I recently stopped by for their new treatment, the Pillow talk massage. Great if you have Insomnia, or just need a super relaxing massage to encourage better sleep. Upon arriving, I was greeted by my therapist – Kathy and was taken straight to the changing rooms, and off to my treatment room. Love how Sensasia is super quick – in and out – and the relaxing lounge & that Ginger tea always feels like a treat. The treatment was 60 mins, and started off with a Lavender foot soak, followed by the massage on a heated bed, a thick blanket and a fluffed up pillow (felt like a bed at home.) Kathy used slow chinese techniques, with sweet almond and lavender oil – starting with a focus on the back side moving over to the front. Post Pillow talk, I was then allowed to rest on the comfortable bed, and then asked to make my way to the relaxing lounge. Unfortunately, I didn’t know the other drink option was a cacao hot chocolate and marshmallows, and went with the classic Ginger tea (which is really good too.) I highly recommend Pillow talk, and will definitely be back when I need to escape from a sleep depriving schedule.
For more details, click here 

The Face: Kaya Organic face therapy at Kaya Skin Clinic, Dubai

As much as I love great facials for the skin, I also make sure I can pop in for one relaxing one during the month. I’ve been hearing about the signature Organic Kaya facial for some time, and finally popped in for an appointment (it is quite difficult getting an appointment here, so book in advance!) The ladies here are super sweet, and was asked to wait in the waiting room for two minutes before being directed to my room by therapist, Pearl (who I had the Aqua Facial with the last time I was there.) The treatment is 90 minutes, using only 100% organic and natural products. The treatment begins with Cleansing, toning, and a radiant serum application. This goes on to a blissful 20 minute facial massage (I love those…!), and ends with a mask which is then left on the skin to get absorbed. You do come out with quite an oily face, but it’s one of those facials that you can wash your face within 2 hours, apply make up and off you go out. I was definitely glowing, and felt completely relaxed but ended up with a little break out (which isn’t very fun.) I’d definitely recommend this as a great relaxing facial. For more details, click here.

Age: Sodashi Samadara Age-defying facial

I recently tried Australian luxury beauty brand, Sodashi’s signature treatment – The Samadara Facial at Talise Mina Salam. This had to join my list of Escapes without leaving Dubai, as the Talise spa is just breathtaking. Once I entered the spa, and moved to the treatment room, I felt like I was on an island away from home. The treatment is a hydrating and nourishing treatment to increase firmness and restores the skin’s glow. The treatment was two hours ago (longest facial I’ve done!) and is designed to reawaken the skin’s natural healing energies. It includes a rose crystal massage, followed by a clay mask, in order for the skin to absorb the Samadara Age Defying creme. Whilst the heating clay mask was on my face, the session included a relaxing getaway, which included a hand and foot massage. For more on Sodashi, click here