Once UPON A …

Atlantis, The Palm is a world-renowned Dubai landmark so it is only fitting that its ShuiQi spa offers a menu worthy of the hotel’s iconic status. Among the spa offerings is an exceptional signature treatment which has just been launched in homage to the recent win at the World Spa and Wellness Awards where ShuiQi secured Hotel Spa of the Year in the Middle East for the second year running. 

When Neil Hewerdine, vice president of spa services at Atlantis, tells me that there is a unique story behind every signature treatment, I am inspired and want to learn more. 

 

The new  ShuiQi’s signature experiences is the World Spa Award Premium Facial by Shiseido. 
The 60-minute treatment utilises the brand’s Future Solution LX. The treatment includes the ‘Oshibori’ Japanese hot towels and aroma breathing. 

“We wanted to celebrate the importance of winning the awards for a second year", said Hewerdine.

The Japanese Ritual had been so successful and because the awards are premium standard, we wanted to have our premium brand to portray that. So we worked with the international trainer at Shiseido to make the experience a shorter version of Japanese Ritual.

“In this region we are the only spa to have won this award consecutively, so we likewise endeavoured to give people a treatment that they had never experienced before. Without sounding clichéd, it’s not just a facial. It’s an experience. If the protocol is done correctly, you will never have had a treatment like this! The treatment is not robotic; the therapist really puts their own personality into the treatment.”

 

Tried and Tested
The World Spa Premium Facial by Shiseido

 

My experience begins with a foot cleansing ritual aimed at grounding and relaxing me. I am then asked to smell two essential oils jasmine and ylang ylang and give my preference. I plump for ylang ylang, one of my favourite oils. 

I then lie down on possibly the comfiest treatment couch I’ve ever used and my eyes are gently covered before the aroma breathing commences. I really like this element. Covering the eyes clearly signifies that it is my time to relax.
After the aroma breathing, which swiftly calms me, my arms are gently stretched and I immediately fall into deep relaxation.

This is my first experience of Shiseido and I enjoy the feel of the products especially the foaming cleanser, which makes my skin tingle. I am then lulled into such a state of serenity that I am unable to remember the exact order of the facial but I do recall a lovely facemask.

For me, the highlight is the massage and the stretching. The Shiseido Qi massage concentrates on meridian flow by stimulating Tsubo pressure points, restoring energy and inducing a deep rhythmical state of relaxation.

The final part of the facial helps to return me to an alert state of mind using a set of stretching and stimulating movements. My therapist Kim, sits me up and gently bathes my back before I leave the couch. I am immediately alert and energised, which is unusual straight after a treatment. My skin feels like silk.
Over the course of the day my energy levels seem to soar, my brain feels so much clearer, and I am very productive.

The next morning I still feel fabulous and due to my general sense of wellbeing, I’ve almost forgotten that the main purpose of the treatment was a facial until I look in the mirror and see that my complexion is radiant and supple. An award-winning experience indeed

Fiona Vlemmiks
Editor - Professional Beauty GCC