This spa-cation at The Ritz Carlton, Dubai is not to be missed. Nothing says spa or vacation quite like this luxury chain where you’re guaranteed to feel a world away, even if in reality it’s only a couple of kilometers.
This is a pre birthday surprise so I have had no time to prepare. Nevertheless it’s been on my wish list for quite some time so as we arrive, a smile crosses my lips and I prepare myself for indulgence.
This pamper day includes an hour massage, lunch at La Baie Lounge and access to the Ritz Carlton’s pools and private beach at JBR.
The Spa
We arrive and are seated in reception to indicate our spa-cation massage preferences. Then we are shown to the change rooms, receive a locker and, after changing, are given a quick orientation of the spa. We have a few minutes before our massage time so we opt for a quick dip in the spa’s chilled outdoor pool.
At the appointed time our masseurs arrive and show us to our opulent massage treatment room. The large massage tables are soft, comfortable and heated! There is a private bathroom and shower off to the side and a sofa with water, extra towels and robes. The massage itself is divine, with relaxing lavender oil and piped music.
Afterwards we are shown to the Relaxation Room for herbal tea and a small fruit salad. The availability of infused water, teas, dried fruit and magazines is a thoughtful addition. Once again, the lounges are very comfortable and the gentle piped music adds to the overall sense of relaxation.
From here we move to to the plunge pools. First soaking in the hot pool, giving our muscles some extra time to really relax and extend the effects of the massage. Then, a plunge in the numbing cold pool to really mix things up. We manage the cold pool plunge a few times in between the hot pool and conversation.
Once we are done with the spa, we shower, change and head to La Baie.
La Baie
A two course lunch is included in our spa-cation package and once we’re seated I realise how hungry I am. First things first though, we order a glass of Prosecco to celebrate.
Although the desserts sound quite tempting we settle on a couple of starters to share and a main each, leaving the option of dessert open. The angus beef sliders with a side of fries along with the Spanish octopus tapas are both tasty and filling.
Nevertheless when my striploin arrives, along with Diana’s salmon, we both manage our mains. Mine is medium and perfectly cooked with a slice of garlic bread, gravy and some roasted cherry tomato garnish. Diana is equally happy with her salmon which is also perfectly cooked and arrives with just enough garnish to look like a meal. The broccolini side that we have ordered compliments the mains nicely.
We are defeated and don’t have room for dessert so it’s most certainly time to head to the pool.
Ritz Carlton Poolside
After lunch we go for a walk through the grounds. There are three pools here to choose from with the main pool, children’s pool boasting a slide and an adult pool as an extension of the La Baie Lounge.
They all have bars, however, given we are sans children today, we opt to head back to the adult pool to make the most of our adult time.
After changing and claiming a cabana, we order a rose melon cosmo each. Like drinking liquid Turkish delight, this is a divine blend of watermelon vodka, Cointreau, rose water and cranberry juice. I never see the Cointreau added and can’t detect any orange liqueur in the mix, however, it is delicious nevertheless. Drink in hand we find a spot in the cool shallows to further our relaxation.
We while away the afternoon in the chilled water, with a cocktail or two, good company and a wonderful atmosphere.
A walk down to the beach and a swim in the tepid sea makes us appreciate the pool even more at this time of year. In another month or two, beachfront will be the preference but for now, we plunge back into the chilled water and swim up to the bar for a repeat cocktail.
After lounging for a bit longer, we finally admit that, with the sun rapidly sinking, it is time to call it on our spa-cation. Reluctantly, we change and walk back through the spectacular grounds and lobby to our waiting safe driver for the short ride home.
Good To Know
The Ritz Carlton at Dubai’s JBR is a luxury beachfront resort with immaculate grounds, facilities and service.
There are many other restaurant options available, see also Blue Jade.
Would I Return?
Yes. I’m already planning my next spa-cation…
