Like any other cities in the world, Dubai offers lots of luxurious spas to de-stress and rejuvenate city weary and tired bones..so here I am trying to refresh on weekend by spending a detoxifying indulgence...emerging so cleansed..both body and soul.
January 2, 2;30 pm
Destination: Detox
I have a date with my therapist. Nothing cataclysmic. Just that new-age pandemic called urban stress. Deadlines, pollution, junk food, road rage, insane commutes. The usual suspects. Super-stressed-me is off to break this vicious cycle of abuse with a detox weekend at my favorite detox haven. Detox devotees Gwyneth, Oprah and Beyonce would approve. They all swear by cleansing, which claims to flush the body of accumulated toxins through diet, exercise and massages. I’m curious. Is there really a truth to the benefits of detox? I decide to throw skepticism to the wind and surrender. The stunning view of the Arabian Sea from my 20th floor room is to die for. I’m ready. Paltrow, make way.
I have a date with my therapist. Nothing cataclysmic. Just that new-age pandemic called urban stress. Deadlines, pollution, junk food, road rage, insane commutes. The usual suspects. Super-stressed-me is off to break this vicious cycle of abuse with a detox weekend at my favorite detox haven. Detox devotees Gwyneth, Oprah and Beyonce would approve. They all swear by cleansing, which claims to flush the body of accumulated toxins through diet, exercise and massages. I’m curious. Is there really a truth to the benefits of detox? I decide to throw skepticism to the wind and surrender. The stunning view of the Arabian Sea from my 20th floor room is to die for. I’m ready. Paltrow, make way.
3. 30 pm
Desserted!
Time for a quick minestrone and leafy salad at nearby Cafe before my massage appointment. I eye that mango chiffon mousse with puppy eyes. Alas,Biba, my detox guide, gently reminds me it’s out of bounds. She spells out the deal. Alcohol, tea, coffee are strict no nos. Drink a ton of water (like eight litres a day). Easy on food with a high Glycemic Index. Fruits and leafy veggies rule. I squirm uneasily as memories of yesterday’s sin—McDo's double yummies and deep-fried potato wedges—come surging in. I’m not telling her.
Time for a quick minestrone and leafy salad at nearby Cafe before my massage appointment. I eye that mango chiffon mousse with puppy eyes. Alas,Biba, my detox guide, gently reminds me it’s out of bounds. She spells out the deal. Alcohol, tea, coffee are strict no nos. Drink a ton of water (like eight litres a day). Easy on food with a high Glycemic Index. Fruits and leafy veggies rule. I squirm uneasily as memories of yesterday’s sin—McDo's double yummies and deep-fried potato wedges—come surging in. I’m not telling her.
4.30 pm
Spa way to heaven
Spa way to heaven
My detox journey begins. THAI massage is first.Apputra, my handsome masseur from Bangkok, whisks me into the bergamot-scented spa chamber. As my feet soak in the warm water, salvation seems like a distinct possibility.Appu begins with a Thai head massage combined with inhalation therapy using essential oils. I feel my breathing passages opening. A body exfoliation using dry herbal powders, then a brisk application of jasmine oil. A 10-minute-steam further opens my breathing passages and skin pores. Then, a purifying point face massage followed by a hot herbal poultice therapy to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The lemongrass purifying soak is last. I do a Mena Suvari a la American Beauty in my rose-petalled bath. Sipping honey and chamomile tea, I’m the boy... in the bubbles.
7.30 pm
Lean equals light
I’m peaceful. I’m famished. Happily, I discover fit and healthy is not equal to bland and tasteless the way the chefs make their detox meals. My salad of asparagus parfait and smoked chicken is a masterpiece of taste and texture. The massage seems to have set in motion a virtuous cycle. Just mineral water with my healthy meal, please. Wine? Diet Coke?.... What’s that?
9 pm
Room with a view
Time to sit back and dream. Detox is as much about recharging the mind by spending time introspecting and cleaning your thoughts. Looking out from the huge bay windows, I see a glittering Dubai skyline and an unending sea. Thoughts of the day flit in and out, work, my own unruly love life. I catch my reflection in the mirror as I’m about to turn in. My skin glows. Detox beats botox. Anytime.
Coming clean
Coming clean
Check out time. Not sure how I’ve fared on Project Detox. But I’ve succeeded in wooing my body back. All those spa soaks have left me feeling like a pampered Cleopatra. No drastic liquid diets and colonics for me. I’m no cleansing convert. I’ve enjoyed this version of Detox Light, though. Pure pleasure and relaxation. I’ll be back for that wonderful soak... Ah, the unbeatable lightness of being
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