“ELEMIS uses the finest ingredients to get the richest possible results.” ELEMIS
With the teenager in town for her Easter break from university it seemed the perfect opportunity to try out Zayna Spa located at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda. As one of the capital’s older hotels I was dubious about its spa facility but have heard good things. Billed as an ‘urban retreat for wellness and beauty’ it certainly sounded promising and as it now offers a full range of ELEMIS treatments, the celebrated British skin and body care brand that I associate with the more refined spa experience, I was excited.
Located in the depths of the hotel on the third floor the low lit spa is a vast facility that has eleven treatment rooms (ten singles and one couples suite) as well as a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, it also accommodates the independent Ladies and Gents Noor Salon. The spa reception is spacious and although it’s quite dark it felt welcoming and smells divine, the water features and pot plants give it an air of tranquility but it’s not as luxurious as other five-star facilities that I’ve visited in the city.
Treatments ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial and ELEMIS Superfood Pro-Radiance Facial
The Promise Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial – targets fine lines, wrinkle depth and dull skin tone. Superfood Pro-Radiance Facial – revitalises, brightens and nourishes the skin
Step by Step – We were shown to the couples room for our synchronised mother and daughter facials and after a slight delay with form filling, admin issues and some confusion with which treatment the teenager was actually having we finally got started. The initial stage was to look in a mirror and highlight/discuss any problem areas and what we wanted to see from our respective treatments. This was most unenjoyable and my therapist’s terminology was quite depressing, we were not off to a great start but she did promise the results would be plain to see in an attempt to appease me.
The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Age Defy Facial is designed to tackle fine lines and wrinkles. The age-defying benefits of marine charged Padina Pavonica and Red Coral combined with a lifting massage technique helps to re-energises healthy cell renewal and nourish the skin. After the initial stages of cleaning, cleansing, steaming and extraction, a full face mask was applied as a thick paste which then set and was peeled off as one complete piece that quite frankly resembled something from a horror movie.
The teenager had the ELEMIS Superfood Pro-Radiance Facial which is formulated to energise as well as detoxifying the skin. The nutritional superfood is jammed packed with essential minerals that restore moisture and nutrients to enhance the skin leaving it looking more radiant and give it a healthy glow. This facial also went through several stages of cleaning, cleansing, steaming and extraction before a soothing amino active mask was applied to help restore lost moisture as well as deeply nourishing, detoxifying and charging the skin with energising nutrients.
My skin definitely felt more hydrated and firmer at the end of the treatment, it looked brighter and smoother and my dark under-eye circles were somewhat lighter. The post-treatment mirror analysis was definitely better than before but still the descriptive language could have been improved.
Results – Overall my skin felt hydrated, tighter and soft, my dark under eye circles were lightened. The teenager was also glowing and was chuffed with the results especially the softness of her skin.
After the completion of our treatments we were served complimentary teas in the relaxation room before the inevitable hard sell on products that were recommended to maintain the effects of the treatments at home.
Pros – Quality ELEMIS products
Cons – My therapist’s insensitive delivery of her analysis
While I usually leave a spa feeling rejuvenated I felt a little dejected after my facial at Zayna Spa. My skin was certainly much smoother and tighter, the dark circles under my eyes were definitely brighter but there wasn’t the usual feeling of elation that follows a treatment. This was due to how the therapist made me feel rather than the facial itself that was actually very good as was the accompanying neck, shoulder and arm massage.
Alongside the Zayna signature treatments, that includes the two hour ‘Everything Chocolate’ which is on my must try list, there are six body treatments. The ELEMIS menu includes facials, body massages (including men only and pregnancy treatments), scrubs and wraps. The spa also offers Pevonia treatments and a well stocked retail range of ELEMIS and Pevonia products.
Zayna Spa is not the prettiest or the cheapest spa in the city but with its extensive spa menu it certainly offers plenty of choice, especially if you are a fan of ELEMIS treatments and products.
Zayna Spa
Location: Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi
Telephone : 02 495 3822
E-mail: zaynaspa@grandmill-alwahda.com
Website: www.grandmillenniumalwahda.com
Opening hours: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Zayna Spa April Offers: ELEMIS – Book any 60-minute massage and get 30 minutes free
Mini Escape – 30 minute ELEMIS body smoothing Intensely Cleansing Lime & Ginger Salt Scrub and 25-minute back massage for AED 475
Mix & Match – 20 minute back massage, 20 minute mini facial and 20-minute body scrub for AED 375. Men only – 25% off all male treatments every Monday
Thank you Grand Millennium Al Wahda for the opportunity to review Zayna Spa. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2017. All rights reserved. Featured image used with courtesy of www.grandmillenniumalwahda.com