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“Innovative Dahlia Spa treatments with result-drive, international beauty brands.” Dahlia Spa

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful spas in Abu Dhabi and Dahlia Spa at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi is no exception. Named after the Mexican herbaceous plant, Dahlia Spa offers a full range of treatments, first-rate facilities and high end brand partners such as Biologique Recherche from France, Australian brand Sodashi and Swiss Perfection from Switzerland.

I have experienced many facials using all manner of techniques, equipment and products but nonetheless I’m always excited to try something different. After an interesting and informative, if not a tad scientific introduction to the products from Biologique Recherche’s Rupert Schmid, I was curious to try the bespoke Booster facial. The internationally acclaimed French skincare brand is offered exclusively at Dahlia Spa in this region. The products are active, fragrance-free and made with high concentrations of botanical, marine and biological extracts. The spa is also the first place in the UAE to stock, La Grande Crème the latest innovative product designed to tackle all age-related matters as well as promoting genuine cellular regrowth.

The Experience ~ I tried the 60 minute Booster Facial. Each Biologique Recherche facial is customised to your individual skin type, age and condition of your skin. The therapists, in my case Pat, make a decision on the combination of products to use once the clients make-up has been removed and a full assessment of the epidermis has been made. During the treatment Pat used thirteen products and applied certain combinations according to how my skin reacted during the facial.

Three things are distinctive with any Biologique Recherche facial. Firstly no scent, and secondly the products are cold, all the cloths and implements used are also chilled. In addition, application and removal of the products as well as the massaging are administered in upward strokes working against gravity. The facial includes products applied to the neck, upper back and decolletage as well as massaging of these areas.

Once problem areas have been identified and discussed with the aid of a mirror (a before photo was also taken) any imbalances of the face are also taken into consideration. The lowest side of the face is worked on first so the products stay on their longer to re-align the overall face shape. My treatment focused on moisture, anti-aging and healing, additional products were used to reduce redness that was caused by sensitivity during the treatment.

The preparation phase involved two cleansing milks to remove impurities and the second for oxygenation. Next up was a selection of products designed to exfoliate, tone, smooth and redefine the face shape. A plumping cell renewal was applied along with an anti pollution mask that restores radiance. Three eye serums were applied to the delicate eye area that offset the loss of elasticity, added moisture as well as revitalizing and energizing the skin.

A red reducing serum was then applied and an ice cold cryo stick was used to soothe my skin’s reaction. An additional serum restored the structure and volume of my face. The final stage was the application of two intensive creams; one that revitalizes, repairs and protects the skin and the final one to brighten and refresh my aging skin.

The results ~ The immediate results were fabulous with visibly reduced lines and improvement/lightening of my dark circles. My face felt plumped and looked really healthy with a positive glow. The euphoria was short lived however as the next morning my skin looked stretched and loose. I also had a rash on my neck, decolletage and back which only subsided after 48 hours.

Pros ~ I really enjoyed the treatment and Pat was both professional and knowledgeable. She was happy to talk through the whole procedure and gave me a detailed skin analysis and explanation of all the products she used. She even took before and after photos at her suggestion.

Cons ~ The treatment is expensive. While I was impressed with the immediate results, so much so that I decided that I wanted to treat myself in the future, I’ve now reconsidered that based on the after effects. I still feel my skin is looser in the under eye area, I had also specified in the pre-treatment client form that my skin can be sensitive so had not expected such a reaction.

Located on the third floor of the hotel Dahlia Spa is a vast, calm space with waterfront views and flooded with light. The eight treatment rooms all have private showers and the couples suite has a jacuzzi. Separate therapeutic relaxation areas for male and female guests feature a heated hydro pool, Moroccan hammam, sauna, ice fountain, heated lounge chairs with waterfront views and a tranquil relaxation room that leaves you feeling very zen. There is also a Woman’s hair and nail salon, Men’s barbershop and mens and womens fitness classes.

The spa menu offers signature treatments for both men and women, specialist Dahlia Journeys for that extra indulgent experience and the unique Quartz Sand Escape based on the ancient Greek concept of hot sand therapy or ‘psammo therapy’ as it’s officially known. Those in a hurry can enjoy the express 15 or 25 minute treatments performed on heated ceramic beds.

The upmarket spa is a modern and elegant space, something that you would expect considering its location within the luxurious Four Seasons hotel. The unprecedented level of service began as soon as I arrived at the reception area and continued until the minute I departed, a warm and friendly welcome is always appreciated as is the professionalism of the staff. Despite my reservations about my specific and personal after effects, I have friends who have been delighted with their results. I would recommend the Dahlia Spa as a sophisticated and tranquil place to relax and enjoy a spot of pampering.

Dahlia Spa

Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island. Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 333 2500

Email: spa.abudhabi@fourseasons.com

Opening Hours: Spa treatments are available daily from 10 am until 10 pm

Website: www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi/spa/

Click here to see the Dahlia Spa menu

Thank you Dahlia Spa for the opportunity to experience and review the treatment. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of Dahlia SpaDahlia Spa