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“Let Your Zentsory Journey Begin.” ZENTS

The ZENTS story is a feelgood story that’s emerged from a severe, life-changing event, a real life tale of how good can emerge from bad. Having survived a dreadful car accident ZENTS founder Cord Coen was left with physical and brain injuries including chronic pain, severe migraines and an almost complete loss of his sense of smell. After two years of rehabilitation he was told by doctors that there was nothing else they could do, his healing had plateaued. Taking control of his recovery, Coen left his native Colorado and travelled to India to spend a year doing yoga, having internal herbal treatments and massages as well as practising daily pranayama and meditation. Miraculously his body healed, his pain eased and his sense of smell and taste returned.

Not wanting to waste this second chance, Coen decided to pass on his healing experience and knowledge to others and thus ZENTS was born. His regained sense of smell came with a dramatic sensitivity to strong perfumes so therefore ZENTS aromas are more subtle. The 100 % cruelty-free products only use vegan and gluten-free ingredients, contain organic hand-harvested shea butter, organic aloe & lotus and flower essences grown on a biodynamic farm, they are also free of any parabens. Cord, a craniosacral therapist and Reiki master, created a range of spa rituals, to complement the products, that are designed to uplift the mind, body, and spirit.

The ZENTS luxury range of hydrating, healing and ultra gentle body care features ten different aromas as well as Unzented, an unscented alternative that can be used for those who dislike scented products, have sensitive skin, are mums-to-be and those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The range includes a body lotion and body oil that can be combined for more intense hydration, a cleansing body wash and the repairing Concreta body balm presented in a square concrete pot. This balm contains a clinically active extract of the paracress plant known for its firming and tightening properties, nature’s own botox if you will, that tightens collagen fibres targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

ZENTS is now stocked by Shangri-la hotels worldwide as in-room amenities and in their spas. I attended a launch of ZENTS at Chi Spa located at the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi in a fabulous waterfront villa where we got to try all the four aromas; Mandarin, Oolong, Ore, Sun as well as Unzented and returned to experience a complimentary massage in the standalone spa facility itself.

The Experience ~ Each ZENTS treatment is a personalised aroma journey that begins when you select your preferred scent from the four available at Chi Spa. The scene blooms on your skin reacting differently for each individual as with perfumes, I chose SUN, a calming and comforting aroma with notes of vanilla, sandalwood and amber. All Chi Spa body treatments start with a foot cleansing ritual with rose petals, coconut milk and a lavender scrub. The aromas were delightful.

My Relaxing Aroma hour long treatment commenced with the inhalation of the SUN essence to awaken my senses. The massage was a combination of Swedish and lymphatic techniques, my therapist Dechen was an extremely knowledgeable and skillful masseuse. The medium pressure was perfect with extra attention given to my tense shoulders, neck and back. A heated wrap was laid underneath my shoulders that gave additional tension relief and something that I hadn’t experience before. The ZENTS body oil feels so good on the skin and the aromas of vanilla, a personal favourite scent, wafted around the room.

Pros ~ Fabulous experience from start to finish with an amazing ZENTS products that leave your skin feeling incredibly smooth, hydrated and smelling divine. All tension was reduced and I was fully relaxed.

Cons ~ The treatment finished

The overall experience at the multi award-winning Chi Spa was as always, excellent. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and offer a flawless service. The elegant spa has eleven treatment rooms, including three couples suites, all with private showers. The relaxation areas are a must visit, offering guests a place to hang out pre and post treatment with a large heated vitality pool, sauna, steam room and separate hamman area. After treatments a zingy ginger tea, dates and nuts are served in the curtained area by reception.

A wide range of treatments from top-to-toe are available including massages, body therapies, facials, wellness journeys, nail care and Hammam Rituals. Alongside ZENTS, Chi Spa offers French premium facial brand Biologique Recherche and homegrown brand Hammamii that uses ingredients endemic to the region such as camel’s milk, dates, solar salts and hydrated lemons – click HERE for the full spa menu. If you are looking for an uplifting all-round experience try a ZENTS massage at Chi Spa, I also personally recommend the Concreta body balm to use at home.

Chi Spa

Location: Qaryat Al Beri complex (next to the souk), Shangri-la Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 509 8900

Email: chi.abudhabi@shangri-la.com

Website:www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi/shangrila/health-leisure/chi-the-spa/

Opening Hours:10:00am – midnight

Click HERE to see the Chi Spa menu

Click HERE to read more about Zents

Click HERE to read more about previous Spa treatments on the blog

Thank you to Chi Spa at Shangri-la Abu Dhabi for the opportunity to experience and review the Zents products and massage. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved.