“The warmth of the oil really helps to relax the muscles.” NEOM Organics
As far as wellbeing treatments go the NEOM De-stress candle massage at the Anantara Spa is a unique and nurturing experience. I was curious, having never had a candle massage, as to what lay in store.
The NEOM brand was developed by former Glamour magazine editor Nicola Elliott who feeling burnt out and needed to concentrate on her personal wellbeing. She wanted to improve her sleep, increase energy levels and eradicate stress from her busy job and day-to-day modern life. She first trained as an aromatherapist and nutrionist and NEOM Organics was launched with her business partner Oliver in 2006. The key focus of the 100% organic brand is to aid in the elimination of stress, aid sleep, boost energy levels and enhance your mood.
The British luxury brand is now acclaimed, firmly establishing itself on both home and international markets. Offering therapeutic benefits for the mind and body, the range of conscious products are ethically sourced and sustainable with only natural, organic ingredients and pure essential oils. There is no petrochemical paraffin or mineral wax, no artificial perfume and no preservatives. Wellness treatments were the next logical step to compliment the popular products, these are now available exclusively at NEOM treatment rooms as well as internationally in the UAE. The range of products can be bought from shops, department stores, online and at spas such as the Anantara Spa at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel – click HERE for locations and stockists.
The NEOM de-stress candle massage is the ultimate wellbeing experience for both body and mind. It’s a multi faceted treatment with the shea butter and essential oils candle designed to treat your skin and evoke your senses, the massage itself de-stresses and soothes your body while the meditation and reflexology element relaxes your mind. The blend of natural ingredients not only feel great on the skin but the essential oils aroma that fills the room throughout the treatment has an instant calming affect.
The Experience ~ Unlike like most massages you start this 60-minute treatment lying on your back. Guided meditation via a pre-recording by a NEOM wellness expert was synchronised in real time by the application of an intensive mood enhancing blended essential oil (wild mint and mandarin plus six other essential oils) to my pulse points (temples, behind my ears and wrists). The meditation was easy to follow with simple breathing exercises and coaching on tension release and negativity. My therapist Rinchenla, sprayed a fragrance mist into the air, the Scent to De-Stress with lavender, jasmine & Brazilian rosewood plus 21 other essential oils, to aid relaxation.
Reflexology on my feet signified the start of the physical treatment, strong pressure was applied to both feet to kick start the relaxation process. The treatment itself is a full body massage that concentrates on key stress points including the head, face, neck and back. The warm candle was first trickled onto my legs (the skin therapy candle is made from shea butter lend with essential oils) then massaged into my skin followed by my arms, shoulders and neck. This treatment primary focus is the back which is left to last, the sensation of the warm candle drizzled down your spine is a definite highlight. Deep strokes concentrated on eradicating all knots from my back and shoulders.
Pros ~ A unique and relaxing treatment with a deep, strong massage and a fabulous aroma that you inhale throughout. The warm shea butter relaxes the muscles and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth, nourished and smelling amazing. Tension literally melts away.
This treatment is particularly good for dry, dehydrated skin so perfect during summer in the UAE when skin is exposed to intense temperatures, humidity and constant air-conditioning.
Cons ~ No stomach massage.
My overall experience at the Anantara Spa was enjoyable. The opulent spa has fifteen treatment rooms including three couples suites with soaking tubs and steam rooms. There are two private Hammam and two traditional Thai massage rooms, slimming room and a Turkish hammam for up to eight guests, including a rhassoul steam room and sauna. There are separate male and female relaxation lounges, a dimly lit space where post treatment drinks, dates and nuts are served.
A wide range of treatments with regional and Asia influences are available at the spa located at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Alongside the massages, facials, body and slimming treatments there are Turkish and Moroccan hammams and spa rituals. Spa brands include NEOM, Vichy, Elemis, Hydropeptide and homegrown products from Hammamii.
Take time for some self-care and personal wellbeing, the NEOM De-stress Candle Massage, which is available as a 60-minute or 90-minute treatment, it is the ideal treatment for total relaxation.
Anantara Spa
Location: Anantara Spa, Eastern Mangroves, Sheikh Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 656 1146
Email: easternmangroves_spa@anantara.com
Website: spa.anantara.com
Opening Hours: 10.00 am – midnight
The spa currently has summer offers such as the The Big Summer Spa Deal, Ladies Night and spa savings when you book online – click HERE for more information
THE BIG SUMMER SPA DEAL
Click HERE to see the Anantara Spa menu
Click HERE to read more about NEOM
Click HERE to read about the HydroPeptide Facial at the Anantara Spa on the blog. Click HERE to read about all previous Spa treatments.
Thank you Anantara Spa at Anantara Eastern Mangroves for the opportunity to experience and review the NEOM treatment. The views in this post are all my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved. Official NEOM photos used with courtesy of neomorganics.com