I was chatting with a lady from my building’s floor who had just gotten back from a day at the beach, when I realized how big a deal it was that I haven’t been to the beach in the two years and almost nine months that I have been in the city. Our chat took place some time in May if I’m not mistaken. She was greatly surprised when I had told her that I had never been to the beach since I moved here, but have been to it in the past during vacation trips to Dubai. I explained my current beach apathy by the fact that I grew up in this region, and have always had the luxury of the beach (although rarely went to it even in Saudi), and so to me, going to the beach didn’t sound like a newly exciting way to spend my day. I was never fond of the heat, or the warm sun rays, or the usual humidity associated with this region’s weather. Most of us GCC nationals are strong fans of the cloudy and rainy London weather. Whenever I tell a British person this fact, they consider me mental.
So when I found out from a friend that the next day (my planned beach day) stood a chance of rain, and when I heard on the radio that the weather forecast was cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, I feared not! You would think I would consider changing my plans and postpone my long-lost beach day? Of course not. To me, the cooler the weather is, the merrier. Who wants to melt in the Dubai sunshine heat? Not me, I assure you.
The weekend day spa package I opted for meant that I could easily spend the whole day at the recent winner of the 2012 World’s Leading Family Resort award, five-star beach resort; Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.
My spa package included a 60-minute massage, a complimentary lunch buffet, and pool and beach access…as was noted on the resort’s web site. When I called to book my eccentric beach day, I was delighted to find out that I also get to use the wet facilities (steam room, jacuzzi, sauna, and experience showers).
I arrived to the beach at 10 am and chilled on the sun lounger while taking in the tranquil and beautiful view around me. I went to ask the lifeguard about the safe swimming area, not knowing that the water would be too cool for a swim, and that the most I would do was walk along the shore and get my feet washed up in some cool sea water.
After reading a few pages from my book, and getting a few rays of sunshine and vitamin D, it was time to head to the spa. As the ladies timings were from 9 am till 2 pm. Once inside the wet facilities room, I immediately jumped into the jacuzzi. I just love hot tubs! It’s been a very long time since I’ve soaked in a hot tub, and the water temperature in this jacuzzi was just right. I had stayed there for about 25 minutes or so before reading the guidelines board on the wall that clearly stated: recommended maximum jacuzzi time is 15 minutes!
I did follow the rest of the health and safety guidelines for the other facilities though. I went into the steam room for around 5 – 10 minutes, then took an experience shower (which is a blast of ice cold water hitting your body from all sides in addition to a big shower burst from the top). The very-aptly named experience shower will truly give you an experience that you won’t forget! The sudden and strong bursts of cold water would lead anyone to scream their heart out…while I on the other hand, simply got into a spell of loud giggles and laughs. I must say it was an extremely enjoyable and memorable experience 🙂
After the experience shower, I went into the sauna room and carefully closed the door behind me. Then I started having terrifying thoughts of being stuck in the high temperatures and dying from suffocation because I couldn’t manage to open the securely-closed door! This meant that my sauna time didn’t last long as I wanted to give myself extra time to figure my way out in case I got stuck in the heat and humidity. After that, I went into the steam room once again since it was recommended that you repeat the steps three times…with an experience shower after each heat treatment. I only repeated the cold blast shower once, at the end of my fun spa facilities experience.
By the end of this amusing pampering experience, I was starving and so ready for my package-inclusive lunch. Although there was only one type of soup available at the buffet, there was a huge variety of food to choose from for the main course. A burger station, a Thai curry station, and my favorite: an outdoor barbecue station with all types of seafood and meat.
After my heavy lunch, it was time for me to hit the sands again. I went for a brisk walk along the water in an attempt to help my body digest the heavy meal I had just gulped down at the spa’s restaurant. And to be in a better state and mood for my one-hour European massage treatment.
Needles to say, the massage treatment done by my super friendly therapist was one to match the spa’s first-class quality level and exceptional service.
Adding to that ultra-soothing and relaxing massage treatment, I was directed to a lounger seat facing the beach and offered my tea of choice (chamomile) and a selection of cut fruits on a stick. If that wasn’t enough, a highly comforting warm pillow was placed around my neck and shoulders for an added touch of luxury and comfort. As I drifted into pure relaxation and meditation mode, it was already past sunset. I was greeted with darkness as I made my way out the superb spa. I had even missed the locker deposit staff’s shift, and their window was now closed! Thankfully, I managed to get my stuff out of the locker and collect my deposit from the hotel’s reception.
I still had an hour before one of the pools closes! the water was heated and I still had access to my locker. The only set back was the fact that I had just done a muscle tension relieving massage and didn’t want to risk any harmful effects caused by the bad combination of cool breeze and my warm body which is covered in oil and tension-releasing massage gel.
As I felt the relatively warm pool water with my hands and grooved to the funky 80’s music coming from the nearby night spot, I made a note to myself that I must make another trip to this stunning resort and beach, which makes for an outstanding mini getaway from the hustle and bustle of the daily city life.
It was one of your best posts nada, I really enjoyed reading it, I didn’t know u won a spa package!good for u!!and the experience shower must be amazing!:)))))
Thanks Sarah! I’m glad you did 🙂 I didn’t win a spa package though. I paid for it myself! It’s just that it was a special promotion on the resort’s web site. Hopefully, I’ll win a spa package next time 🙂
Nice experience, i believe we all need so from time to time. just to pose the time and relax. the shower part seems really cool!
Exactly Hasoon…We all need to take time out of the daily life stresses and just relax and chill for a while 🙂
I love the beach too but not really fond of the ones here in Dubai. You should go to Thailand on your next vacation, I’ll arrange it for you. 🙂
And yes, I’ll trade the apocalyptic heat of Dubai to any other cooler places anytime. :-p
Noemi, I totally agree with you about Dubai beaches! I would love to go to Thailand! we’ll go together 🙂
Hello there!
Many thanks for a lovely post! We’re very happy you enjoyed your time here & hope to see you again soon, now that it’s been established that going to the beach in Dubai isn’t so bad after all 🙂
I’m glad that you liked my post about the resort! I would love to make another visit and make sure that I try out the pools next time and write about them 🙂
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