Can a spa treatment put you to sleep?

I t took me only a minute to realise that I'd been to Chi earlier - for a few yoga classes that I tired of in a couple of weeks; one of the 'fitness' spaces (at least the room in which I went for my classes) is housed at the beginning of the Chi corridor, that winds down finally into spa territory. The locker room, and the changing area is fairly functional; the facilities are great - there's a sauna, a steam room, and three plunge pools (hot water, warm water and cool water), but, again, the accompanying ambience is more no-fuss rather than "luxurious".
An aura of pampering sets in the moment you are ushered into the golden-hued section of the therapy rooms; my room is cosy, not overbearing and beautifully appointed, with just the right amount of trappings. My therapist, Tshering, who hails from Bhutan, is a bundle of efficiency, and gives me a preview of what is to come: head-to-toe massage formulated with a calming blend of essential oils. I choose - sniff out actually - a blend of oolong, lavender and lime blossom.
Tshering had a side story as well: as long as the feet are soothed and taken care of, all else (including sleep) will fall into place. Which is why the treatment began and ended with special focus on my feet. Quite a footnote, that!
Therapy time
Starts with a foot soak in an exquisite-smelling oolong foam. Before the massage begins, Tshering places a potpourri below my face-down area, "so you can smell what you are experiencing". She works with her palms, and uses deep kneading techniques to relieve highly strung muscles and nerve endings, concentrating on my upper and lower back, and my shoulders - basically all areas that come under fire in a "sitting" job. There's also a gentle head and face massage. All adds up to a calming, reassuring feel. And then my feet are wrapped in a hot towel as a sign-off.
What we loved...
The talented and articulate therapist. The great practical facilities. The sense of matter-of-factness about the entire experience. And a lovely sleep kit that's presented at the end of this experience - to help you hit the sack without much ado (I slept for nine hours straight!).
What we didn't...
The fact that they wanted my ID at the front desk; it's standard practice, they said, but I've never had to submit one for any spa experiences so far. And the changing/locker area is a tiny bit confusing, got lost at least a couple of times.
Twilight Spa Experience
CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Reservations Call: 04-4052441
Email: spa.sldb@shangri-la.com
Website: www.shangri-la.com/dubai
Cost: Dh480 for 60 minutes
Our rating: 4/5