Float your worries away

It was, perhaps, what you could consider the epitome of First World problems. How do you politely tell a spa that you don't have two hours to relax? The Dead Sea Immersion experience at JW Marriott Marquis' Saray Spa sounded most intriguing - but, somehow, I couldn't reconcile myself with spending 120 minutes at a spa. (I did say it was a First World problem!) How delightful then that they were most accommodating and offered instead to take me through a 30-minute taster of their Signature Dead Sea Journey, combined with a 30-minute massage.
It must be noted that there isn't another spa in the UAE that offers a similar treatment. The hotel is home to its very own Dead Sea Floatation Pools, into which three tonnes of salt from the famed Jordan sea are emptied in order to make its renowned healing aspects available to guests in the UAE. The resulting warmth and weightlessness are billed to be perfect for those experiencing agitation, insomnia or just in need of invoking that deep inner calm. (Ahem.)
There's no contesting the spa's award-winning merits. The treatment delivers what it promises. I left, lulled into a much calmer state of mind than when I'd arrived - keenly aware that their original two-hour experience may well merit my consideration in the future.
Therapy time
We begin first with the de-stressing massage for 30 minutes. I'm asked to choose from three oils, and I pick mandarin (I was in the mood for relaxation!). Ghizlane was most adept, bearing in mind my request for light to medium pressure, but alternating with deeper strokes to soothe out problem areas. This was followed by the highlight of the evening: the Dead Sea Immersion. It took a (comical) fair few minutes for me to get over my fear of the water (which really wasn't deep at all!), but after that, it was just floating bliss. An experience unlike any other I've experienced to date at spas around town, and a definite winner.
What we loved...
Drifting about without a care in the world in a private floatation pool. Beats heading to a water park to enjoy the Lazy River. Oh, and my therapist (from Morocco) was so friendly and warm! I've met many of them, but I'm sure I'm going to remember Ghizlane for a long time to come.
What we didn't...
I thought it a little odd that I wasn't asked any questions about some of my responses to their consultation form. Also, the slippers provided are a tad, well, slippery on the spa floor. But these are niggles completely overshadowed by the big picture.
Dead Sea Immersion + Massage
Saray Spa, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Reservations: 04-4146754
Email: mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com
Cost: Dh370 (30 minute-immersion) and Dh300 (30-minute massage)
Our rating: 5/5
karen@khaleejtimes.com