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Hello from the Himalayas

A hot stone massage with a difference at Chi The Spa in Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, is the answer to a stress-free start to the week

This spa seems to be really popular, was my first thought as I disembarked on the fourth floor of The Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, and walked towards the reception, where there was a fair bit of activity. I've always been the only one at the reception whenever I walk into a spa - but there were folks booking treatments both at the time of my arrival and when I left. Telling? I was about to find out.
I'd booked myself in for a Healing Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, a popular treatment that uses heated salt crystal stones to - as the spa menu says - ground and balance the body's electromagnetic field, central nervous system and meridians. That sounded more like a heavy-duty science lesson than a relaxing treatment - and what better way to learn how stuff works than to try it out?
The facilities are quite substantial; the place can feel a bit like a maze, and my therapist was kind enough to give me a quick tour, so I wouldn't get lost later on.
The treatment is designed to gently soothe away the accumulation of stress and pollutants that are only too easy to build up when you're living the fast-paced city life. I almost drifted off towards the end of my 60-minute treatment - so judge for yourself!

Therapy time
Arya began by offering me a selection of four aromatic ritual oils, of which I picked two that would be used during the treatment: 'Sun' (consisting of vanilla and sandalwood), and 'Mandarin' (comprising mandarin, ginger and cardamom). The next one hour was spent with her expertly locating the knots of stress I'd managed to build up (especially in my shoulders), and working on them with a combination of Asian and Swedish massage techniques. The heat of hot stones really helped to soothe inflamed muscles and aching joints. My body sure was grateful!

What we loved...
The mini science lesson on Himalayan Salt stones and their ability to increase energy levels and reduce stress. The salt crystals used in the stones come from an ancient primal water body beneath the Himalayan mountains and are hand-carved into stones. Did we feel pampered or what!

What we didn't...
Honestly, nothing. If we had to split hairs, then we didn't really fancy the loose wristbands that act as 'keys' to your digitally secure locker. I'd have been happy to walk about hands-free, without having to worry about misplacing or forgetting the key to my locker.

Healing Himalayan Salt Stone Massage
Chi The Spa, Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Reservations: Call 04-4052441 or email spa.sldb@shangri-la.com
Website: www.shangri-la.com/dubai/shangrila
Cost: Dh405 (60 minutes)
Our rating: 4.5/5
karen@khaleejtimes.com