Women behind the spas - the secret to a successful spa in Dubai
Talking business and beauty with the ladies responsible for first-class UAE spas.
SPA CORDON
Lea Cordon Ruof
What makes your spa different to others? Details, details, details. The spa has a story to tell through the design, materials and even the staff uniform. Also, we do things that are new in the market and make us stand out.
Do you like having spa treatments yourself? For me, spa treatments are work. I’m so hands-on with training that my mind analyses each step, so I write down notes after the treatment.
What are your beauty essentials? The basic skin care regime: cleanse, exfoliate, tone and moisturise. And sunscreen.
You’ve been on a desert island for a month – what’s the first treatment you have when you get home? A hydrating facial.
Male grooming – yes or no? I love it when my husband does it.
What’s next? I’m looking at new treatments and products.
Sky Gardens, Park Avenue, DIFC, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, Fri 1pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4213424. Metro: Financial Centre. spacordon.com
DE LA MER DAY SPA
Moira Pirzad
How long has your spa been open? We opened in February this year.
What made you want to open a spa? I always liked going to spas but I felt like I had to leave after the treatment. I wanted a spa with a big garden area for relaxation and also to grow herbs and fruits for our drinks and treatments. It had to have a homely feel to it so people feel they can really relax.
Where does the name come from? It means ‘by the sea’ in French.
What is your favourite treatment? Can I have two please? My manicure and pedicure as my hands are always on display so they need to look good, and a massage by one of my great Thai therapists.
What’s the next step? I want De La Mer Day Spa to be a big brand name but without getting too commercialised.
Villa 783, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 9pm, Fri noon to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3282775. Taxi: Opposite Chalet restaurant. facebook.com/DeLaMerDubai
SENSASIA URBAN SPAS
Salina Handa
Where does the name of your spa come from? Me, really. The name represents my journey through the senses of Asia.
What makes your spa different to others? I like to think our spas are exclusive, rather than intimidating. We are very boutique with the services that we offer and we specialise in facials from renowned brands like Elemis. But we also take great pride in offering niche treatments. We take pride in ‘knowing’ our clients.
Have you had any celebrity visitors to the spa? Yes, but we have to respect client confidentiality – we don’t rub and tell.
Male grooming – where do you stand? There’s nothing wrong with men wanting to take care of themselves. Facials are becoming increasingly popular with men and most men are surprised by the results. If it makes you feel good, go ahead and do it.
What’s next for SensAsia? We recently launched a brand extension outside of Dubai so I’d like to see a few more of those. It’s a more grown up, sophisticated and luxurious version of the brand’s day spas.
Souk Al Manzil, Downtown, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4560866. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. sensasiaspas.com
1847 EXECUTIVE GROOMING FOR MEN
Negin Fattahi-Dasmal
How long has your spa been open? We’ve been running more than 10 years.
What made you want to open a spa? Clients often asked me if their boyfriends or husbands could get their nails done at N.Bar. I realised there were lots of men out there who wanted to be groomed.
Where does the name come from? 1847 was the year the safety razor was patented by English inventor William Henson.
What makes your spa different to others? Knowing that men would rather zone out than have a chit-chat, I paid careful attention to innovative features such as personal LED screens, TVs, and wi-fi.
Any celeb visitors to your spa? We’ve had the likes of Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, Nick Faldo and Deepak Chopra at 1847.
What are the grooming essentials for men? All men should use a good pre-shaving oil before they even think about picking up a razor. And never leave the house without putting on moisturiser with sunblock.
Male grooming. How much is too much? It’s imperative for gentlemen to be well groomed. However, I’m not an advocate of the overly defined eyebrows – I would suggest men take it easy in that department.
What’s next on the agenda for 1847? We’ve launched our first franchise of 1847 and N.Bar in Jumeirah CityWalk. More expansion is on the horizon.
Emirates Towers, Boulevard, Emirates Towers, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3301847. Metro: Emirates Towers. thegroomingcompany.com