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Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

The latest spa by Jumeirah has 42 treatment rooms and is one of the biggest in Dubai, but how does the experience measure up? Daniella Russell finds out

By Daniella Russell , DR Global FZC | Published in Spa Business 2012 issue 1

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“The biggest shock was the design of the changing rooms as there weren’t any private cubicles. The UAE has a strict no-nudity policy and changing rooms are no exception”

Vital statistics

Address: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm Jumeirah, Crescent Road (west), PO Box 27722, Dubai UAE

Times: fitness centre – 6.30am-10.30pm; spa and hammam – 9am-9pm

Cost: A 60-minute aromatherapy massage costs aed485 (us$132, €101, £85) and a 45-minute facial is priced at aed400 (us$109, €83, £70). Rituals range from aed825-1,525 (us$225-415, €172-318, £144-266) for two to four hours.

Details: www.jumeirah.com or +971 4 4530456 to book

WHAT’S THE SCORE?

Ease of booking

Facilities 7 Cleanliness/maintenance 8 Staff – Appearance 8 Staff – Attentiveness 9 Staff – Visibility 4 Experience/ treatment 8 Value for money 7.5 Overall experience 7

Right to reply

Paul Hawco, Spa Director, Talise Ottoman Spa

We always appreciate feedback, especially since we opened just a year ago and we strive to offer an exceptional experience. With regards to the variety of treatments offered, we continuously review our menu and have added new treatments recently, including a coffee peeling treatment and a hydrotherapy ritual. Regarding the changing rooms, we’ve already added three private cubicles. Concerning the lack of communication with the therapist, our colleagues receive ongoing training and we’ll ensure that this is addressed. We agree that our spa-wear should suit all body types and have since ordered robes and sandals in various sizes, including large. Please accept our apologies if the experience was not thoroughly enjoyed. We hope to welcome Ms Russell back in the near future to provide an exceptional spa experience.

Jumeirah Talise Ottoman Spa Dubai Daniella Russell 42 treatment rooms

Lying at the heart of the property, the spa is one of the largest and most prestigious in the Middle East

The 405-bedroom hotel is a tribute to ornate palaces of the Ottoman era

The hammam’s hand-painted ceiling is an amazing feature, but the room was too big to be heated efficiently

A map or good signage would help guests to navigate this huge spa

The entrance to the stunning spa – a regal corridor leading to a reception area with huge wooden doors – is truly dramatic

The extremely narrow steps leading to the whirlpool could be a big health and safety hazard

After the spa treatment, the offer of a sweet mint tea would have complemented a lie down in the relaxation area

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Daniella Russell goes undercover at one of the largest spas in Dubai

Jumeirah Talise Ottoman Spa Dubai Daniella Russell,Jumeirah Talise Ottoman Spa Dubai Daniella Russell 42 treatment rooms