Talise Ottoman Spa Jumeirah Zabeel Saray- An Imperial Treat

By Zehra Bani

In the heart of Palm Jumeirah you will find this exquisite spa and recreation facility. It has many deserved awards thanks to it's array of luxurious treatments, excellent customer service and exclusive setting. These awards include the ‘The World Travel Awards' ‘UAE's Leading Spa Resort’, ‘Best Luxury Hotel Spa’ in the Luxury Spa Awards and the 'Best Spa' category in the Condé Nast Traveler Magazine.

The spa has it's own welcoming private entrance and offers a valet parking facility, which gives the option of avoiding the hustle and bustle of the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel. If you wish to accompany your spa day with a delightful dinner, a variety of fine dining restaurants can also be found within the property.

Where traditional Ottoman- style blends with Oriental decadency- this spa is truly one of a kind. It incorporates tasteful Middle Eastern décor and ambience with traditional Turkish customs and treatments. The staff are all dressed in authentic Turkish clothing, and upon entering the facilities you will feel like you have taken a step back into the Ottoman Empire.

Expect to be greeted warmly once entering the property: welcome drinks and dates can be enjoyed at the spa’s guest lounge located in the lobby. This helps to immediately to set the mood for the next few hours of relaxation. To get the most out of your time, it is advised to arrive at least an hour prior to any pre- booked treatment to ensure maximum 'me' time and to use the great variety of spa facilities.

For first time visitors, a dedicated member of staff provides you with a tour of the spa and shares details on the range of facilities offered. These facilities consist of a selection of 42 indoor massage and treatment rooms, large indoor whirlpool, swimming pool, various saunas, steam rooms and even a set of adventure showers. It even has a ‘snow room’ the use of which is recommended after sauna sessions, to help promote your circulation. You will also find luxurious changing facilities including free towels and high end toiletries!

The large Thai Garden is a lavish and beautiful green outdoor area. It is directly accessible from the spa and gives visitors the chance to lounge in one of the spacious lounge beds and rejuvenate while listening to exotic birds singing. This is the perfect way to relax after a treatment.

A spacious indoor pool (pictured below) surrounded by tastefully decorated imperial majlises* and a seating area filled with comfortable cushions, give visitors the opportunity to combine a treatment with a full day of relaxation.

There are a number of massages and treatments to choose from however, the most recommended is The Royal Otoman Hamam, as it is distinct from any other treatment.

In order to prepare for the Hamam, it is important to spend at least 15 minutes in one of the Finish Saunas and Steam Rooms to soften and prepare your skin for the session.

Once you have prepared yourself, a dedicated spa therapist will escort you to the Turkish Hamam room which is different to any other. It is a large hall made up of lightly heated mosaic stones, marble and beautiful 1001 nights’ style hand painted high walls and ceilings. These give you the chance to completely disconnect and indulge on a journey for all your senses.

The Royal Ottoman Spa treatment begins with a full body soap rub. The therapist uses an authentic Turkish sponge which will expand during the session. This serves to relax and soften the skin. Once covered entirely in soap, using the traditional Lofa the therapist gives you a full body scrub and hand washes your body then applies a delicate full body honey mask. After one final shower, you are wrapped up in towels and escorted to one of the authentic Majlises* which is professionally prepared to your individual liking. The experience ends by indulging with a fresh Ayran* drink, soft dates and nuts.

The spa is recommended for adults of all ages and offers both ladies and gentlemen-only facilities. It is the ideal relaxation treat to be enjoyed in solitude or as part of a group of friends/family. Alternatively, various private and exclusive couple’s treatments and rooms can be pre-booked and enjoyed with your loved one. However you choose to visit, rest assured that you will leave the spa with like skin like new born baby and a rested mind!

*Majlis is an Arabic term meaning "a place of sitting" *Ayran is a traditional refreshing Turkish drink

To arrange an appointment, please contact: Tel: +971 4 453 0456
Email: JZStalise@jumeirah.com