Banyan Tree Spa Dubai Review: A superb sanctuary on Bluewaters Island

Wrap yourself in bliss at Banyan Tree Dubai’s newly-opened spa.

Dubai promises luxury and indulgence in every corner of the city. With an array of spas and wellness centres already catering to the masses, the newly opened Banyan Tree Spa Dubai comes as a fresh sigh of relief.

Located on Bluewaters Island, within the confines of Banyan Tree Dubai, the Banyan Tree Spa is poised to become a must-visit holistic wellness spot. Open exclusively to hotel guests, this secluded hideaway is perfect for those looking for a zen escape. 

Setting the mood

From the moment you step inside the Banyan Tree Spa Dubai, the ambience instantly soothes you. Earthy tones and natural textures, inspired by Dubai’s desert landscape, create an inviting environment with a setting that feels luxurious yet calming.

As part of Banyan Tree Dubai’s eco-friendly philosophy, you will be asked to complete your consultation form on a tablet. While doing that, you’ll be presented with a cold eucalyptus and spearmint towel to refresh. You can also sip on the “drink of the day,” which in our case was Green Vigor, a blend of green tea and lemongrass.

The Banyan Tree Spa has seven treatment rooms, each named after herbs or spices commonly found in the UAE. FACT checked into the Cinnamon Room for their signature Balinese massage. This room came with an ensuite bathroom with a spacious shower, wardrobe, and vanity. 

Treatment time

After changing, the therapist took us through a foot ritual, a twist on the typical foot bath. The feet were soaked in temperature-controlled water sprinkled with rose petals, while the arms were gently massaged to ease us into relaxation mode. The therapist then scrubbed the feet with a mixture of green tea and honey, prepared fresh, in-house, every day based on the needs of the guest to be treated.

The Banyan Tree Spa focuses on ancient Asian healing traditions that prepare you to conquer the world. Ours began with a breathing ritual, where the therapist rubbed our choice of Ylang Ylang and Geranium oil into her palms and asked us to inhale, setting the stage with a calming aroma. Then came the gentle first strokes of the massage, preparing the body for deeper circulation. The therapist then skillfully moved to target the knots in the shoulders and the back. Each stroke was precise, firm and strong but never painful, thanks to the therapist’s extensive training of over 600 hours. Banyan Tree Spa Dubai requires that all masseuses undergo rigorous practice before working with spa guests, and we can tell why.

As with every massage, eye weights are placed on the lids to ensure no light disturbs you during treatment. But Banyan Tree Spa Dubai doesn’t do that. Instead of the usual eye weights, calming herbal pouches were placed over the eyes, soothing the tension built up from too much screen time. We did not know we needed this until our eyes felt calm and relieved. The temperature-controlled room kept everything cosy, along with the soft grey fleece covers that were perfect for cocooning ourselves in comfort.

Before the treatment wrapped up, the therapist wiped off excess oil with a warm towel to ensure that we had no sticky feeling afterwards. Then, instead of the usual, “Your massage is over,” the therapist tapped two Tingsha bells against each other, signalling the session’s end — making it yet another relaxing experience instead of one of shock. Once done, the automated massage bed lifted to help us sit up, keeping us relaxed until the very last moment.

Finishing touches

After the massage, we weren’t rushed out the door. We were allowed to soak in the private hydrotherapy pool within the treatment room to continue that post-massage bliss before heading to the relaxation area. Here, a handful of nuts and a cup of white tea infused with cardamom and cinnamon awaited us. Served in a cast iron Japanese tea cup, the tea was the warm and relaxing end to a luxurious experience.

The Banyan Tree Spa at Banyan Tree Dubai offers a truly zen experience. Every detail, from the foot ritual to the herbal eye pouches, is carefully thought out to make your treatment truly special and personalised. So, if you’re looking for a luxurious escape or a solo retreat, the Banyan Tree Spa Dubai is a wellness haven you won’t want to miss.

GO: Visit www.banyantree.com for more information.