We test the best spas in town

British spa brand Cowshed needs no introduction - its natural products enjoy a loyal following here and its salon treatments have been long anticipated. Recently Sisters Beauty Lounge became the first salon in the UAE to offer the brand's signature massages and facials. I am already an avowed fan of the products and was looking forward to my first treatment - interestingly named the Moody Massage. After a brief consultation to gauge my current mood (tired, probably grumpy too) and the result I expected from the aromatic massage (to be uplifted), my cheerful therapist Jesusa suggested that I choose my favourite essential oil mix. The choices range from Wild Cow (a combination of lemongrass, ginger and rosemary oils), Lazy Cow (jasmine, chamomile and sandalwood oils), Moody Cow (rose geranium, linden blossom and frankincense) and Grumpy Cow (mandarin red, petitgrain and grapefruit oil). I chose the latter in which mandarin red invigorates the senses, petitgrain cleanses and purifies, and grapefruit stimulates blood circulation.After I changed into my robe, the therapist began an initial dry massage and stretching to relieve tension. That done, she used the sweet-smelling oil to pound my calf muscles. Ten minutes on and I felt the tense lumps in my calves (my new-found love is killer heels!) starting to dissolve. Next was a luxurious Swedish back massage. By now, I was finding it hard to keep my eyes open and soon slipped into a blissful doze. Meanwhile Jesusa tackled the lumpy knots in my shoulders (the result of sitting for hours at the computer). By now, my body was beginning to feel like putty in the therapist's powerful hands and every area she touched felt moulded into a relaxed state. I only returned to consciousness when Jesusa started massaging my arms with powerful strokes. Soon it was time for the final leg of the treatment - the invigorating scalp and face massage.I hadn't been for a facial in months and her lifting strokes were appreciated. Plus the tugging and pulling that was part of the scalp massage was just the vigorous stimulation I needed for my stressed head. So does it live up to its name? Yes, I'd say the Moody Massage definitely has mood-transforming powers! Usually after a massage, I struggle to stay alert, wanting to prolong the relaxed feeling, but this time I didn't. At the end, I felt ready to take on the world with renewed energy.Everyone knows the healing power of tea. The Chinese believe it stimulates and balances the ‘chi' - the life force flowing through us - and their traditional medicine uses different types of tea to cure and treat various ailments. Scientists in Europe have shown that tea can aid weight loss and protect against cancers, while a Harvard Medical School study found a single cup per day can dramatically cut the risk of a heart attack by 44 per cent, thanks to its powerful antioxidants. But it's more than a natural medicine - tea has amazing revitalising benefits too, as I was about to find out during a luxurious head-to-toe treatment using white, black, red and green tea. That's why I was happy to go to the The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina - a luxurious retreat - for the two-hour revitalising package. From the moment I walked into the five-star hotel, along the candle-lit corridor to my treatment room, I had my sights firmly fixed on a pampering afternoon. After slipping into a robe, and having my welcome ritual of a cold mint drink and foot scrub, I found myself lying face down on an extremely comfortable bed in a sumptuous therapy room. "You have lovely skin," my therapist said, and I smiled. I'd always been told that my skin was soft but I'd never really believed it until now. "We'll make it even softer," she promised, explaining she was going to apply a paste of shea butter, bamboo powder and four different tea elixirs to my body, arms and legs. My therapist rubbed, scrubbed and after I showered off the Nepalese tea exfoliant, my skin was not only smooth and squeaky clean, it was revitalised and polished. Now it was time for my Singapore massage, which is a relaxing blend of three different methods - Chinese massage to relieve back tension, Malaysian massage of the abdomen and an Indian massage which is guaranteed to invigorate the body's energies and balance. Just as I was about to fall asleep, my therapist said she was going to give me a green tea facial to balance my combination skin. The facial consisted of a cleanse, steam and exfoliation followed by a face mask using green tea compresses and another - sigh! - gorgeous massage, this time for my scalp. I fell asleep under my therapist's expert hands only to awaken feeling refreshed and revitalised. I rushed straight to dinner afterwards where all my friends commented on how radiant - and young - I looked. I felt amazing too - and buoyed by the package and the subsequent compliments. Book now before you go on holiday - it will be the best two hours you've ever spent.The Thai Privilege Spa is a home-from-home sanctuary with added five-star pampering. Once inside, the stresses of the day just seem to ease away, especially once your feet are soothingly scrubbed. I was led to my treatment room where the lights were dimmed and I was snugly tucked up ready for my close up. My therapist, Virginia, was very experienced and instantly recognised that my skin is prone to acne. With this knowledge she set about cleansing my face with calming aloe vera. Next came the steam and extractions - never my favourite part of any facial. However, Virginia's light touch meant the whole experience was wince free and I barely felt a squeeze. Once the ‘painful' bit was over, a cleansing scrub was applied to my skin, which was then followed by the ‘fun' bit. Half an orange was rubbed over my face and Virginia applied a galvanic pulse device to my skin, to ensure the vitamin C was fully absorbed. I thought after the extractions that acidic orange juice might not be the best thing to apply, but I was wrong. It was very refreshing, especially when Virginia added some ice cubes into the mix and massaged them all over my face. Usually after the juicing stage a warm papaya mask is applied, but due to my sensitivities, Virginia switched this to a calming aloe vera and honey mask. While the mask did its magic, I was treated to a short head, neck and shoulder massage that was so good it almost made me want to ditch the facial and treat myself to another hour of bliss. But all good things must come to an end. My skin was finished off with a thin layer of SPF and for the first time leaving a spa post facial I didn't feel the need to run and hide. There were no tell-tale signs of the extractions, and my skin looked clear.Looking for an energy booster, but after something a little different? Raffles Spa offers an unforgettable experience - everything from the welcome tea on arrival to the decor whispers luxurious relaxation. As I navigated the corridors of the huge spa I felt as if I were miles away from the city's skyscrapers. When my therapist, Kadek, had finished explaining the steps and benefits of the treatment, she began by brushing my body to stimulate circulation. This was followed by a full-body massage, in which tea tree and eucalyptus oils were gently rubbed into my skin using long strokes. The combination of thumb and palm pressure ensured that the aromatherapy oils were fully absorbed. Kadek concentrated on my problem area - a stiff neck. I lay listening to the music as she kneaded my knotty muscles in time to the beat. It hurt a little but, as they say, no pain, no gain. While music normally serves as background noise, in this case it was an integral part of the treatment. The sensual combination of drum beats entwined with the woody, musky scent of eucalyptus created a perfect atmosphere for relaxation. I felt revitalised and my spirits were lifted. Actually I felt at peace - that wonderful feeling of refreshment and renewal that comes with the fragrant smell of foliage and soil after a rain shower. To get the maximum benefit from the treatment, Kadek recommended leaving the oils on for four hours. So, as my skin drank in the oils, the pampering continued. All of the Kerstin Florian products used in the facial contained neroli, a fragrant orange blossom. A cleansing milk was applied to my face to remove impurities and hydrate my skin. After this was removed with a wet cloth, a toner was applied to my face and neck. My thirsty skin already felt refreshed, but there were still more goodies to come. Neroli oil was gently massaged into my skin, starting from my shoulders then on to my neck and my face. After the oil was wiped off with a warm cloth, a mud mask, which detoxifies and removes dead skin cells, followed. Finally, a vitamin E-enriched day cream was applied. My skin felt soft and that night I slept well. Two weeks on, and I'm still feeling energised.Living in the UAE, it's hard to find cause to complain. No rain, no stuffy underground commute to work, no taxes. Life really is a beach. But rushing to splash in the sea and soak up the sun has left me with a little problem - a sore back. I've never sat or lounged about so much and now my lower back is stiff and achy. It had become so bad it hurt to even sit at my desk for too long and so I was grateful to hobble into the B/Attitude spa in Grosvenor House. And as soon as I got there, I knew I was in the right place - the spa is a stunning fusion of East meets West with dramatic dark wood, opulent scarlet, gold, and green décor and objets d'art from around the world. I was here for a Trip to Freedom signature massage which, according to the spa menu, was a blend of Western practices influenced by ancient eastern remedies. It also promised that the fusion massage would ease away all my stress. I was hoping the treatment could take away my niggly pains too. When I explained where my problem was, my therapist nodded, and asked if she could use firm pressure. I, too, nodded and braced myself for a shock, but none came. She seemed to know exactly where to apply the pressure to relieve the soreness and first, using warm oils, my muscles were stretched, kneaded and pulled into submission. I tried to count how many techniques were being used - I recognised Swedish, Thai, reflexology and what I thought was Tibetan, before being lost in a pain-free massage-induced stupor. When I eventually came round, it was in amazement as to how strong my therapist was. The pressure on my back was intense, and then I realised why - she was standing on my back. Balancing there, she proceeded to walk up and down it, while every last bit of tension, pain and stress roared, rather than eased, away. It didn't hurt - and certainly did the trick as I practically bounced off the table, my back fully restored. That was three weeks ago, and I haven't had a problem since. But if I do I know where I'll be heading - back to the B/Attitude for another trip to freedom.A self-proclaimed spa-lover, not only was I looking forward to my treatment, I couldn't wait to see what the SoftTouch Spa would be like. With a long day of work behind me, I entered the spa and instantly felt a sense of calm and tranquillity. The relaxing ambience with water trickling from the fountains, the lounge music and the dimmed lights created an oasis amidst the bustling hotel. My treatment was no less than a tropical delight. The Yogurt wrap with Mango-Passion Fruit Body Scrub not only sounded good enough to eat - and I have to admit, at times I was tempted - but it was the perfect fruity fix to combat the summer heat. The pampering started with an all-over body exfoliation using a thick sea salt and mango body scrub, applied in a brisk circular buffing movement. After a thorough scrub-down of dead skin cells, followed by a quick shower, I instantly noticed that my skin was brighter and smoother. Next up was the wrap. The therapist massaged a yogurt and mango cream base all over my body to moisturise and brighten my skin. All wrapped up and tucked in, I was then left to relax and let the sweet tropical melange sink in. A quick snooze later, the therapist woke me up so I could wash off the anti-aging skin smoothie. A firm believer in instant results, I was ecstatic to immediately see firmer, softer and more radiant skin. It was then time for my gentle, relaxing massage, the finale to my trio of treatments. The therapist used a moisturising cream to nourish my skin as she worked out my knots and aches, leaving my body feeling relaxed and my mind at ease. Did it work? Instantly! It left my skin feeling refreshed, more plump and radiant. I was sold! Not only did I smell great, I was glowing. I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone.If Pink Floyd were a moisturiser, I would without a doubt have the most glowing skin in town. Unfortunately, these all-time-great English rockers don't come in a pretty jar and, therefore, I believe I have skin which has seen better days. Sallyann Simmons, the woman with the magic touch at Spaces, agrees -not with my reasoning, of course, but with the fact that my skin really needed a repair job. Years of a cavalier attitude and a "you look great the way you are" response from the husband had taken its toll. "It feels dry, looks dull and there area few pimples around the cheeks and on the jawline," pointed out Sallyann after screening my skin under a UV light. Great, and she had only just started, I thought to myself. And pimples? I don't have any pimples! I've never had pimples! My raised eyebrows, I guess, gave me away. "Oh you have a few minute spots just underneath your skin, which can be easily squeezed out," she said. So, with utmost trepidation, I surrendered myself to Sallyann's expert ministrations. After a basic routine of exfoliating, cleansing and toning using Dermalogica's range, Sallyann removed those tiny spots and gave me a ten-minute facial massage to relax and calm my skin, which was not used to such pampering. A mask on my face and dècolletage area followed, which she again pointed out would help to hydrate my skin and I felt instantly as if it was saying thank you to Sallyann for quenching its lifelong thirst. "Traitor!", I thought. Sallyann ended the treatment with a light hydrating moisturiser and a piece of advice... "You must treat your skin to a deep-cleansing facial once a month and use a toner, cleanser and a night cream daily." I promised her she would see me more often henceforth. Her scepticism was evident. But when I saw my reflection in the mirror all I could I think of was Pink Floyd's famous number Shine On You Crazy Diamond. I might just surprise Sallyann and pay her visit again in the near future.