DSS 2007 spa packages to entice health tourists

The packages are part of an agreement reached between the various spas in Dubai and the DSS Office where special-price treatments tailored to DSS visitors will be offered throughout the ten weeks of DSS from June 21 till August 31.

The spa treatments are designed to provide visitors a wide variety of stress relief, relaxation, rejuvenation, and beauty treatments that cater to every segment of travellers and tourists - from the curious to dedicated health and spa tourists.

Laila Suhail, DSS Executive Project Director said,

"The DSS 2007 Spa Packages is our initiative to promote and position Dubai as the hub of spas in the Middle East. Dubai already has three out of the four spas in the Middle East that have been voted as world class by the Leading Hotels of the World. By collaborating with 21 of the best spas in Dubai, DSS is committed in providing what is fast becoming an essential element of tourism around the world. Dubai Summer Surprises 2007 will now offer shopping, winning, entertainment, and relaxation to all visitors."

An increasing number of travellers are opting for travel itineraries that offer a wide range of spas and hence spa and luxury tourism are a key focus of most tourist destinations in the world today. According to a report by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), medical tourism in the country is poised to grow at 15 per cent annually, generating AED 7 billion every year by 2010. Dubai has the highest number of per capita spas in the world and with an advanced tourism infrastructure, the emirate is hoping to bring in more regional and international spa enthusiasts.

Each of the participating spas specializes in a particular treatment apart from providing general stress relief therapies. Spa enthusiasts can choose from hot stone, Thai, and Swedish massage, to aromatherapy and body detoxification sessions. As part of the agreement, the participating spas will provide specially designed treatment packages at discounted rates only during DSS. Ranging from half-hour sessions to treatments that need more than two visits, the spa treatments are designed to cater to different health requirements.

Hot Stone Massage:

Hot stone massage is a holistic treatment with basalt stones. The heat from the stones relaxes muscles, increases blood flow to the area being worked on and accelerates the healing process. Placed on the body, stones have specific resonance that eliminates tension, dissolves stress and rebalances blocked or excess energy, leading to a sensation of well-being and re-establishing harmony between body and mind.

Swedish Massage:

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular programme for stress management.

Aromatherapy:

Aromatherapy is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing by the use of plants and their parts. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to heal, alleviate pain and regulate mood. Essential oils are a volatile, highly concentrated plant extracts, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers. Aromatherapy massage uses these essential oils, but they can also be used in facials and body treatments.

Thai Massage:

Thai Massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to adjust the skeletal structure, increase flexibility, relieve muscular and joint tension, stimulate internal organs, and balance the body's energy system.

Sessions typically last two hours, and are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures - applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements.

Moroccan Bath/Scrub:

The Moroccan bath is a refreshing treatment that leaves the skin and definitely the whole self feeling revitalized and rejuvenated. The treatment involves the use of herbal pastes that are massaged onto the body and then scrubbed and washed away. The sauna is also used to purge the skin of toxins, leaving the skin feeling soft and new.