Mother’s Day is around the corner. It’ll be my third Mother’s Day. As a mum, I mean. And not only as a daughter. It’ll be the third time my husband will ask me “Is there anything you want for Mother’s Day?” And the third time I will probably answer: “No, I’m fine.” Or maybe not. Maybe I will give a different answer this year…

Last week, I went to the newly opened Heavenly Spa at The Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City. I was invited to try out their new Mother’s Day package. I didn’t want to go at first. Sounds strange? Well, I have a baby. And a toddler. I’m a stay-at-home mum. I rarely go away for a whole afternoon. Purely to relax and get pampered. Going away involves quite some organisation. An organisation that can’t be justified by a bit of me-time… At least that’s what I am usually telling myself.

It was my husband who convinced me. “Go. Do it. Enjoy for once.” And so I went. I let my kids with my husband and jumped into a cab. I passed by the beautiful Dubai Canal, entered the elegant hotel reception area and went to the 7^th floor where the entrance to the Heavenly Spa is located.

When I arrived, one of the receptionists welcomed me with a smile and a document to fill in. “What do you expect from your massage today?”, could I read on the first page. “To de-stress? To get energized?” Hmm, both I guess… “Do you have any areas you want us to focus on?” My neck and shoulders for sure… “Are you breastfeeding?” I am! How thoughtful to ask this! I started to really like this place. To relax a bit. To feel comfortable.

I was then accompanied to a lounge area and dressing room where I could get changed into a soft bathrobe and some slippers. “Take your time.” That must have been the first time in three years anybody told me to do that 😉 Well, I did take my time. I had a look around. I had a look at the steam room and sauna, the high ceilings and the canvas chairs that looked oh so inviting. “You can relax here later if you want to!”

When it was time to try out the “Heavenly Mom’s Escape” treatment, which consists of a stress-relieving 80-minute signature massage followed by a 50-minute facial, we went to one of the 20 treatment rooms spread across separate male and female areas. It’s one of the largest spas I’ve ever been to. The largest one in Dubai. Yet, it doesn’t feel big. Somehow, the natural, warm colours create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere.

A spa therapist was already waiting for me in one of the treatment rooms. She handed me a heated compress to relax my back muscles before the Swedish massage that would follow. And what followed was truly one of the best Swedish massages I had so far.

The aim of a Swedish massage is to relax the entire body and to leave you feeling physically rested. Muscles are rubbed and warmed up to release tension and break up muscle knots. I indicated at the beginning that I wanted the pressure to be ‘medium’ but if you’re not sure how much pressure you can tolerate, I’d probably go for ‘light’.

I have to admit that it didn’t take long before I fell asleep during the massage. Twice. The music and the dimmed light might have helped a bit. And maybe the fact that I had slept 4h the night before… Anyways. By the time the spa therapist told me that we would now continue with the facial I already felt like after a mini vacation.

The one thing I remember about the facial was how amazing it smelled. Of milk and oats and strawberry. I learned that the products that are used at the Heavenly Spa come from a brand called FarmHouse Fresh that uses only organic and fresh picked ingredients. And that’s exactly how it felt. And smelled.

When the treatment was over, I was invited to relax in the lounge area for an hour or two… or the rest of the day if I wanted to. The spa therapists served me some delicious teas and yummy treats. All part of the Mother’s Day Package. I wish I could have stayed longer to fully enjoy the steam and sauna facilities as well. Maybe next time…

But after three hours, it was time for me to head back to my little ones. And to my husband. On my way back, there was only one question on my mind: Why did I wait so long to do this? To recharge my batteries. To relax. Only three hours and I felt so much better. Calmer. More energised.

When my husband asks me this year what I want for Mother’s Day, I should maybe give a different answer for once. Maybe it is ok to ask for some ‘me time’ from time to time. Maybe that’s exactly what my husband wants. And my kids. To see mummy happy and smiling for Mother’s Day. And full of energy.

xxx

Mother’s Day Package “Heavenly Mom’s Escape”

From March 1^st to April 30^th, 9am to 9pm

Includes a refreshing 50-minute facial, a stress-relieving 80-minute signature massage as well as access to the lounge area with steam and sauna facilities. Light bites, sparkling fresh juices and a range of teas are also served.

For more info, visit the Heavenly Spa website or call 04 437 33 00.