Review: Eforea ladies-only spa, DoubleTree by Hilton, Ras Al Khaimah

Location

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa is a contemporary beachfront property located on Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. For directions from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai click here. The newly opened Eforea ladies spa is situated between the main hotel and private guest wings, facing the sea.

Experience:

Eforea’s bright and bijoux reception space is dotted with white roses and smells of soothing lavender-based essential oils. The welcome from staff is a warm one with the offer of cucumber water upon arrival, in addition to me being handed slippers and a towelling bathrobe.

The spa is strictly women’s-only, and it’s worth arriving an hour ahead of your treatment to take advantage of the facilities. They include sauna and steam rooms, an ice-bucket shower, a swimming pool and a powerful whirlpool.

La pièce de résistance, however, is on the rooftop where there’s an open-air sun deck. It’s a glorious, peaceful place where you can sit with friends in a cabana and enjoy refreshments, or retreat to the seclusion of a lounger in one of the many recessed areas with panoramic views of the sea.

The use of local and regional ingredients at the spa is a big selling point, and the Meditation Message I opted for was professionally executed using argan and other aromatic oils. It lived up to expectations as a deeply relaxing full-body massage, integrating long, flowing strokes to reduce muscular tension. The 60-minute session finished with some targeted pressure-point shoulder work, light stretching and an energising scalp massage.

Verdict:

In a country that’s far from short on luxury spas, it’s refreshing to come across one that’s doing something a little different. Eforea is the only one of its kind in the UAE and well worth a day trip or weekend visit. The spa is also great value when compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with many standard treatments costing up to Dh200 less in RAK.

The privacy of the ladies-only venue is perfect for groups of girlfriends, mothers and daughters or intrepid female explorers. The expansive rooftop sunbathing area, with its selection of fresh juices, is a huge selling point and somewhere to easily while away an entire afternoon.

Regionally sourced treatments also get a big thumbs up, with particular highlights being the Argan Oil Therapy, Ghassoul Mineral Clay Wrap and Dead Sea Mud Exfoliation. Lastly, for clients with jet lag or guests craving a good night’s sleep, the spa is open until 9pm meaning that you can roll off the treatment table and straight into a plush hotel bed.

The National was a guest of the venue. Treatments start from Dh320 and the spa is open daily from 10am until 9pm. For a full list of packages and more information, go to the website, call 07 203 0000 or email eforeaspa_rak@hilton.com.

rduane@thenational.ae