Doing things differently: Nysa spa at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights

At the newly opened Nysa spa at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, customers get to call the shots. The business hotel has turned the classic spa ­model­ on its head by encouraging clients to customise their treatments.

If, like me, you need a massage but are tight for time, you can book it for exactly the number of minutes you want. You can also customise a pre-existing package by replacing a treatment or two.

And that’s exactly what I did. I arrived for my appointment for the enticingly named Bliss ­ritual, lasting two-and-a-half hours and costing Dh895.

The treatment began with a foot-cleansing ceremony followed by a mother-of-pearl ­exfoliation with Himalayan salts that invigorated the skin, and shea butter that soothed it. Next up was a chamomile and rose damask body massage, which is where things got interesting. Having tried and tested a fair few massages in my time, I wanted to mix things up a little.

My therapist recommended lymphatic pressure to aid blood circulation, Swedish massage to ease muscular tension, and finally Balinese and Thai movements for stretching and relaxation. The trip around the world was sublime and just what the doctor ordered. After some healing reflexology and a hot-oil scalp massage, with just the right degree of acupressure, it was time to call it a day.

The expansive list of add-ons I could have chosen from included a traditional hammam, diamond facials, clay masks and moor-mud wraps. That’s not to mention the complete range of body-sculpting programmes by anti-ageing technology wizard Caci.

Tailored treatments aside, there are a couple of other things that make a trip to Nysa a memorable one. The Water Temple is something to behold, boasting three vitality pools, an ice fountain and Kneipp walkway where freezing jets and a textured floor stimulate the senses and the immune system. And the sensory showers with settings of cool blue lighting, mint-infused water and heady-scented thunderstorms gets a thumbs-up.

Nysa also stocks the Omorovicza range of products, which is rarely seen on the spa circuit. In the 1800s, the Hungarian Omorovicza family built the ­famous Racz Spa in Budapest, and two centuries later, teamed up with a Nobel prize-winning scientist to harness the water’s curative properties and produce a skincare range. Luxurious and hydrating, the oils and creams smell amazing and feel even better on your skin.

The spa is anything but clinical. There are high walls of lush plants, warm-hued marble floors and funky fibre-optic-­cable light installations that dangle overhead as you are served lavender sorbet. This spa means business, and the option of picking and mixing your preferences means you arguably get more bang for your buck – and excellent results.

• Nysa spa is at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights hotel. For appointments, call 085 53 1259 or visit www.dubaicreek.regency, or www.dubaicreek.regency.hyatt.com

rduane@thenational.ae