SPArkling clean

I guess it is a tradition across the world to begin a new year with a detox regimen. But honestly, after all those festive meals, I was in no mood to have cabbage concoctions or indulge in gruelling sessions with a personal trainer. I wanted a quick fix to get the glow back on my face and body. So I found myself sitting in the waiting room of The Spa, The Address, Dubai Marina, where I was taken care of by Ruben A. Meireles, assistant spa and recreation manager. He recommended that I go for a colon detox session twice a year. "On a daily basis, the human liver performs 563 functions," Meireles said. "But during the holiday season, sweets and foods rich in sugar overload it. A single can of diet cola, for instance, with sugar-free products such as aspartame, can take at least five or six weeks to get flushed out. In simple terms, you need to drink 36 glasses of water to flush out the toxins." In the interests of good journalism, I preferred to hear him patiently and understand what really goes on inside my body. I happened to discover that on an average, one should sip a glass of water every hour. "Did you know," he said, "the chemicals used in energy drinks are used to stimulate the brains of patients in coma? Thankfully, I am not into bubbly or fizzy drinks." A bit in awe of the facts revealed, I got ready to take the treatment. The experience began with a 25-minute body scrub made of green tea. My therapist, Chalee, rubbed it all over my back and legs, to slough off any dead skin and stimulate my senses. It was followed by a 25-minute-long ritual of an application of the spirulina algae, which wasn't really pleasant-smelling. Shortly thereafter, she started working on my booster facial. It is an express treatment, in which my skin got cleansed, toned and finally painted with a mask. Just when I had snoozed off in the comforts of the quilt, I was woken up by her to take a quick shower. My skin already felt like butter. Wow. Then I lay down for a 50-minute de-stress muscle-release body massage with lemongrass oil — an all-time favourite. Chalee got busy undoing the knots and stress points on my lower back, shoulders and feet. After what seemed like the most soothing time in the past few weeks, I felt peaceful, yet fully charged. I promised myself to be good to my body. A quick cup of green tea in the relaxation area left me looking around for food, and I left the place with a spring in my step and a growl in my belly. The details What: Super Detox Wrap for all skin types Where: The Spa, The Address, Dubai Marina What to expect: A blissful escape to a world of serenity, tranquillity and gracious hospitality. The detox session lasts a good 125 minutes, including a 25-minute body scrub, a 25-minute booster facial (using Natura Bisse products), a 25-minute wrap with Spirulina algae, and a 50-minute de-stress muscle release with lemongrass oil. Need to know: Bring along a fruit to snack on. Cost: Dh599 (original price Dh1,200) for 125 minutes. The promotion is valid March 31. Call 04-4367424 for more details.