Moroccan Cleansing Ritual, Spa at The Dolphin Square
I recently visited The Spa at The Dolphin Square in London’s Pimlico. A rainy spring day, everyone watching The Rugby, London felt very asleep; very suitable as my body had literally ground to a halt. I am sure you know the feeling, you have been on the go doing several things at once for months and then the body says sorry I need looking after. Well that was one of those days so highly appropriate that I was going to have some TLC. Spas in their truest forms are several things but ultimately it is a nurturing experience, a time where you are free to look after your body with of course lots of help, a key aspect to luxury grooming for Gentlemen
As I approached the very magnificent Dolphin Square I also thought of not only my father who had lived there many moons ago but the fact I used to play squash at the centre but had not visited for well over 10 years or so. I was also looking forward to The Arab based treatment as The Arab world is somewhat of a specialism of mine and I used to work for their largest television network MBC and still have a lot of contact with the region, and in addition have delved into the history of Arab beauty. Lastly I had been told that the Daniel Rouah, a top grooming expert had devised their shaving & cleansing routines and as Daniel was the first salon I visited, nearly 25 years ago I would be very interested to experience the treatment. So as you can see many connections.
Through the main gates, some more doors downstairs past the pool and you enter a tranquil slice of Morocco. You never really know what to expect when visited somewhere new but very soon I started to unwind. Beautifully decorated in gold’s, lush browns and other exotic Arab touches I changed and then waited in the courtyard room.
Not long after I was escorted, a nice touch, to the Hamman for my body scrubs. Most therapists that work in spas are welcoming but I was genuinely impressed by the friendliness and warmth. My Irish therapist soon reminded me that it was wet outside and the Rugby was on, sorry terrible analogy I know but ….. You lie down on marble slabs and celebrate the ancient and time honoured tradition of cleansing and bathing for men.Your body is doused with warm water, a Tellak exfoliates the skin using a Kessa glove and Savon Noir, a traditional cleansing soap made from crushed olives and olive oil, infused with Eucalyptus which provides antibacterial and antiseptic properties ensuring an even deeper cleanse.. Ones minds wonders to how many famous films have included these scenes from James Bond to Spy Thrillers, usually there is a baddie involved, well my only concern was not to fall off the marble. Amazing great, I felt like I had been given the first stage of a well needed MOT.
A lie down in the Tepidarium and then a change of therapist and off to the treatment room. For the next 2 hours it was time to completely unwind, warm, relaxed and being looked after. Firstly a Shea Butter Massage which as it sounds relaxes one and feeds the skin and then the wet shave still on the treatment bed but sat up. This was a first for me but great idea. Hot Towels, 2 shaves and a facial cleanse really does the trick. There was no rush at the end but after I galvanised a new body starting to wake up I was escorted to have a Moroccan Cérémonie de Thé and gift.
I usually feel good after a visit to a Spa but the warmth and caring attention from the therapists really made a big difference.
Thoroughly recommended excelling in all of the key criteria for luxury Gentlemens grooming: aethetics, service, professionalism and product.
The Spa at Dolphin Square,
Chichester Street,
London,
SW1V 3LX
T: +44(0)20 7798 6767
spa.dolphinsquare.co.uk