Home to a diverse array of treatments, the recently renovated spa takes an atypical approach to R&R — much like the trendy hotel it resides in.
The etymology of the 25hours hotel brand is straightforward — whether you’re resting your head in Florence, Frankfurt, Paris or Zurich, 24 hours is not enough. Here in Dubai, that coveted extra hour is best spent at the aptly named Extra Hour Spa that beckons the weary up to 25hours Hotel One Central’s sixth floor. It’s no ordinary retreat, either. Not only is Extra Hour Spa the very first spa operated by 25hours, but it’s also home to the city’s first mixed-use rooftop sauna, a facility dubbed risqué when it first made its debut. Today, it plays host to a popular weekly wellness session by Energy Camp (but more on that later).
Fresh off a facelift, Extra Hour Spa is rooted in restoring balance and harmony with a menu of therapies and treatments that cater to everyone from sleep-deprived creative types to couples seeking a time-out for two. Curated by the expert therapists on site, they span deep-tissue massages, purifying facials, hammam rituals and more, with each treatment tailored to address the specific needs of the guests. Those pressed for time are in for a treat, too — 30-minute facials and foot massages are just some of the quick fixes on offer. But aren’t summers about finally slowing down?
Designed for expectant mothers in need of a little prenatal pampering, the Radiant Mum-To-Be Retreat that promises a 120-minute break from the beautiful chaos of pregnancy, featuring gentle exfoliation, a hydrating body wrap for toning, and a customised massage aimed at easing tension. Tailored for women between 13 to 35 weeks of pregnancy, it includes a late lunch or dinner following the spa session. And if complete indulgence is in order, the spa’s signature 100-Minute Bliss by 25hours massage combines heated lava shells and bamboo sticks with Mediterranean influences, while incorporating stretches and Swedish massage techniques for a treatment that instantly melts away stress and tension.
The Royal Hammam, meanwhile, entails a regal head-to-toe body cleanse that lasts 90 minutes and stays true to age-old traditions, leaving the skin intensely detoxified and nourished. The 3-in-1 Hot & Cold Treatment is another highly specialised option, its three phases targeting cellulite with warm and cool therapies that aid in lymphatic drainage. We’re told that visible effects can be observed after just one 75-minute session.
Craving a momentary escape during a particularly unsteady time, I kept it simple, opting for a classic relaxation massage. Racing thoughts admittedly took over until a woody, slightly sweet scent filled the air in my treatment room, slowly creating a sense of calm — that’s the Tranquillity Oil by Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone at work, I’m told. Soothing and lightweight, its aromatic notes of citrus and sandalwood worked wonders as my therapist deftly tended to knots, aches and pains with long, measured strokes and sporadic stretches. Even the auditory experience at Extra Hour Spa is atypical, I realise, slightly tapping my feet (hint: birdsong and trickling water sounds aren’t welcome).
The pampering continues as both celebrity hairstylist Wassim Arkoussi and hipster haven Akin Barber & Shop run salons on the same floor. Outside, the Insta-famous rooftop pool awaits in a jungle-esque setting, complete with oversized bean bags and up-close views of the striking Museum of the Future — it practically feels within hand’s reach.
It’s here that the aforementioned co-ed sauna stands, perfect for those looking to sweat out toxins with their partner in tow. Sundays bring with them the beloved Thermal Boost session led by Energy Camp, a leading lifestyle and fitness hub in Dubai. Breathwork aside, you’ll switch between hot (sauna) and cold exposure (ice baths) over a course of 120 minutes, walking away with the kind of clarity, energy and recovery that makes it a must-try for city dwellers.
DSCVR: Extra Hour Spa. 25hours Hotel One Central, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. @extrahourspa
