enjoy a day pass or choose one of the treat-
ments that entitles you to daylong use of
the steam bath, sauna and pool. Choose
your own background music, then lean
back for a luxurious footbath followed by
your selected treatment. Tempting ones,
especially if you just got off the plane, in-
clude the Spirit of Amara (Dh820) which
includes a scrub down with Aleppo soap
enriched with laurel oils followed by a rain
shower and full-body massage using the
spa’s signature oil of frankincense, amber,
myrrh and sandalwood. Best of all, after-
wards you’re not shoved out the door but
are free to enjoy the tranquil garden over
tea and dates. Treatments also entitle you
to use the gym and relax by the palm-tree-
shaded pool, so make a day of it. Reserve
well ahead.dubai creeK Golf & yachT club GolF
Map p208 (%04-295 6000; http://www.dubaigolf.com;
near Deira side of al-Garhoud bridge; Sun-Wed
Dh595, Thu-Sat Dh795) The one-time host
course of the Dubai Desert Classic has been
redesigned by a former winner of the tour-
nament, Thomas Björn. The Creekside loca-
tion is gorgeous, as is the landscaping, with
meticulously groomed fairways lined by
date and coconut palms and water hazards.The high-class Park Hyatt Dubai (p137) is
within walking distance of the greens. Be-
ginners can go wild on the par-three nine-
hole course (Dh75).bliss relaXoloGy Day Spa
Map p208 (%04-286 9444; Shop 11, emirates
blvd, G block, al-Garhoud; h9am-midnight) It’s
not quite pampering fit for Queen Nefertiti,
but if you’re in bad need of working out the
kinks without spending buckets of money,
this relaxation station might just do the
trick. Treatments range from a traditional
Thai massage to foot reflexology, and start
at Dh90 for 30 minutes. The spa is near the
airport and next to Welcare Hospital.aViaTion club GyM
Map p208 (%282 4122; http://www.aviationclub.ae;
Dubai Tennis Stadium, al-Garhoud rd, Deira; day
pass Dh250, not incl group fitness; h6am-11pm)
Packed after work and at weekends – and
with good reason – the Aviation Club has
body pump and spinning classes, and a big
selection of weights and circuit training for
a pre-cardio workout or before a lap-swim
in the half-Olympic-size pool. This is where
the Dubai Tennis Championships are held;
the club’s eight tennis courts are available
only by reservation.d
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