Up until last week, the only mention I'd heard of frankincense was in reference to the gifts the Three Wise Men gave baby Jesus. But it's turns out frankincense isn't just for Christmas…
Luban Spa, is the only place in Dubai to use frankincense in their treatments, something which is said to possibly cure colds, headaches and even cancer when used in an essential oil or chewed. I went into their stand-alone villa for a bespoke body massage and it was the perfect way to wind down after a long week.
As I cooled down with a cold towel and sipped on a hibiscus drink, staff told me about how they ship their precious frankincense in from nearby Oman. They're so obsessed with the stuff and think their customers will be too by the time they leave so sell it in liquid and solid form in the spa. The word "luban" itself means frankincense in Urdu so I shouldn't have been surprised.
Even though I already felt the serene vibes from walking up the driveway and into the white building once I went through the doors and up the staircase to the nine treatment rooms (they also do manicures, hammams and "journeys" which include facials and body scrubs) I reached a new level of calm.
The candle-lit venue spans 2,477 sq ft and is decked out in metallic furnishings, one of the features I especially liked was the gold shower wall. After a quick change into a robe and sandals, my 90-minute wind down began.
Not only was my therapists hands like magic, they say rubbing frankincense on your temples or on the roof of your mouth can get rid of a headache almost instantly, so it's no wonder after an hour and a half on the bed, my achey muscles were no longer tense.I was grateful for just how thorough they get during the Luban Bespoke Massage too, working on the scalp, stomach, chest and face, areas that can often be missed in other spas.
Head here for an anti-inflammatory treatment, you'd be foolish not to. They did't call them the Three Wise Men for nothing!
Umm Suqiem 1sr, villa 100 – Umm El Shief road, Jumeirah. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays.
