Cleopatra’s Spa in Dubai was our final stop that evening. I had been looking forward to this visit because Daniella Russell, the owner, has such an impressive breadth of spa industry knowledge in this part of the world, and because she has built a very successful business. She opened her Cleopatra’s Spa eight years ago, and my guidebook still lists it as the most popular spa in Dubai. That’s an amazing accomplishment, given all the competition. Daniella has quite an operation since Cleopatra’s is really two full spas – one for men and one for women. The women’s had a Rasul chamber with brightly colored tile (which my sister said looked like a ride!).

A Cleopatra’s policy is for staff members to escort guests by putting their hand on the small of the guest’s back. I noticed that Danielle did exactly that as she greeted me. It feels good to be touched, and I have a feeling that the warmth and nurturing of the Cleopatra’s experience is due at least in part to that one small gesture. The newer hotels and resorts have snazzier facilities, but I bet Cleopatra’s trumps them all in hospitality.

**
If you wish to be put on a list that automatically sends my blog posts to your email, just let dulcy.gregory@spafinder.com know and she will add you to that list. Thanks so much!