The use of branded products can be a unique or at least key selling point in the Gulf. Both the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Le Royal Meridien in Bahrain are operated by, and use products from the British E'spa company. As a foil to such commercialism, Gulf spas have also sought to differentiate themselves by using either local or imported natural ingredients in their treatments. Elysium in Kuwait tempts its customers with Dead Sea mud masks and has some Chinese staff who give specialist 'tweena' massages, while Le Royal Meridien in Bahrain is the first to use local sea water for thalasso treatments. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai was able to bring over 70 Balinese staff from its hotel in Bali, and its spa features Balinese decor, music, welcome teas and, of course, 'signature' massage treatments.
Young children practise on their parents.
Cleopatra's spa in Dubai is even developing its own range of therapeutic oils. Architecture and interior design are generally of a very high standard in the spas of the GCC, and also a major selling point. Ritz-Carlton is planning similar sumptuousness in Doha, and benefits from the experience of designing spas in 22 resorts around the globe. A key decision in terms of interior design, dependent on budgetary, marketing and cultural considerations, is whether to provide mixed or separate ladies and gents facilities. There are strict local rules in the Gulf countries allowing only men to treat male clients, but this does not mean that male and female treatment rooms cannot be adjacent.