Sassy Mama’s Little Treat: Mary Foot Spa

As a mama I am constantly on my feet, running to prevent possible disaster (e.g. child attempting to ‘fly’ from top of bookshelf), dancing with my baby to the wheels on the bus (yes I’m not too proud to admit it), leaping up and down stairs to fetch the toy/t-shirt/random object that little one needs now now now! And trawling the supermarket aisles for inspiration and daily essentials. You know the drill mamas. We are tired and our feet take a daily pounding – forget the gym – being a mum is a full on workout.

Fellow Sassy Mama Louise let me in on the secret of a little foot spa she discovered a while ago but has, until now, been keeping to herself for fear of not being able to book her weekly appointment. Mary Foot Spa in the Wasl Square Development just next to Safa Park is her regular go-to and answer to feeling great, indulging in a little R&R and giving her body some much needed tlc.  With a discreet entrance and red neon sign which has seen better days and now actually reads ‘Mary Fo…’, I have passed by this place on numerous occasions totally unaware of the wonders that lie inside.

Inspired by the ancient Chinese practice of reflexology, this place specialises in feet, feet and more feet (with a couple of shoulder and back options too) and offers a variety of treatments to relax, restore and rejuvenate. A tiny little space, the magic happens in a dimly lit room just off the reception area where a row of deliciously inviting armchairs winked at me as soon as I walked in. Iris, my therapist (now known to me as the foot fairy) got me settled and cosy in an oversized chair, Havaianas off and tootsies in a bowl of warm water while lanterns flickered and soft spa music played in the background. Heaven. You choose your preferred time span — 30 minutes, 60 minutes etc — then lie back and let the therapist do her thing.

A reflexology virgin, I had no idea what to expect from the treatment which, despite feeling like a luxurious indulgence is really so much more. A beautifully relaxing complimentary therapy with numerous health benefits – glowing skin, improved circulation, fertility and better sleep are all on the menu and are achieved through applying pressure to zones on the feet which correspond with parts of the body. Reflexology is widely recognised as delivering tangible results when used to treat specific problems and for assisting general well-being – sounds good right mamas? My feet bathed and dry, Iris began massaging oil into various pressure points, at times gently and at others firmly, I relaxed into the experience and blissed out for an hour while my feet and legs enjoyed being the centre of attention for a change. This was better than any massage I have ever had mamas – equivalent to those delicious few seconds of foot massage you might be lucky enough to get during a pedicure, multiplied by 100 and stretched over 60 magnificent minutes.

Louise tells me that she regularly visits with a friend, her ‘foot partner’ with whom she catches up in whispered voices while they recline in adjacent chairs (often getting  ‘ssshhhh’d’ for talking by the Chinese therapists who take their business very seriously). With friend or without, the Mary Foot Spa is the perfect place to recharge your batteries, pamper your paws and do what every mama should once in a while – grab some time for yourself which, after all that rushing about might be just what you need. There are even little reading lamps at every chair should you wish to indulge in a good book at the same time – but we won’t judge if you just want to catch a few winks.

Would I do it again? Hell yes, am booked in for my full hour with Iris this Wednesday evening. See you there mamas?

Open 11am – 12am (Sat – Thu) and 2pm – 12am (Fri)
AED 90 for 30 minutes, AED 130 for 60 minutes

Mary Foot Spa, Shop 19 Block 5, Wasl Square, Al Wasl Road (near to Safa Park), (+971) (0) 4 388 4488, www.maryfootspa.com 
Also in Uptown Mirdiff and JBR