Massage is one of the oldest forms of health care. The renowned therapeutic treatment is considered one of the most powerful antidotes for stress, muscle soreness and general body aches. Many spas around Cairo offer all kinds of different massage techniques and styles, but finding the right spa with the right specialists is difficult. Pay extra attention when picking the spa of your choice. Electing the wrong venue can put you in an embarrassing situation while picking the wrong massage therapist can cause extra stress on your muscles, or actually harm your body. We, at Al-Masry Al-Youm Life & Style section, have gathered information about the best spas and massage centers around Cairo to assist you in your quest for relaxation. Four Season Spa: Famous for being the largest spa of its kind in the city, the Giza Four Season Hotel spa offers an alluring array of massages and all-natural spa treatments. The spa is the most expensive venue around town. And the most luxurious one, as well. The place offers up to ten different massage treatments including hot stone massage, Thai massage, Pharaonic massage (done using aromatic poultices filled with fresh chamomile and mint and dipped into the essential oils of jasmine and rose), Jet lag recovery massage, foot reflexology massage and the spirit of four hands massage. The latter is a dual massage performed on one guest by two specialists working together to release the stress in rhythmic harmony. Prices range between US$120 and US$400. A number of packages are offered such as Nile Journey--which reenacts a Pharaonic ritual that includes an aromatic herbal steam, a loofah scrub and ends with a Pharaonic massage--and the Gentleman's escape. Advertised as the perfect retreat for men, the latter includes a sports and fitness massage and a gentleman's facial. After your massage, you can chill around the spa facilities that feature a steam room, jacuzzi and sauna. The spa is divided into two sections--one for each gender. The hotel address is : 1089 Corniche El Nil, Maglis El Shaab, Garden City, Cairo. Tel. 20 (2) 2791-7000 Conrad Cairo Health and Fitness Center: The health club in Conrad hotel, overlooking the Nile with a quite and pleasant atmosphere, offers two separated male and female zones with sauna, steam room and massage rooms. The massage ‘menu' has multiple choices for you to pick from starting from the therapeutic Swedish massage passing by the authentic Thai massage--performed by an actual Thai specialist--and finally the sports massage, which can be tough on the body, if you are not a fit person. Before your massage, you can get access to the hotel's fully equipped, 24-hour operating gym, which is filled with the latest cardiovascular and strength machines. The Thai massage would cost you LE450 while the Swedish and the sports choices--with an Egyptian masseur--will cost LE300. These prices are not that outrageously high compared to other five-star hotels around Cairo. Prior reservation is required, and the hotel address is: 1191Corniche El Nil, Cairo. Phone number is: 20-2-2580 8000. Dutch Care Center - Maadi: Dutch Care Center is one of the most notable Physiotherapy and treatment massage centers around Cairo. The clinic offers physical training sessions to people in need of such treatments and also assists with injury rehabilitation. The place, owned by the Dutch-Egyptian doctor Sam Qannawi, offers a consultant session for LE300 and every subsequent session costs LE250. The sessions can be taken with Dr. Qannawi or a Thai specialist employed at the center. While the place doesn't offer luxury massages for first visitors, such massages can be arranged with the management to seasoned clients of the center and their families. The Dutch Care Center address is: Building 3C, Road 212, Maadi. Phone number is: 02-25165747 - 011-7070048 The Bien Vivre Fitness & Beauty Spa: Sonesta Cairo Hotel & Casino has a spa that will leave a lasting impression. The Bien Vivre Fitness and Beauty Spa allow you to relax while you pamper your body and keep your fit shape. Opened daily from 7AM until 11:30PM, Sonesta has everything a relaxing day requires: a great gymnasium with the latest equipments, a steam room, jacuzzi, Hydrotherapy and more. The best part about this hotel is their Healthy Food Lounge and cafe. The reflexology center there promises an amazing foot treatment when an expert with pressure points on the foot would release the stress through an amazing massage. A long list of massage types is available and the prices ranges between US$20 and US$50. The hotel address is 3 El Tayaran Street, Nasr City, and phone number is: 202.2262.8111.
