Get that golden glow

Gold-plated service might be a concept you've considered but how about a gold facial? Billed as "the world's most luxurious spa experience", it has recently been launched at the Talise Ottoman Spa, part of the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel in Dubai.

The facial involves a 24-carat-gold chain mask being placed over the face (making you look like a Midas-version knight of the Round Table), which is supposed to slow down collagen depletion and the breakdown of elastin.

The 90-minute facial is part of a full-day treatment package, which will set you back a mere $7600, and includes a hammam, a massage and a milk bath, relaxation time in the sauna, steam room, whirlpool and jacuzzi, as well as a champagne and caviar lunch held within a private spa suite.

Built on Dubai's Palm Island, a project so massive it is visible from the moon, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is designed in the style of 14th and 15th-century Ottoman architecture and decorated with lavish murals, handmade ceramic tiles, Turkish art works and about 30,000 square metres of marble.

That theme continues in the 8000-square-metre spa, which has a stunning thalassotherapy pool as its centrepiece and is divided into male, female and couples areas and has three traditional hammams. Doubles from $1157 plus taxes.

See jumeirah.com/JumeirahZabeelSaray.