“There is a golden thread of Middle Eastern influence that runs throughout our spa,” explains Cristina Lancu, Director of Spa and Retail at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. “From the moment you cross the bridge to Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the architecture, your welcome, the treatments, and the menu are all designed to create a strong sense of place.”

Cristina has called the Middle East home for two decades, drawing inspiration from its rich traditions, yet her journey began in her home country, Romania. After starting out in finance, Cristina made the transition to wellness, reflecting her deep desire to cultivate tranquillity in her life and the lives of others. Combining her passion for Middle Eastern wellness practices with tailored treatments that promote holistic rejuvenation, Cristina ensures a truly authentic spa experience awaits each guest.

“Jumeirah’s new visual identity is a pivotal moment in our brand’s journey, and we are all very excited,” Cristina explains. “At the heart of the Jumeirah wellbeing philosophy is longevity. My aim is to nurture your well-being throughout your stay, reflecting the warmth of our offerings, fostering joy with your loved ones, and embodying the spirit of generosity."

A fascinating blend of influences

Cristina believes that every culture holds power in its unique traditions, and that it is her mission to harness these powers. Her guests come seeking a transformative journey – a path to optimal health and rejuvenation. The programmes Cristina creates, reflect a melting pot of cultures in Dubai and draw inspiration from across the globe.

Using Middle Eastern traditions as her base, she has also taken inspiration from the meticulous precision of the Japanese Kobito massage and chooses techniques from other cultures to empower her guests.

Inspiring brand partnerships

“We remain fearless when it comes to partnering with product houses that embody our vision and sustainable training protocols, or anything that will lead us to cultivate that exceptional journey for our guests,” Cristina explains.

Inspired by her passion for beauty and artful presentation, Cristina has brought together Jumeirah Burj Al Arab with the pioneering Swiss brands, La Maison Valmont and Swissline Cosmetics®. One of their innovative treatments features a Swissline Cosmetics® product enriched with colloidal gold and suspended nanoparticles, enhancing product absorption and leaving the skin with a radiant glow post-treatment.

Beyond the luxurious appeal, Swissline's gold-infused treatments are formulated with powerful active ingredients. These include antioxidants like Vitamin C, alpha hydroxy acids for regeneration, acne, scars, and dark spots, as well as hyaluronic acid for hydration. For a more comprehensive experience, their 90-minute treatment combines radiofrequency and LED therapy with gold and other exceptional components such as sturgeon DNA. This results-oriented approach ensures a transformative glow for the skin.

A personal favourite: The Renaissance Ritual

Cristina is drawn to beauty and skincare and appreciates results-driven experiences. She finds the two-hour Renaissance ritual particularly special. “It's a signature experience that combines cutting-edge technology, such as radio frequency, with the ancient wisdom of lymphatic massage. Blended essential oils create a unique aromatic journey, while the therapist's expert touch enhances circulation and provides a noticeable metabolic boost. “By the end of the treatment, it feels like you've discovered the secret to a flawless, youthful complexion – all within a truly magical two hours.”

Emerging wellness trends

Cristina has witnessed significant changes in the wellness industry throughout her career, and notes that it is no longer just a destination for a massage. “Our guests now expect more results-driven treatments, so it is essential to carefully design programmes that rejuvenate both the body and mind. Especially after COVID, I believe every guest seeks hotels that can help them achieve an optimal state of health, whether through preventive measures or targeted treatments and experiences.”

A golden future

“We want you to experience something truly unique from the moment you arrive,” Cristina concludes. “From the moment you are greeted with a ceremonial tea to your departure, there is always an element of gold incorporated throughout your visit to honour our Middle Eastern roots. Our philosophy extends beyond one-time diagnostics; we see wellness as a lifelong journey. Our commitment lies in empowering our guests to cultivate healthy habits that support longevity.

We can guide you, but lasting change is a personal journey. Forget short-term fixes - this is about embracing a new lifestyle. We provide you with the knowledge and the education to integrate this ethos into your daily life. Additionally, we are actively developing innovative programmes designed for families to embark on this journey together, fostering a culture of well-being for all generations.”

Schedule a consultation with our expert team at Talise Spa to craft a personalised wellness programme designed to achieve your lifestyle goals.