Men in the ladies' section of Angsana Spa Emirates Hills | ExpatWoman.com
 

Men in the ladies' section of Angsana Spa Emirates Hills

71
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 10:57

Yesterday evening I went for a massage at the Angsana Spa in Meadows Town Centre. Prior to my massage a male staff member passed through the ladies' waiting area which I found a little odd. I assumed that he didn't know I was in there (since I was the only person) and it was simply a mistake. Since I was fully clothed I wasn't really concerned and didn't raise the subject with any of the staff.

After my massage, I went to relax and drink the ginger tea in the ladies' relaxation area and was very surprised when along came a man who sat down to drink his ginger tea and relax too. I was clothed at the time but could easily have been in a robe.

I'm a Western expat, however, I did feel a little shy as I was laid out on the cushions with my legs up. Imagine, however, if a local lady or someone who covered was laid out on the cushions uncovered, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

When I left the ladies' side of the spa to go to reception I alerted the reception staff that there were men in the ladies' side of the spa to which the receptionist replied 'Oh yes, the male spa is under maintenance today'. I told the receptionist that she really should at least have alerted me to this - keeping in mind that I had been walking around in my dressing gown in the ladies' changing area just 15 minutes beforehand! - she just shrugged her shoulders.

Is Angsana totally mad? They could have been shut down in minutes!

3376
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 05:12
Different worlds indeed JoyceB! I went to a spa in Baden Baden, Germany a few years ago. I was expecting it to be mixed but got quite a shock when I walked in and it was nude. Honestly, there were p*nises everywhere. I nearly trip over in my haste to run back out. To the OP, it's totally unacceptable of Angsana. I'd email them demand a refund for putting you in the position of feeling uncomfortable. Tripped over what exactly?? ;) LOL!! I am so glad you said what I wanted to!!! LOL
1236
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 August 2012 - 02:14
Different worlds indeed JoyceB! I went to a spa in Baden Baden, Germany a few years ago. I was expecting it to be mixed but got quite a shock when I walked in and it was nude. Honestly, there were p*nises everywhere. I nearly trip over in my haste to run back out. To the OP, it's totally unacceptable of Angsana. I'd email them demand a refund for putting you in the position of feeling uncomfortable. Tripped over what exactly?? ;) LOL!!
775
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 August 2012 - 14:13
if it happen with a local lady .......... they would fine them and shut down the spa .. Im not Local and I would have kicked up a right fuss over this ! not acceptable i meant Local = Muslim didnt want to mention it clear,or even any religion thats a broke to the privacy
2192
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 22:09
if it happen with a local lady .......... they would fine them and shut down the spa .. Im not Local and I would have kicked up a right fuss over this ! not acceptable
Anonymous (not verified)
0
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 16:08
if it happen with a local lady .......... they would fine them and shut down the spa .. Not only local, any Muslim woman would complain and make a fuss. I for sure would.
775
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EW GURU
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 15:34
if it happen with a local lady .......... they would fine them and shut down the spa ..
1848
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 15:28
I completely understand the issues here, being in a Muslim country with all that entails but I did smile as I remembered my most recent spa experience here at home. My sister and I took our mum to a local Hydro hotel for the weekend to celebrate her 80th birthday, which included the use of the inhouse Victorian spa. Men and women used the pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms together without blinking. Of course, people were in swim wear and there was a sign on the door saying that as the facilities were mixed, nudity was not allowed! Different worlds LOL! Haha! Reminds me when I went to a sauna in a hotel in Munich and a nude man walked in followed by a nude lady. They looked at me as if Im a prude for wrapping myself in a towel. I didnt know that in Germany its normal to be nude in the sauna. I made a quick escape as I felt too uncomfortable but it still makes me laugh to this day.
4062
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 15:20
Different worlds indeed JoyceB! I went to a spa in Baden Baden, Germany a few years ago. I was expecting it to be mixed but got quite a shock when I walked in and it was nude. Honestly, there were p*nises everywhere. I nearly trip over in my haste to run back out. To the OP, it's totally unacceptable of Angsana. I'd email them demand a refund for putting you in the position of feeling uncomfortable.
Anonymous (not verified)
0
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 14:16
That is absolutely unacceptable! I am covered and I can imagine how I would feel if a man suddenly entered where I am sitting in a robe. when I lived in a sharing villa, the landlord came up unannounced in the hallway and I was not covered. It was a horrible experience, it's like someone seeing you totally nude. I would have made a very VERY big fuss there. And with that attitude, yes the police would have been involved.
3376
Posts
EW MASTER
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 13:22
I completely understand the issues here, being in a Muslim country with all that entails but I did smile as I remembered my most recent spa experience here at home. My sister and I took our mum to a local Hydro hotel for the weekend to celebrate her 80th birthday, which included the use of the inhouse Victorian spa. Men and women used the pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms together without blinking. Of course, people were in swim wear and there was a sign on the door saying that as the facilities were mixed, nudity was not allowed! Different worlds LOL! exactly. Or you book a bikini wax and show up to meet the...male waxologist :)
1236
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 13:09
I completely understand the issues here, being in a Muslim country with all that entails but I did smile as I remembered my most recent spa experience here at home. My sister and I took our mum to a local Hydro hotel for the weekend to celebrate her 80th birthday, which included the use of the inhouse Victorian spa. Men and women used the pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms together without blinking. Of course, people were in swim wear and there was a sign on the door saying that as the facilities were mixed, nudity was not allowed! Different worlds LOL!
2192
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:30
what gets me about this is the lax attitude of the staff.. I would kick up a stink..
1338
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:25
can't imagine what a local lady would have felt. Police would have been called..... someone would have been sacked
437
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:20
I agree with the other ladies. You should have a complimentary treatment from them for that. Massive no no
21
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:17
they do this at the intercontinental festival city too. again, i'm not normally shy but found it quite jarring to walk into the relaxation area in my robe and find myself face to face with a guy in his robe. sure he felt just as uncomfortable. can't imagine what a local lady would have felt.
422
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 12:06
Call the manager and make a big fuss as this is unacceptable behaviour of the staff. and extremeley inappropriate to mix gender in a spa, if not illegal (don't know). Next full body treatment on them to make it up as the relaxation was gone that very moment when a male sat with you in the relaxation room.
1848
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 11:32
They should at least put up a sign at the reception desk in case they 'forget' again to tell other customers. Perhaps give a suggestion to the supervisor as the front desk staff obviously couldnt care less.
1530
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 13 August 2012 - 10:59
That would have annoyed me too. How unprofessional.
 
 

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