The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

If you work
at a desk all day in Cairo or still own one of those mattresses made back before
springs were invented, you should seriously consider giving yourself a trip to
the spa. And we’ve found just the one. Located in Mohandiseen, Blossom Russian
Spa is a welcome respite from the dusty outside world with its dark finished
wooden interior and excellent service.

The sign
out front reads Blossom International Spa, and is indicative of the variety of treatments
offered, from the Hawaiian lomi-lomi massage (350LE) to the Japanese Royal
manicure and pedicure (800LE). All three members of the spa’s small staff are
incredibly kind, helpful and hail from Russia, with the exception of the
resident masseuse, who is Ukrainian.

For a bit
of the spa’s native offerings, try the classic Russian massage (300LE). As with
all services you will be offered a private room with a small bathroom across
the hall, where you can shower before or after the massage. Don’t expect too
much luxury in the way of robes, slippers or towels – you will be offered a
pair of used flip-flops if you plan to walk over to the bathroom and will have
to leave your clothes on a plastic chair in the corner of the room during the
massage.

What the
spa might lack in fanfare it certainly makes up for in professionalism. The
staff is willing to engage in honest conversation about what they offer and
what might be best for you without trying to hassle or encourage the most
expensive treatment. In addition to a number of more traditional massages, you
can opt for a number of medical massages like the lymph drainage massage (350LE)
or anti-cellulite and anti-stretch mark treatments (150LE), which require
multiple visits. You can also engage in scrubs, facials, manicures and
pedicures. The spa offers full-day treatments from 750LE to 3000LE and wedding
packages for women and men starting at 1500LE.

The full-body
classic Russian massage (300LE) is a safe bet for those who don’t come to the
spa often or who have never had a massage before. Dealing with one section of your body at a
time, the masseuse will warm your muscles up with a soft kneading, and then
proceed to use more vigorous motions to really loosen you up, after which she
will conclude with more gentle twisting.

If you object to a very firm touch or joint
popping, it would be a good idea to speak your mind early on; as this appears
to be an essential part of the massage – and getting your toes popped is not
always that pleasant.

You won’t
walk out of Blossom Russian Spa amazed, but you’ll certainly feel satisfied, and
nobody would blame you for booking your next appointment on the spot.