My first facial

I just got back from my very first facial in Tanzania, after living here for two years. Unlike my very first elevator ride (which I shall save for another day) my first facial was, thankfully, far from horrifying.

In fact, it was absolutely relaxing! This is a huge compliment from me because I'm decidedly NOT one of those people who can fall into calm slumber while I get a facial.

In fact, I tend to tense up. I worry that the therapist is going to use the srub for my skin too energetically. I worry that the therapist has just finished taking the trash out and hasn't washed her hands before touching my face. I worry that the therapist isn't even a real therapist but a dog-groomer who's been brought in to fill in for the real therapist. I worry, worry, worry!

So it was a welcome respite when I discovered that Annette at the spa at Movenpick Hotel isn't a dog-groomer in disguise but an experienced, qualified therapist who really knows what she's doing.

I had only signed up for a basic facial because I wanted to be cautious (see list of worries above). I was instantly put at ease when Annette came in and went straight to the sink to wash her hands thoroughly before beginning. Big brownie points for Annette!

She also happens to be a wonderful masseuse and I was wonderfully surprised when she proceeded to massage my hands an arms after the moisture mask was applied (other facials I've been to kind of left me to twiddle my thumbs during the 10 or 15 minutes the mask was left on my face)

The only downside to the whole experience was an overly bright fluorescent light on the ceiling directly over my face. It was so bright that the light pierced through my closed eyelids and went straight to my brain. I felt like a UFO was hovering above, waiting to beam me up and perform unspeakable experiments on me!

Oh yes - another possible drawback was the price -TSH49,000 (USD 42 /RM 136). However, I must say that considering the inflated prices of everything here, it isn't so bad plus you get a neck and upper chest treatment thrown in.

Tip: I was asked to remove my top and wear a towel since the facial included a scrub and mask for the neck and upper chest. If, like me, you're not too comfortable about removing your bra it would be wise to turn up wearing a strapless one.

Verdict: Will definitely return - especially after I realized that my skin feels a lot softer now!